Support small businesses this Christmas with these 10 Great Taste Award-winning products
Over 14 weeks of (virtual) judging, entries were sniffed, squeezed, pulled apart, swirled, sipped and nibbled. Here’s our pick of the best festive products to look out for this season – all of which received three stars in this years Great Taste Awards.
1 Free-range Norfolk black turkey
From: Morton’s Traditional Taste, Skeyton, Norfolk
What the judges said: “A first class piece of poultry” with a “generous amount of fat under the skin on the breasts, indicating a happy, healthy life”. Available from Mortons Farm (from £57.75 plus delivery).
2. Smoked mackerel fillet
From: Humes Quality Artisan Foods, Orkney, Scotland
What the judges said: Quite simply “one the best pieces of smoked fish that has ever passed this judging table”. Available from Humes Orkney (£4.50 for two fillets plus delivery).
3. Whole heritage cure Irish ham
From: James Whelan Butchers, Co Tipperary, Ireland
What the judges said: With its “irresistibly seductive smoky aroma”, this “sweet, succulent, juicy meat is a joy to eat”. Available from James Whelan Butchers (€49.99 (about £46) for 6.35kg plus delivery).
4. Sparkenhoe Shropshire blue
From: Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Company, Nuneaton
What the judges said: Made with raw milk, it has a “fantastic balance of creaminess, saltiness, sweetness and tang, with a caramel and earthy note”. Available from Neals Yard Dairy (£21 a kilo) delivery free on orders over £29.50.
5. Jamón De Bellota 100% Ibérico Pata Negra
From: Juan Pedro Domecq Solís SL (Spain)
6. Orkney Akvavit
From: Orkney Gin Company
7. Heavenly sweet mince pies
From: Thomas the Baker, Helmsley, North Yorkshire
8. Anno cranberry gin Christmas pudding
From: Bee & Bear Bakery, Battle, East Sussex
9. Pink Gin Marmalade
From: The Artisan Kitchen, Gloucester
10. #nom Droitwich salted caramel
From: Salwarpe, Worcestershire