It’s all a matter of taste

Wendy Barrie, founder of the Scottish Food Guide

Those of you, like us, who follow Fred’s passion and allegiance to the provenance of foods, will know that in supporting these dedicated producers, we are often also supporting Slow Food Ark of Taste. The Ark of Taste was created as a virtual vessel to board rare breeds and heritage species of plants onto Slow Food’s international website; to lay down markers for our heritage produce in recognition of the vital importance of biodiversity on our planet. Rearing landrace breeds and growing heritage crops is not a whim or fashion – it is a necessity for future food production. Such produce is part of our culture and can be farmed regeneratively, requiring a fraction, if any, of the chemicals and antibiotics associated with industrialised agriculture.

When I started Scottish Food Guide in 2002, it was to showcase and celebrate such Scottish produce; to truly focus on producers and chefs who make that extra commitment, and I am honoured to have Fred as a member. Once you have experienced the tastes and flavours of pasture fed pedigree beef for example, well hung and skilfully cooked, you will never look back!

In Scotland we are fortunate to have five exceptional rare breeds of sheep and four of indigenous cattle on the Ark, with more to follow, not to mention flavoursome potatoes, native fruits and cured seafood. So the next time you reach for an imported kiwi fruit or maple syrup, remember our fabulous strawberries and heather honey! We have such a delightfully rich tapestry of places to explore, people to meet and produce to prepare and cook – or let our best chefs such as Fred do the work for us!

What better way to spend time with family than in convivial harmony round a big table, laden with produce, cooked with love and supporting artisan producers, fisher-folk, growers and cooks? That enjoyment comes with knowledge – where our food comes from – so it is never too early to encourage the next generation to cook too. Educate their palate and you will enrich their life and that of others.

Find out more about Wendy Barrie’s Scottish Food Guide