Broads produce: What comes from where

The Broads National Park is synonymous with miles upon miles of rolling agricultural land, and hidden away within the red-bricked villages are an array of eateries boasting the finest locally sauced cuisine. So, if you’ve ever wondered where you can find truly authentic Broads produce and indeed what actually is authentic Broads produce, then look no further, as here are our top six local foods to relish…

Norfolk Asparagus 

If you’re a bit of a vegetable connoisseur then you will doubtlessly be unable to resist the charms of locally grown asparagus. The Tacons at Rollesby offer the plumpest and greenest local asparagus that you could possibly wish for, all freshly cut and bought by the bundle from their farm shop. 

For a great day out, get involved with their ‘pick your own’ scheme which runs from June to October. Other delicacies to be found at The Tacons Farm Shop include free range eggs, Norfolk ice-cream and local honey.

Brundall Mint

Colman’s mustard has long been associated with Norfolk, but what is lesser known is the only species of mint that will do for their iconic flavour; introducing Brundall Mint. When previous Colman’s manager John Hemingway found mint growing in his back garden at Brundall he knew that he had found the one. This Norfolk species of mint boasts a pure fresh taste and is the perfect herb to grow in your garden. Alternatively, see if you can detect its qualities in Colman’s mustard!

Rapeseed Oil

There are few views more breath-taking than when the oilseed rape is in season, miles upon miles of yellow field stretch out as far as the eye can see, silent apart from the incessant buzz of the local honey bees. But the reason these glorious fields appear every year is thanks to the creators of rapeseed oil.

In Norfolk, Yare Valley create an array of delicious infused rapeseed oils for dipping and cooking alike, their oil has won a multitude of awards and they pride themselves on never using neonicotinoids, therefore protecting the bee population. This is a business that truly cares not only about its products but about the environment too.

Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales

Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales are brewed with water from beneath the brewery and using Norfolk sourced barley and hops, from grain to glass it is thoroughly local. Not only is this amber fluid a thing of drinking beauty, but it also makes as good an ingredient as it does glass filler, so try adding a dash to make beer-battered goodies or indulge in a beer and onion gravy. Look out for some of the cheeky and Broads related names on tap around the county, such as ‘Once Bittern’ and ‘Nelson’s Revenge’.

Winbirri Vineyards

Sequestered away in the fields of Bramerton lie the sprawling vines of Winbirri Vineyard. This English wine company boasts an award-winning selection of red, white, sparkling and rose wines... In fact, it was as recent as this year when Winbirri Vineyards won a Decanter Award for the best white wine in the world. If that doesn’t get you reaching for a glass we don’t know what will!

Baron Bigod Brie cheese

Baron Bigod cheese is an exercise in traditional excellence, it is the only raw milk Brie de Meaux style cheese produced in the UK, but it is also created on the same farm upon which it is sourced, making it a true farmhouse Brie. This special local cheese is made by hand in small batches early in the morning so that the raw milk is still warm from the cow. Baron Bigod cheese is fresh, traditional and a little bit of the French-Chateau lifestyle brought to the Broads National Park.

Knowing where your food comes from is not only rewarding but a great way to support local enterprise too. By visiting farm shops and pubs you will soon build up a repertoire of where to find the very best in Broads nourishment. So feed your appetite for all things East Anglian produced and savour the flavor of the fresh and the homemade.

Find out more by visiting our page on local produce or by downloading a copy of the 2017 Eating Out Guide.