Campaign urges Welsh shoppers to support local this Christmas – with this delicious welsh pork recipe
The Federation of Small Businesses Cymru have joined forces with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales and are urging Welsh shoppers to enjoy locally sourced meat this Christmas.
In the current uncertain climate for many businesses and farmers, and with the growing fears about the catastrophic consequences of a ‘no deal’ Brexit looming over the red meat industry, the importance of supporting local businesses has never been more apparent with research showing that for every pound spent locally up to 70p circulates back into the local economy.
Speaking of the importance of the whole supply chain, be they farmers all the way through to high street butchers and restaurants, Head of External Affairs at FSB Cymru, Ben Cottam said: “We appreciate this year has been difficult for small business right across Wales, and it’s more important than ever that we support local Welsh businesses through these turbulent times, especially bearing in mind the adverse impact a ‘no deal’ Brexit may have on our farmers.
“We can be rightly proud of the quality lamb, beef and pork that our farmers produce and it’s no secret that our standards are up there with the highest in the world. We recently urged the Welsh public to support small firms at this critical time following our recent firebreak lockdown, and among our suggestions were for people to shop small and local this Christmas, to remember to visit independent restaurants and cafes and to also be supportive of the hospitality sector.
“So I would urge people to not only go out and buy locally produced food but to also visit restaurants and cafes that are serving locally sourced food and are investing back into the future of our communities.”
Also supporting the campaign to encourage people to enjoy the taste of local lamb, beef and pork locally this Christmas is Pembrokeshire-born chef Tom Simmons. Tom, who has been at the helm of Tom Simmons Tower Bridge in London since 2017 and is a former ‘Masterchef The Professionals’ quarter finalist, has recently returned to Wales and opened Thomas by Tom Simmons in Cardiff with his partner, Lois.
With a lifelong love of cooking and a deep respect and passion for nature and homegrown Welsh ingredients, Tom said: “We always pay attention to detail on the quality and taste of our food – that’s why we only use the best produce from our local suppliers and farmers. We believe that locally produced meat tastes fresher and better than produce that’s been mass produced and has travelled further to get to people’s plates.
“I know exactly which farms my butcher sources his meat from, so I trust that what we put in front of our customers is what it claims to be. I’m not only getting a quality product, I’m supporting the local economy and helping the environment by cutting down on food miles. Everyone can play their part in helping our smaller local food and drink retailers this Christmas.”
The expertise and effort of everyone across the supply chain in Wales who have worked tirelessly to ensure the continued supply of food, in difficult circumstances, is evident for all to see. This Christmas, consumers can help keep that essential sense of community alive by buying locally sourced food from their doorstep.
Rhys Llywelyn, Market Development Manager at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, commented: “This Christmas is a great opportunity to help give our local economy a much needed boost. The essential links in our food supply chain – our farmers, food producers and retail businesses need that extra support from consumers now, more than ever.
“Supporting your local lamb, beef and pork producers not only helps local family and farming businesses but also helps the environment through reducing the number of food miles.
“While a burst at Christmas is a step in the right direction, buying locally as often as possible would be a great New Year’s resolution for the long term. By making it the new normal way of shopping, we could then experience a tastier, fresher, sustainable and prosperous 2021 and beyond.”
So, if you’re tired of the same old turkey this Christmas why not give one of these delicious Christmas recipes a try instead? And remember to visit the Eat Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef website or social channels over the coming months as they post new videos, recipes and much more.
Find out more: eatwelshlambandwelshbeef.com / porcblasus.cymru
Like the image? Try out the recipe:
Crispy porc tenderloins with cranberry and port gravy
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 trimmed porc tenderloins
- 12 rashers streaky bacon
For the rub:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 8 sage leaves, finely chopped or ½ tsp dried sage
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp allspice
For the stuffing:
- 50g chopped dates
- 25g sultanas
- 3 tbsp port
- 1 tbsp oil
- 25g butter
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp dried sage
- Seasoning
- 50g fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (not essential)
- 1 eating apple, grated
- 25g pine nuts
- 120g breadcrumbs, wholemeal or white
- 1 small egg, beaten
For the cranberry and port gravy:
- 20g butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 250ml porc or chicken stock
- 50ml port
- 25g fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- Pinch of allspice
- Seasoning
Method
- Mix the ingredients for the rub then brush or rub all over the tenderloins. Leave to stand for at least 20 minutes.
- Make the stuffing. Place the dates and sultanas in a small bowl and add the port, then allow to stand for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200ºC / 180ºC fan / Gas 6.
- Heat the oil and add the butter and onion, and gently fry until softened.
- Mix all the remaining stuffing ingredients together then allow to cool.
- Place the bacon on a board and using the back of the knife stretch the strips a little without tearing them.
- With a sharp knife make a deep slit into each tenderloin, opening the tenderloin lengthways but not cutting all the way through.
- Fill each tenderloin with the stuffing, then use the bacon slices to wrap around and cover the whole tenderloin.
- Place the tenderloins on a baking tray and cook for approximately 25 – 30 minutes until the porc is cooked and the bacon is crispy and golden. Lightly cover with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing the tenderloins into thick slices to serve.
- To make the gravy, pour any juices that have come from the porc into a jug. Melt the butter, add the flour and mix to make a roux. Gradually add the stock and any leftover meat juices and gently bring to the boil – keep stirring the whole time. Add the port and bring to the boil then add the remaining ingredients. Bring back to the boil, season to taste and serve with the sliced tenderloin.