The food trends of 2018…. allegedly

With the start of a new year one thing is always sure – there will be a host of experts revealing what the ‘big’ thing of 2018 will be in their industry. From interior design to fashion (cowboy boots apparently), these lists – although sometimes a bit overdone – can prove useful for a bit of inspiration! After all, had someone told you 10 years ago that you’d be eating avocado smashed on everything, you’d probably have thought them crazy.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with food habits, sticking to the same four or five meals you know everyone likes, and which can be rustled up relatively quickly. Should I be embarrassed I’ve eaten exactly the same thing for breakfast every day this year? Perhaps… (although at least it’s porridge), but I hadn’t even really registered it was the case until I started writing!

So, some of these trends might be a bit ‘out there’, but you never know – it might just inspire you to try something new. Here at Hunters, we love finding new ingredients and ideas, so if there’s something you spot which we might not have in store, we’ll happily track it down for you.

2018….what do you have in store for us?

1.      Plant-based food – veganism continues to grow in popularity, and that means more innovation in the sector – leading to more choice! Gone are the days of the only dairy free alternative being a carton of soya milk. And with some of the Hunters team being dairy intolerant, we do like to find the best products out there to give everyone a choice. Even for those who aren’t going vegan, there’s definitely more of a trend towards flexitarianism – eating less meat – and looking at ways to add protein to the diet without it. We’re confident this will be a BIG trend for the year.

2.      Gut healthy foods – we’ve talked before about how popular kimchi, sauerkraut and other pickled vegetables are, and how healthy – along with how tasty they are! There is predicted to be an increase in people looking after the health of their digestive system by eating these types of foods, along with things like apple cider vinegar, miso and kefir. Onions and garlic also have good healthy-gut credentials!

3.      The next big cuisine will be…. - There seems to be some disagreement on whether this will be Middle Eastern and African flavours (like Harissa and za’atar), Indian street food, Japanese or Hawaiian (poke bowl anyone?). We think they all sound great, so let’s not worry about picking just one!

4.      Eating more or less often – again there seems to be some difference of opinion. Some people think we’ll all be eating four meals instead of three (maybe a snack before bedtime, or a light extra meal before exercise – although I’m not convinced people haven’t been doing those for decades, without labelling it). Others think fasting will increase in popularity. Do what works for you!

5.      Root to Stem and Nose to Tail – as the name suggests, this is eating everything from a plant or animal, in order to minimise food waste, which can only be a good thing.

6.      Eating local – this has always been important to us, and to many of our customers – but eating regional produce, grown, produced or reared locally, will hopefully continue to increase in importance. Seventy per cent of the items we sell (which, if you’ve been in the store, you’ll know is a lot), are produced in the Yorkshire region.

7.      No alcoholic drinks – whether you’re doing Dry January, or you just fancy cutting down on your alcohol consumption for whatever reason, non-alcoholic drinks are getting trendy. Long gone are the days of having a choice of lemonade or orange squash on a night out. Now there’s hangover free wine and even an alcohol-free spirit – Seedlip. Sip it with tonic, and you’ll forget you’re not drinking – although the clear head the following morning will remind you!

Our favourite kitchen gadgets…in the back of the cupboard

A recent story we spotted caught our eye. Apparently us Brits have a whopping £11 billion (yes, billion, that’s not a typo) worth of kitchen equipment that we never actually use.

A company called HelloFresh conducted the research which showed we each have approximately £415 worth of gear and gadgets and utensils in our kitchens which never, ever see the light of day. Probably after a disastrous or far too time consuming first outing, like our spiraliser.

For every one person who never uses their bamboo steamer, of course there’ll be another who uses it every other day. But as a rule, it is very easy to get caught in the moment with these things, and see yourself as a wannabe Nigella Lawson or James Martin, when in fact you’re more of a 20-minute supper-on-the-table kind of person.

Some of the gadgets which are buried deep in our kitchen cupboards include sushi mats, sous vides, tagines, pasta makers, potato ricers, pestle and mortars, tapas or souffle dishes, waffle makers and even professional chef knives (not sure why you wouldn’t use those – everyone needs a good set of knives!)

Of course, bread makers and ice cream makers also made the list – and there must be quite a few homes which have them taking up worktop space and gathering dust. It sometimes seems a bit of an effort knocking up your own granary, when you can buy so many wonderful, freshly made local loaves at reasonable prices.

Expensive barbecues and outdoor grills also got a mention fairly high up the list – so it’s not only our kitchens which are affected, our gardens are getting in on the act too!

Almost 60 per cent of those surveyed said they had no idea how to use the equipment – which seems odd if it’s just a tapas dish as that’s not exactly difficult. But we can understand if it’s more about not having the confidence to knock up a batch of fresh pasta, or the time to roll your own sushi.

But not only are we collecting gadgets and then having buyer’s remorse, we’re also stocking up on random foods when we go somewhere on holiday. More than half of the people surveyed said they had brought items home from a trip with the intention of cooking recipes they’d tried there – but many ended up throwing the likes of herbs, spices and cured meats in the bin. Those who did try it out said it was either a ‘disaster’ or nothing like the dish they’d had on holiday. We’ve all been there.

But have no fear. Hunters are here to help. Got a kitchen gadget that’s filling you with fear? Hanging on to a random ingredient you’re not sure what to do with? Trying to recreate a holiday recipe that just isn’t working? We all love our food here at Hunters, and if we can help by recommending ingredients, alternatives, help or advice, we’re happy to do so. And if you want to just discuss pointless kitchen gadgets we’re also happy to oblige. Now, where’s those escargot forks?

We heart coffee

We love a good cuppa here at Hunters – whether it’s a cup of refreshing English tea or a pick-me-up coffee, there’s nothing quite like a warming drink to get you feeling like all is ok in the world.

And apparently we’re not alone. We’re a nation addicted to caffeine!

Perhaps more surprisingly though, earlier this year a poll showed that 61 percent of us prefer drinking coffee to tea – does the Queen know??

New research has now shown Brit consume 1,460 cups of coffee a year on average – which sounds a lot, but is only really 4 cups a day. Although when you think that’s 93,440 cups in an adult lifetime, it does sound a little more of an addiction!

The research, from syrup makers Monin, shows that the country’s favourite coffee is by far the Latte, with 41 per cent choosing that, followed by a cappuccino at 38 per cent. In fact, the top 10 went:
1. Latte
2. Cappuccino
3. Americano
4. Mocha
5. Espresso
6. Flat White
7. Iced Coffee
8. Frappe
9. Ground
10. Double Espresso

We spend an average of £13 a week in coffee shops (2.3bn coffees a year are bought and consumed outside of home). That equates to more than £50 a month, and you could buy yourself an awful lot of quality coffee, milk and even some fancy flavourings (if they float your boat) with that!

More than half of us now own our own coffee machine at home, and apparently we’re getting more adventurous with the different styles and flavours of coffee we’re willing to try. Still – come to my house and order a skinny, mocha, frappe, caramel, no foam cappuccino with an extra shot, and I think I might struggle.

When it comes to added extras, 18 per cent of us like caramel syrup in our coffee, while 14 per cent opt for vanilla and 10 per cent hazelnut. 

In store, we stock lots of flavoured coffees,  some of the most popular being Hazelnut and Irish Cream. We’re partial to a bit of Grumpy Mule and Taylors of Harrogate  – with a variety of strengths and origins available, you can even buy by weight here at Hunters – like a traditional sweet shop!

So, next time you’re after a caffeine boost – drop by and we’ll hook you up with your perfect blend!

Are Britain’s Forgotten Foods to be consigned to history books?

When was the last time you enjoyed liver and bacon or a nice Lancashire hot pot?

According to new research, it was probably quite some time ago as these dishes, along with things like kedgeree and faggots, are the British meals which could soon be consigned to the history books.

Some might say it’s about time – devilled kidneys aren’t everyone’s cup of tea – but in some ways it’s always a shame when traditions and things we grew up with (some of us of a certain age anyway!) go out of fashion – perhaps for good.

The research, conducted by Deliveroo, revealed that a pretty convincing 91 per cent of the nation now say they prefer “world food” to traditional British meals. Three quarters said they felt the days of us sitting down to a dinner of meat and two veg are pretty much over – I’m not sure that’s strictly true, as most families I know still enjoy a good Sunday roast. Although maybe not if the meat on offer was faggots.

In fact a lot of Brits had never even tried some of the more traditional dishes. And whereas I can understand how 70 per cent have never tasted Devilled Kidneys I was surprised one in three had never sampled a steak and kidney pudding. They don’t know what they’re missing! Even more surprisingly 20 per cent of Brits have never eaten Shepherd’s Pie, and one in four have never had fish pie!

In fact, the Deliveroo list of the top 15 British foods to be consigned to history were:
1. Devilled kidneys (70 per cent have never tried it)
2. Kedgeree (65 per cent)
3. Potted shrimps (59 per cent)
4. Suet pudding (55 per cent)
5. Liver and bacon (54 per cent)
6. Faggots (53 per cent)
7. Steak and kidney pudding (36 per cent)
8. Lancashire hot pot (34 per cent)
9. Bubble and Squeak (34 per cent)
10. Gammon and pineapple (29 per cent)
11. Fish pie (24 per cent)
12. Toad in the Hole (23 per cent)
13. Ham, egg and chips (21 per cent)
14. Mince and potatoes (19 per cent)
15. Shepherd’s Pie (15 per cent)

Of course it’s all down to individual preference, but surely there’s not much controversial in toad in the hole or ham, egg and chips?

So, if we’re all clearly not eating those things, what are we eating? According to the poll, the nation’s favourite food is Italian, followed by Chinese, Indian and Mexican. The favourite dishes were pizza, curries, spaghetti bolognaise and Asian inspired stir fries. All of which we’re a bit partial to as well, so perhaps you win some and you lose some!

Whatever kinds of food you’re in to, we’ll definitely have something to tickle your tastebuds in store. Except maybe faggots….

Cheers to 2018!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas – and are already looking forward to the next celebration: New Year’s Eve!

It’s been many a year since we headed out on 31^st December to pay extortionate prices to get into a club, and then struggle to get a taxi home. Now our New Year’s Eves are all about celebrating with friends and family at home, and enjoying a festive treat or two. Without having to get cold waiting for a taxi, or stressing about whether you’ll actually be able to get close enough to the bar to order a drink given the queues.

So, if you’re celebrating with your nearest and dearest what do we recommend this year, so you can toast the new year in style?

·        Fizz it up - Champagne and Prosecco are always going to go down well, and we have a wide selection to suit all tastes and wallets. What we do also have, to make any glass of fizz extra special, is the wonderful Popaballs Rose Gold Shimmer. Simply add a third of a teaspoon to Prosecco or any sparkling drink and watch it become a swirling, glittering shimmering glass of glam – with a subtle raspberry flavour. Looks stunning and tastes good too!

·        Shaken or stirred – cocktails are always going to be popular! We sell a wide selection of all the base spirits you need to make your favourite mixes. Or if you want to make it super straightforward we have the wonderful Ice & Easy frozen cocktails, including frozen rose and mojito. Just freeze, squeeze and serve – just remember they’re alcoholic as they’re so easy to drink!

·        The year of gin – 2017 was all about the gin, and we’re sure 2018 will continue to be the same! So, what better way to bridge the years than by enjoying a glass of your favourite with a splash of Fevertree tonic? Whether you’re a fan of Sloe Gin, pink gin, Lavender gin, Yorkshire Tea gin or just gin gin, we’ve got it all. And we’re happy to talk to you about it at great length!

·        Wish you were beer – Sometimes you can’t beat a beer. Or a cider. Or an ale. But we love the beers from our town’s very own local microbrewery, the Helmsley Brewing Co. Helmsley Honey or Striding the Riding?

·        Drinks for Des – if you’ve got some designated drivers coming along, or someone who doesn’t drink, we have some great non-alcoholic tipples to make a change from the usual juices and fizzy pop. Seedlip is the world’s first non alcoholic spirit, copper pot distilled, and tastes great with tonic.  Belvoir’s Shiraz without the Hangover, made with grapes, elderberry and blackberry is delicious, and there’s also Chardonnay and Rose versions. Sparkling Elderberry is something else we’ve taken quite a shine to! And all of them guaranteed to leave your head clear and pain free come January 1^st.

Whatever you do, we wish you and your family the healthiest and happiest 2018. Hopefully see you all soon!

The gift that keeps on giving…

Ah Christmas – the most magical time of the year!

But also…. a little bit stressful at times, let’s admit it! The entertaining, the endless school events, everyone trying to get their work finished before the big break. And that’s before you’ve got anywhere near the shopping or present buying!

Coming up with new gift ideas for loved ones is never easy. Kids always have lists of things they want, which makes it a lot more straightforward – but when it comes to grown ups, most of us have what we need, or we buy it when we want it! That’s why so many of us fall back on the old favourites. And of course, much as everyone loves a good pair of socks, it’s not the most exciting thing to open on Christmas Day.

But one gift that always hits the spot in our experience is food and drink! Who doesn’t love to get a little treat or two – perhaps something they wouldn’t have every day, or something they’ve never tried before. And unlike some fancy bath salts or a novelty tie, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s like to get used!

Of course, we would say this, but our hampers do make a fantastic present. We’re always happy to make one up to your own preferred requirements, but we do also have a selection readymade, which can be ordered in the shop, over the phone or online. We can deliver them around the UK – so perfect for that special someone you’re not going to get to see this festive season.

How about A Taste of Yorkshire – great value at just £35. From Taylor's of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold Teabags to Cartwright & Butler Butterscotch Crunch (with a bit of Rhubarb Milk Chocolate and some Yorkshire Heather Honey thrown in) – it’s jam-packed with goodies to give a taste of home to someone who might be missing God’s Own County. It also contains Blackberry and Sloe Gin jam (YUM!), so the jam-packed reference is conveniently true.

We have a Yorkshire Lad and a Yorkshire Lass version – but we’re certainly not saying they can only be enjoyed by someone of a certain gender! We’re pretty sure anyone would devour the contents, which vary from our very own White Chocolate Shards with Strawberry, Sloe Gin and Chilli Jam Cheesey Nibbles to Charlie & Ivy’s Cumin, Chilli & Coriander Bread Dipper, Gourmet Liquorice Bootlaces and Autumn Chutney with Black Sheep Ale.

Cheese lovers will love our Cheese Lovers hamper – a selection of cheeses, combined with some amazing accompaniments. Enjoy some charcoal cheese on a Sourdough Crispbread, or some Yorkshire Wensleydale with Fruit & Nut Torta, alongside some Moscato Grape Nectar.

Is your mouth watering yet?!

We also have some fantastic seasonal hampers, making them the perfect present for Christmas.

Christmas Cheer would make someone’s year. At £130, it’s literally bursting at the seams with some of our favourite goodies. Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Monastier Shiraz – but it’s not all booze! There’s chocolates, tea and coffee, fruit jellies, florentines, crispbread, accompaniments for cheese, savouries, crisps, soup, biscuits, marmalade, tapenade, oil, chutney, Turkish Delight, pate….this list goes on. Enough to see you through January, that’s for sure! And we’re kind of underselling it – to paraphrase someone else this is no ordinary cracker, this is a ‘Toast for cheese with festive spiced fruit and pecans’. And it’s not a bottle of vegetable oil, it’s the rather amazing La Tourangelle Hazelnut Oil. And we love a bit of Branston Pickle, but wait until you try The Fine Cheese Co’s Port, Blood Orange & Pomegranate Jelly for Cheese.

So, if you’re struggling for inspiration this year – you know where to come. Can Santa please take note for my Christmas list too?!

World Vegan Month: Our vegan (and dairy-free) favourites

Earlier this year we wrote a blog post about the rise in veganism. Although some people still seem to be surprised at how many choose to avoid all animal products in their diet, from meat, fish and eggs, to dairy and honey, it’s a movement which shows no sign of slowing. In fact, the number of vegans has risen over 350% in the last 10 years.

Apparently even Google Trends has seen evidence of a boom – search terms linked to vegan lifestyles in the UK were up 90% last year on the year before, and were significantly higher than those looking for information about the paleo diet, gluten-free or even vegetarianism.

The great thing for Vegans now, as opposed to a decade – or even just a few years ago – is the choice of food available. Gone are the days when you were limited to a boring plain salad or tomato-based pasta. Vegan restaurants and cafes are popping up in towns and cities across the country, which is no surprise given there’s well over half a million British vegans out there looking for somewhere interesting to eat!

Another good thing about vegan products is they’re always suitable for those with a dairy intolerance – making them doubly popular in our experience.

So, this World Vegan Month, we’ve scoured the streets (not literally, we found these products everywhere from a food show to a friend’s kitchen) for what we think are some of the tastiest Vegan (and therefore dairy-free) foods out there.

·        Granny’s Secret Ajvar pepper and tomato spreads - We are a little bit addicted to this in the store – which means we always over-order so the stock doesn’t run out! We’ve noticed that once you try this, you can’t go back, and so the same customers keep returning for more. It comes in classic or spicy varieties and is great as a dip or spread. Has to be tasted to be believed – it will revolutionise your sandwich!

·        Vegan chocolate – Being vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up all chocolate – you might just need to go darker! Yum! Booja Booja luxury chocolate truffles are amazing – from champagne or almond and sea salt to rhubarb and vanilla fool, you’d be a fool not to give them a try. King Monty uses creamy rice milk to create a delicious dairy-free bar and the So Free range uses plant alternatives to create a variety of different flavours, including a milk chocolate – perfect if you’re actually not keen on the more bitter dark choc.

·        Anila’s Indian sauces, pickles and chutneys – For an easy to make dinner idea, that tastes authentic (and much nicer than any takeaway), the Anila’s sauces take some beating. We particularly lovely the flavoursome Spicy Korma (which, as it suggests, is a spicier version of the usual Korma) and the mouth-watering Aubergine Pickle. Perfect with poppadoms!

·        Nut butters – Nut butters are all the rage, and we can see why. They’re so versatile (from spreading it on your morning toast, to adding it to recipes), they’re good for you and deliciously more-ish! We love Natural World’s Pecan and Fig or Hazelnut and Cacao varieties, as well as Meridian’s Almond or Cashew Butter.

So, if you fancy giving them a try, why not pop in? Or if you don’t live locally, we’re happy to arrange to send things out – so give us a call on 01439 771 307.