Many families and households are becoming more aware of where food comes from and the process it goes through from farm to fork. Luckily in many parts of the Cotswolds, the farming industry is rather ahead of the curve, having farmed organically for at least 30 years.
Cotswolds organic producers are always looking for ways to create great tasting treats, while adhering to organic standards, and SoGlos has rounded up some of the best that are on offer in the honey-hued area.
Daylesford Organic
A true haven for organic-lovers, the award-winning Daylesford Organic, near Kingham, has an onsite dairy and creamery, as well as farm kitchens and organic animals that roam freely on the surrounding pastures.
Its cafe serves up organic breakfasts, lunches and traditional afternoon teas, while the onsite farm shop stocks organic meat, breads, dairy products and larder goods; alongside a range of organic gifts for both the home and garden — keen gardeners can also take advantage of the Daylesford cookery courses and workshops, too!
The Organic Farm Shop
Operating as an organic farm since 1991, the 650-hectares of land at Abbey Home Farm in Cirencester is used for growing crops and farming sheep, cows and pigs — and creating delicious organic produce.
Its award-winning farm shop is ideal for those wanting to purchase fresh organic food which has been grown in the nursery, as well as organic store cupboard supplies, organic ice cream, skincare, alcohol and Fairtrade food and gifts.
Dunkertons Organic Cider
Trailblazers in organic farming, Ivor and Suzie Dunkerton — the founders of Dunkertons Organic Cider, were originally inspired by their love of nature — and by 1988, their cider was awarded a Soil Association certification and has been officially organic ever since.
Now run by their son, Julian Dunkerton, the business stocks a range of tasty tipples from dry cider, through to perry and even mulled cider. Be sure to visit its taproom at Dunkertons Park in Cheltenham to sample the full range and enjoy a cider tour or tasting session, too.
Simon Weaver Cheese
The home of award-winning organic Cotswold cheeses, Simon Weaver Organic follows a traditional method of organic farming, with its herd enjoying a ‘forage-based diet’.
The Simon Weaver creamery is located on the farm, in the village of Upper Slaughter, meaning the milk travels just five miles between the milking shed and the creamery, for upmost freshness.
Hobbs House Bakery
A true Cotswold family business, Hobbs House Bakery was founded back in the 1920s, and now enjoys five generations of baking experience — with the next round of apprentices newly graduated and ready to take on the baking world.
Stocking a huge number of organic loaves, including its light rye sourdough, five seed spelt, wholemeal sourdough and wild white sourdough, Hobbs House also sells pastries and confectionary from its three Gloucestershire stores in Nailsworth, Chipping Sodbury and Tetbury.
Macaroni Farm
Operating from a farmhouse built in the 1700s, Macaroni Farm in Cirencester is an established provider of organic meat and game.
Over 800 acres of farmland is used for cereal production, cattle and sheep raising — with all live stock grazing on herb and clover rich pastures and crops solely relying on natural fertilizers such as legumes and 'green manure' from the live stock on site.
