Armagh’s Craic Foods named Grand Champion in Great British Food Awards
Craic Foods in Craigavon, county Armagh, an award winning producer of condiments, has been named Grand Champion in the prestigious Great British Food Awards.
Headed by experienced chef Paul Clarke, Craic Foods, which is based in Craigavon, county Armagh, gained the title for its original Pickled Gooseberries and Apple and Elderflower Vinegar.
Craic’s Pickled Gooseberries was described in the rigorous judging as “a taste sensation. The fruit is plump, picked at perfect ripeness. Steeped and pickled in Bramley apple vinegar, honey, apple juice and elderflower with a sprinkle of sugar. The result is a perfectly balanced, great tasting product. The sharpness of the gooseberry is evident but beautifully complimented by the sweetness and complexity of the pickle. A wonderful addition to any cheeseboard or accompaniment to quality cooked meat; the gooseberries added an extra dimension on the side of roast pork dinner too. Craic pickled gooseberries will definitely impress guests at the dinner table.”
Craic Foods is a Food NI member, as were all the other Northern Ireland winners in the annual competition which attracted entries from across the UK. Craic Foods was also named winner in the Condiments category.
The awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the country’s finest artisanal produce, as well as the hard-working people behind the scenes. This year, the awards were bigger and better than ever.
The other Northern Ireland winners were: Burren Balsamics of Richhill, county Armagh for its Black Garlic Infused Vinegar of Modena, which the judge said is
“a wonderful vinegar”. Infused balsamics can sometimes flatter to deceive, but Burren Balsamic’s black garlic infused balsamic delivers on every level. It has a pronounced aroma of black garlic that has enticingly rich caramelised notes to it. This continues on the palate where it packs a mighty punch but without being overpowering. It is delightfully intense with great balance and a seductive finish. Makes a fabulous dressing.
The Northern Ireland Regional Award was won by Irish Black Butter of Portrush, county Antrim, a small business formed by Alastair Bell. The judge loved “the almost caramel flavour of the apples in this condiment”. It is rich, warmly spiced and has a touch of acidity. What I love about this condiment is that it can clearly be used to accompany things like cheese and cured meats, as well as being great in both savoury and sweet applications.
Clandeboye Estate’s Greek Style Yoghurt was highly commended in Dairy. Based in Bangor, county Down, Clandeboye is Northern Ireland’s only yoghurt producer. It sources milk for the estate’s own pedigree herd.
The judge said the Clandeboye luxury product was “rich and creamy as Greek style yoghurt should be, you can tell that the thickness of this yoghurt is all natural. This one also has a pleasing and refreshing tartness, which helps to balance out the richness of it.”
