We all know the yellow fields that dominate the farming landscape. Sarah Lyon learnt about how this yellow flowered crop is producing a healthy oil
Duncan Farrington’s pride for his Mellow Yellow Rapeseed Oil is justified
Farming for four generations at Bottom Farm, the Farrington family takes the time and effort to nurture healthy crops, grown to LEAF Marque standards. Not a woolly environmentalist but a practical farmer, Duncan is keen to point out that there is a whole activity of life under foot as we stand looking out across acres and acres of the yellow flowered crop. He has an unequalled knowledge and reverence for the soil which suggests that his commitment and enthusiasm for the product justifies the excellence of this award-winning cold pressed rapeseed oil.
LEAF – Linking Environment And Farming
Helping farmers identify ways to farm profitably, whilst caring for the wider environment. Aside from crop rotation, the family has taken great steps to enhance the existing environment and create new ones. They have hand planted over 5,000 trees, hedgerows, restored three ponds, put owl boxes in place, created beetle banks and wildlife margins. These benefit the farm as they feed on unwanted pests such as aphids in the crops. Duncan takes it back to basics when he suggests that the best tool on the farm is a spade; learn what you are looking for, and get excited about the soil. Footpaths and information boards around the farm have created a unique way of connecting the farm with the consumer.
Cold pressed, a natural process
The oil is gently squeezed out of the seeds which are harvested in July and stored. The oil is gently squeezed from the seed at temperatures below 40C, allowed to settle, filtered to guarantee purity and bottled. That’s all! No cooking, no solvents, no bleaches; just pure healthy oil.
Health properties
This golden oil is likened to a top quality olive oil. Healthy because it contains less than half the saturated fat of olive oil (the lowest of any oil - better for the heart), ten times more Omega 3 (an important constituent for brain and eye tissue development in young children) and Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant used by the body to combat the effects of free radicals (ageing toxins).
Creating a small but significant culinary revolution in the kitchen
Taste
A subtle nutty taste, perfect for dressings and baking or just drizzled on bread as an alternative to butter.
Culinary uses
Ideal for dips and marinades, whilst a high smoke point of 220C gives it true competence for roasting and stir frying. Heating does not diminish or destroy the healthy benefits. Duncan’s wife Eli makes the best biscuits and fantastic dressings in their farmhouse kitchen.
“They’re additive free, truly British and really healthy too”, says Duncan. The Honey & Mustard Dressing is a store cupboard must have. Using honey from locally produced Littleover Apiary.
Littleover Apiaries
All of Littleover’s honey is cold extracted and filtered without the need for additional heat, protecting and keeping intact the natural enzymes and proteins that make honey the wonderful food it is. Providing single flower honey the way the bees have produced it.
Tony Spacey, a former paratrooper, is now an expert apiarist and the UK’s only producer of active honey which contains apparently every known nutrient required for a balanced human diet. Find on Market Harborough Farmer’s Market. www.littleoverapiaries.com
Where to find...
Farrington’s Mellow Yellow, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, www.farrington-oils.co.uk,
Tel: 01933 622809
Seven Wells Butchers, 8 West Street, Oundle
Ashwell Farm Shop, Ashwell nr Oakham
Bates Butchers and Delicatessen, 4 Church Street, Market Harborough
The Fine Food Store, 37 St Mary’s Street, Stamford
Welland Valley Rapeseed Oil Farming since 1837
Alan and Peter Robinson (uncle and nephew) are also experts at creating a fine flavoured rapeseed oil. They have been Master Growers of rapeseed since the 40s and have found a new use for one of their crops. Virgin seed ‘cold pressed’ gives a yield of high grade oil.
Where to find...
Frisby Grange Farm, Houghton on the Hill, Leicester, www.wellandvalley.com,
Tel. 0116 259 9810.
Farmers’ Markets: Market Harborough and Oundle.
Ashley Herb Farm and Farm Shop, Ashley, Market Harborough.
Nelsons Butcher, Stamford.
Grange Farm Shop, Newstead Lane, Belmesthorpe nr. Stamford.