To celebrate, we changed our menu to experience a real taste of Britain! The children enjoyed a delicious Shepherd’s pie made entirely with Overbury lamb and a selection of vegetables from the kitchen gardens. It was lovely to be able to bring together ingredients from our local farm and gardens to create a traditional British dish. The children also had the opportunity to get involved in making bread using our Basic Bread recipe. They rolled up their sleeves, kneaded the dough and shaped their own bread rolls, which we later enjoyed alongside some homemade soup.
One of the highlights of the week was our preschool children's exciting tractor ride to the farm on Tuesday, where they met Farmer Jake. He introduced the children to the variety of crops harvested by the combine over the summer and explained how each grain has its own purpose.
Farmer Jake showed the children wheat, barley, oats, peas, beans and oilseed rape. The children carefully examined each grain, looking at its size, shape, and colour. They then set themselves the challenge of arranging the grains in size order, which led to lots of discussion, comparing and debating!
We began by learning about wheat. The children discovered that wheat is taken to the mill, where it is ground into flour. We then made the connection that this grain is used to make so of the foods they enjoy every day, such as bread, cakes, biscuits and other delicious treats.
Next, we explored barley. Farmer Jake explained that, depending on its quality, barley can be used for brewing beer. If the quality isn’t good enough it will be sent for animal feed. We also talked about Marmite and how this also comes from barley.
Moving on to oats, the children learnt how the grains are rolled under heavy rollers to flatten them and produce rolled oats. We talked about how these oats can then be used to make porridge and other breakfast favourites.
The oilseed rape was another firm favourite, especially when the children had the opportunity to feel the grains for themselves. Farmer Jake explained that the seeds are crushed to release their oil, which can then be used in cooking.
Finally the children looked at the peas and beans which were the largest grains we saw during the visit. We learnt that, just like barley, their final destination depends on the quality of the crop. Good-quality peas and beans can be used for human consumption, while crops that do not meet the required quality standards may be used for animal feed.
We ended our visit with a walk around the farm. The children were thrilled to see the different tractors and pieces of machinery used throughout the year. We spotted the seed drill, combine harvester, sprayer and lots of other impressive machines, each with its own important job to do.
The children also went on walks during the week where they went down to the kitchen gardens to see all the delicious produce that was growing. They talked to Martha one of the gardeners about the pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and much more and even got a chance to hold each fruit and vegetable before bringing some back to nursery to use in our meals.
British Food Fortnight was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the food grown around us, learn more about the hard work involved in farming and appreciate the wonderful ingredients available right here on our doorstep. A huge thank you to Farmer Jake for taking the time to show us around the farm and share his knowledge with the children, and to Martha who took the time to talk to the children at the kitchen gardens.
Click the link https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/whats-it-all-about For some more information about British Food Fortnight and what it is all about.