Here's Foodie Ann…
There was a cute photo in the papers this week of Maggie, a Herdwick sheep born from an embryo frozen during the foot and mouth outbreak, who has just given birth to two lambs. Maggie and her breed have been a vanishing species, but interest in rare breeds means their future is more secure.
Herdwick are fell sheep, picking their way around the hills in Cumbria. They don’t put on weight quickly – neither would you if every day was spend fell walking – so they aren’t popular with breeders who can raise more timid breeds that get fatter more quickly. But that slow growth means really good flavor. And Herdwicks have just been granted a PDO – protected denomination of origin, also awarded to Jersey Royals, Stilton cheese and Cornish clotted cream.
Herdwicks’ most famous supporter was Beatrix Potter, who bred them herself . But if your interest in them is culinary rather than literary, you can often buy Herdwick lamb and mutton at Sillfield Farm in Borough Market.
For more foodie titbits join Ann’s Foodie Walk this Saturday, June 1. Meet at Green Park tube, park exit by the fountain.
A London Walk costs £9 – £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
