December News '24

We take huge joy from growing (and feeding) and, whilst this time of year is manically busy on the farm, there’s also a deep sense of peace and purpose that comes from marking the festive season on the land that sustains us. Whether you observe Christmas or not, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the earth, the harvest and the spirit of giving and gratitude. If you are feasting this holiday, then take a moment to raise a toast, or a sprout, to the delicate, vibrant web that is our ecosystem, holding us all year round. Please know how much thought, care and love goes into every item in your box and just how much your support for local, sustainable farming is appreciated.

Apart from the weekly harvesting of our salad leaves, Asian greens, leeks and all our brassicas, December is the month we review our crop plan, taking a look back over the year to improve it. Although the basic plan stays fairly unchanged, we always make some adjustments and, with changing weather patterns, we also have to adapt. The main change for next year is to bring our late summer sowing forward. Crops, such as salad leaves that fill our tunnels for winter, will improve supply through this period if we sow and plant just a little earlier. We also have a long look through the seed catalogues for any new crops or exciting varieties we'd like to try, just to keep things interesting, for us and for you, throughout the year ahead.

New produce

Big Nose Beardy & Barcombe Nurseries Cider
Our friends over at Big Nose Beardy have crafted a wonderful cider from our very own apples. The first single batch of Barcombe Mad is crisp and floral and available to buy on their website. They're offering our customers a 15% discount when they order using the code Barcombe15 so do go and have a 'nosey'.

Gifts for the Foodie

We have lots of new festive items coming your way from some wonderful local producers. Amongst them, a Christmas pudding marmalade and a berry chutney from Ouse Valley, luxurious Sussex grown saffron from the UK's only producer of organic saffron, Joe’s Chilli Jam grown and made in Lewes, a wonderfully spiced Kashmiri chilli oil (coming very soon) and a gorgeous tin of Christmas spices from Field Blends. They all make perfect Secret Santa gifts or stocking fillers and they'll be available to order over the next few weeks. You can also add them to your Christmas box! Go have a browse in our Festive Extras for the full list.

Events

Slack Sauna at the farm
Looking beyond the festive season just for a moment, what better way to shake off that January sluggishness than to enjoy a spot of wellness. On Sunday 26th January we are welcoming Slack Sauna to the farm; a beautifully crafted wood-fired sauna with a secluded cold plunge. Come alone for a tranquil re-charge, bring a friend or you can even book out the entire sauna for a group of 7, ideal for a social re-connection. However you do it, it’s a totally energising experience which will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and reinvigorated. There will even be free wholesome food available made from our own organic produce so book your slot and look forward to a restorative new year re-set. Visit the Slack Sauna website for all the details.

Seasonal focus

December heralds the harvest of some new festive vegetables that we’re pretty proud of. Our Brussels sprouts have grown wonderfully on our new Isfield site along side our vibrant red cabbages. You can’t have a winter roast or a festive feast without these two somewhere on the table and this month we’re looking at different ways to enjoy them, beyond the Christmas dinner. They work wonderfully together too so if you’ve some left over after the big day then here are a few ideas for you.

December's recipe:
Brussles Sprout & Red Cabbage Bhaji

A perfect recipe for using leftover festive veg, these little spiced bites are gluten-free and vegetarian (and can easily be made vegan).

Head over to our amazing recipe archive and make these for a Christmas curry feast (or just a snack to lounge with).

If bhajis aren't your bag then how about a few more? Go visit our recipe archive and try one or all of our 4 Ways with Red Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts!

Well, that's almost a wrap for 2024. It’s been a year of growth – not just for our crops, but for our community, our values, and our connection to the earth. From planting seeds of sustainability, to harvesting the fruits of hard work, we’re reminded daily of the importance of living in harmony with nature. We’re deeply grateful for all the support you’ve given us throughout the year. Whether you’ve enjoyed our produce or simply shared in our mission, your presence makes all the difference. Together, we’re fostering a future where food is grown with love, respect and a deep commitment to the environment.