Sadly, the exciting world of small, low intensity producers selling farm fresh food isn’t available to all. To help those who don’t have easy access to artisan cheese and high quality meat and vegetables, John Pallagi and Lee Simmonds have launched Farmison; a mail order business designed to help you out. The idea for the company came about when they had difficulty sourcing some high quality rose veal, and decided that others should have an easier time acquiring quality produce than they did.
They sell a large range of meats and cheeses, with both pre-selected boxes and “a la carte” choices available. As well as being able to choose meat by cut, it’s also possible to choose by breed for those who want to try something a bit different. I also really like the look of the BBQ boxes, giving a range of meat suitable for grilling; the way this summer is going, if anybody actually makes it outside to barbecue then they deserve a medal for staunch, upright Britishness in the face of persistent drizzle.
The cheese selection is extensive: fifty seven different types of cheese, from a wide range of countries (Britain, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Spain) and an equally wide range of milks (cow, sheep, goat, mixed, buffalo) including some raw milk. Our box held slices of Cooleeney, Dunsyre Blue, Isle of Mull Cheddar, quince cheese and Stag wholemeal biscuits – a lovely thick, slightly sweet, chunky wholemeal biscuit. All the cheeses were in excellent condition, well packed in straw in a cardboard box. It would be slightly churlish to pick a favourite, as we had a soft, a blue and a hard cheese, but I do have a particular fondness for the combination of cheddar and a slightly sweet, wholemeal biscuit, so that’s where my vote goes.
Farmison also offer a range of vegetable and fruit boxes, from a small office fruit box all the way up to a large family greengrocer box. Also on offer are detox veg boxes, super foods fruit boxes, stir fry vegetable boxes etc.
This service fulfils a number of different briefs. It’s a perfect way to send a present: what could any cheese lover like more than a surprise range of unusual cheeses? The range of meat boxes look perfect for special meals – on a weekend away, for example, as well as those hosting a dinner party or barbecue. Finally, the veg boxes – like the others, in fact – look ideal for those who don’t have easy access to large supermarkets and are looking for easy access to quality produce.
Boxes cost from £14.95
Thanks to Farmison for my review box.
I love cheese and biscuits, will take. A look at their website. X
I did a review of one of their veg boxes, and I was quite impressed with the variety and quality of the contents, quite like Farmison they seem very good. Always think these boxes would make lovely gifts too.