Mill repeats Popular Apple and Game Fair

Otterton Mill today announced its annual Apple and Game Day celebration will be held at the Mill on Saturday 24th October.

"Last year we expanded the Mill's long-running annual Apple Day celebration to include a game meat emphasis. With the game season and apple harvesting in full swing in Devon, it was a natural decision to celebrate both, especially as they fit with the Mill's aim to promote sustainable and local food production" said Simon Spiller, co-owner of the Mill with his wife Caroline. It was a change which brought almost 2000 customers to the Mill for a fun-filled family day of traditional rural pursuits and food tastings. However, it also bought some controversy.

The story of the squirrel kebabs served at last year's event by chef Ed Chester was carried in most of the major national newspapers and was covered as far afield as the US, Germany, Ireland and Australia. Grey squirrel was included as one of a range of game meats cooked on the BBQ, and was featured to highlight the plight of the indigenous red squirrel, which has been pushed to near extinction by its grey cousin. By far the majority of the Mill's customers understood and appreciated that squirrel was served as a legitimate wild meat and was once a common dish served in rural home kitchens. However, a small minority of objectors subsequently called for a boycott of the Mill, on apparently sentimental grounds.

Will squirrel be back on the menu again at this year's event? "Yes, as long as we are able to source fresh carcasses" said chef Ed. "We change our menu every day based on the produce brought to us by our local producers, game keepers and wild plant foragers. If grey squirrels have been trapped that morning we will not be deterred by a vocal minority who don't appreciate rural dietary traditions. It's worth pointing out that we only take squirrel that is caught by local landowners as part of their ongoing control of squirrel populations." he added.

Other game meats likely to be on the menu at this year's event include pigeon, partridge, rabbit, pheasant, venison and wild boar. Many of these wild meats are considered to be a healthy option that is highly sustainable. With its lower fat credentials, speedy cooking times and versatility, the team at the Mill believe game could well become a staple in any kitchen. Cooking demonstrations at the event on the 24th will help provide insights on how to get the best from these meats.

The Mill is partnering with Devon based apple juice producers, Bowhayes Farm and Heron Valley, plus Devon game specialists Complete Meats to offer a fun packed day of activities and demonstrations for all the family. Bowhayes Farm will offer apple pressing and customers are invited to bring along their own apples (plus containers) for pressing into juice. Other activities include: food tastings, bushcraft demonstrations, wild food foraging, apple bobbing, cooking demonstrations, toffee apple making, forest school and anglo saxon activities for children.

The event runs from 11am to 4pm and entry is free.

(Press release - 7 Oct 2009)

For further information and a full listing of Apple & Game Day activities, please click here.

 

Date added: Monday 12th October 2009
Latest updated: Friday 30th July 2010