Who ate Al-di pies?


Aldi’s award-winning range of Scottish pies are on sale now for British Pie Week


Hap-pie days, its British Pie Week (1st – 7th March) and what better way to celebrate these marvellous meaty creations than by sampling Aldi’s delicious range of filled pies baked to perfection right here in Scotland.

Starting at only 89p, Aldi’s award-winning range features firm favourites with hungry Scots, including Steak & Gravy Pies (2 pack, £1.39)Scotch Pies (2 pack, 89p), and Brownings the Bakers’ famous Kilmarnock Pie (150g, £1.39).

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try Aldi’s Macaroni Pies (2 pack, 99p) or Chicken Curry Pies (2 pack, £1.29), perfect as a mid-afternoon snack.
Or why not indulge in one of Aldi’s award-winning Specially Selected Luxury Pies, including Steak & Ale PieSteak & Black Pudding Pie, or Chicken & Leek Pie (250g, £1.99).

Looking for a traditional treat for two? why not pick up Aldi’s Top Crust Steak Pie (£2.29, 371g), or for the perfect meal for all the family the Large Top Crust Steak Pie (£3.69, 660g) is guaranteed to go down a storm.

Sure to get mouths watering, Aldi’s range of Scottish pies are available now from all 96 stores in Scotland.

The full range includes:

• Specially Selected Luxury Pies. Choose from Steak & Ale, Chicken & Leek, and Steak & Black Pudding (£1.99, 250g)

• Frasers Scotch Pie (2 pack) (89p)

• Frasers Scotch Pie (4 pack) (£1.59)• Frasers Macaroni Pie (2 pack) (99p)

• Frasers Chicken Curry Pies (2 pack) (£1.29)• Frasers Steak & Gravy Pies (2 pack) (£1.39)

• Browning’s Kilmarnock Pie (£1.39, 150g)

• Frasers Top Crust Steak Pie (£2.29, 371g)

• Frasers Large Top Crust Steak Pie (£3.69, 660g)

• Frasers Steak Round (£1.39, 330g)

• Frasers Mince Round (£0.99, 330g)

Find healthy recipes and get cooking!

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Sticking to a healthy diet can be easier if you cook from scratch. Ready meals, takeaways and pre-packaged foods can be high in fat, sugar and salt. Home-cooked meals are often cheaper, tastier, healthier and better for the environment.

It may also be quicker to rustle up a home-cooked meal, than wait for a takeaway to be delivered.

Here we provide some tips to help you find and cook some healthy recipes:

Finding healthy recipes

There are lots of healthy recipe books and websites available. When looking for healthy recipes, make sure you choose a trusted source.

Our new cookbook includes plenty of delicious and healthy recipes from well-known names, such as Joe Wicks and the Hairy Bikers. The recipes have been carefully selected by our Nutritionist for their use of fresh, healthy ingredients that promote good heart health.

You can download the book here – https://heartresearch.org.uk/cookbook/

Check the ingredients list


When looking for a healthy recipe, make sure you pay attention to the ingredients list. Avoid recipes that include a lot of fat, salt, sugar or processed meats and cheeses. Healthier recipes include:

  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Wholegrain ingredients (e.g. brown rice, brown bread or whole-wheat pasta)
  • Lean sources of protein (e.g. fish, chicken (without skin), beans, pulses or tofu)
  • Low-fat dairy products (or alternatives), such as skimmed milk, fat-free yoghurt or soya products

Choose healthy cooking methods


Find recipes that use healthier cooking methods, such as steaming, baking or grilling, rather than frying or deep-frying in oil. Avoid recipes that cook with animal fats (such as lard or butter) and coconut oil as these are high in saturated fats which can increase your risk of heart disease. Choose recipes that use plant-based oils, such as rapeseed, olive, sunflower or vegetable oils. 

Adapt your favourite recipes

Eating healthily doesn’t mean giving up on all your favourite foods. Read through some of your favourite recipes and try to identify ways to make them healthier.

This could include adding extra fruit or veg, switching from white to brown rice or pasta, switching from cream to low fat yoghurt, reducing the amount of salt and sugar or switching to a healthier cooking method.

For more tips on how to improve your heart health, visit the ‘Healthy Tips’ page on our website and don’t forget to check out our new Cookbook.

Morrisons launches first shorthorn steak pie in time for British Pie Week

– Shorthorn beef is renowned for its rich flavour and tender meat –

The supermarket has revealed its most popular pies, with Chunky Steak coming out on top –

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In a supermarket first, Morrisons has launched The Best Shorthorn Steak Pie in time for British Pie Week (1st – 7thMarch). Renowned for its rich flavour and tender, marbled meat, the British Shorthorn beef brisket takes ‘steak pie’ to a whole new level. 

The famed, home-grown meat is cooked up with smoked bacon, rich red wine gravy and all-butter shortcrust pastry. The first pre-packed pie in Morrisons ‘The Best’ range, it’s perfect for a quick, yet luxurious dinner at home.

Morrisons was the first supermarket to launch a Shorthorn Beef brand in 2016, developing a range based around the top-quality meat which is characterised by marbling; making for great taste and tenderness. What’s more, Shorthorn farmers have excellent standards of animal welfare, traceability and nutrition to produce consistent quality.

In honour of British Pie Week, Morrisons has also revealed the most popular flavours at its Pie Counter. Top of the savoury list is Chunky Steak, closely followed by the Scotch Pie. Winner of the sweet crown was the Bramley Apple Pie.

Morrisons most popular Pie Counter pies:

1.     Bramley Apple 

2.     Chunky Steak

3.     Scotch Pie

4.     Steak & Ale

5.     Chicken & Gravy

Featuring in the Dine in for Two meal deal, the tasty main can be enjoyed as part of the £12 offer; a fraction of the price of other supermarkets. 

Steven Halford, Pie Buyer at Morrisons comments: “We’re really passionate about pies at Morrisons and love working with quality, British producers to create our own-brand range.

“The new Shorthorn Beef Pie is a prime example of this, and with our customers clearly fans of beef-based pies we hope it proves even more popular.” 

Morrisons has also introduced a range of deals on own-brand and branded pies. Offers include the Morrisons Family Pies (£2 down from £3) and Hollands Pies in selected stores only (50p down from £1.10).

Morrisons The Best Shorthorn Steak Pie is available now in stores and online for £5, or as part of the Dine in for Two meal deal (1 Main, 1 Side, 1 Dessert and 1 Drink for £12).

AVA calls for support as research shows COVID impact on vending and coffee service providers

The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has called on Local Authorities in Scotland to support the ‘vital vending industry’ as new research shows two thirds of operators have seen turnover reduced, with some losing all revenue completely.

Across Scotland, AVA members have experienced resistance when seeking help from Local Authorities despite specific funds being allocated in the form of ‘Additional Restrictions Grants’ to support businesses impacted by closures in the Leisure and Hospitality sector.

Ensuring that keyworkers have access to food and drink while carrying out their essential work has been at the forefront of thinking for those in the vending and food to go industry since to start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With restaurants and canteens being forced to close the option to get food on the go has been a lifeline to those on the front line of fighting the virus and saving lives.

Scottish Board Director of the Automatic Vending Association, Jane MacDonald (above), said: “Vending is a vital lifeline for those working to get Scotland through the pandemic and our members need support to continue to be there for our keyworkers.

“With canteens, leisure facilities and workplaces forced to close and numbers of those commuting cut significantly, vending has been severely impacted and as our data shows the level of impact is high.

“While products in other retail areas can be stored and sold at a later date, in the food and drink sector, expirations dates have passed during the forced closures resulting in further losses for these businesses.

“Food to go is an essential part of the food service industry, worth approximately £2.17 billion to the Scottish economy, and without the support of funding now, these businesses will not be around when the world eventually goes back to normal.”

For further information on the Automatic Vending Association visit: 

https://www.the-ava.com/

Saving the bacon!

Morrisons steps in to help struggling British Pig Farmers

– EU pork exports have collapsed in recent weeks –

– Morrisons slashes its pork, sausage and bacon prices to help farmers sell their products – 

– Pork loin to cost just £4 per kilo and gammon just 90p per 100g –

Photo credit: Jon Super/PA Wire

From today, Morrisons is offering cuts of pork, gammon, sausages and bacon at knockout prices, to help British pig farmers.

Britain is a significant exporter of pork. However, for the last six weeks the EU has taken substantially less British meat. As a consequence, a pork mountain is building up on British farms, and pig farmers are struggling to find a home for their produce. Morrisons has stepped in by slashing pork prices for 10 weeks from 22 February. It hopes the offers will boost demand and play a part in helping the farmers out. 

The prices of all of Morrisons British pork products will be cut. A pork shoulder – normally costing £4.20 per kilo – will cost just £2; a pork loin – normally costing £6 per kilo – will cost just £4; and a pork tenderloin – normally costing £7.50 – will cost just £6.

The majority of Morrisons The Best Sausages and Bacon will also be on offer at 2 for just £4, and all of Morrisons British gammon will be cut by one third to just 90p per 100g. 

Morrisons is also offering bacon or sausage sandwiches and a hot drink to take away from their cafes for only £3. Customers can pre-order their take away for pickup by calling 0330 808 9733.

Photo credit: Jon Super/PA Wire

Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons, said: “Britain produces some of the finest pig breeds and pork products in the world. But pig farmers are currently facing difficult times.

“We’re British farming’s biggest supermarket customer and feel it’s our duty to help. So we’re introducing knockout deals across our store – and hope this will encourage our customers to help farmers by buying more pork.”

Morrisons is British farming’s biggest supermarket customer. And has its our own expert Livestock and Produce Teams, who work directly with farmers, and take meat, fruit and vegetables direct from farms to its 18 meat, fruit and vegetable preparation sites. 

Morrisons pork recipes can be found on 

https://groceries.morrisons.com/content/recipes-by-morrisons-33805 

Bake-Off winner Peter serves up campaign to support Scottish food and drink

A new campaign celebrating the wide range of produce grown and made in Scotland has been launched with the help of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ winner, Peter Sawkins.

‘Scotland brings so much to the table’, a joint campaign by the Scottish Government and Scotland Food & Drink, encourages shoppers to explore Scotland’s vast natural larder and try more of the world renowned produce available on our doorstep. 

The campaign, which has a dedicated website onthetable.scot for people to find out how they can get involved, forms part of the Scottish Food and Drink Recovery Plan to support the industry to recover from coronavirus (COVID-19) and Brexit. 

With fewer opportunities to eat out over the past year, more people have been cooking meals at home from scratch – but many aren’t actually aware of how our shopping habits can directly benefit the Scottish food and drink industry.

Lots of supermarkets, local retailers, farmers’ markets and online delivery sites stock a huge range and selection of affordable, health, locally grown, made and sourced Scottish produce that the campaign encourages people to try more of.

A recent survey carried out by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership revealed that there has been an increase in people who have bought more locally sourced foods since the start of the pandemic.

The survey revealed that of those adults in Scotland who are red meat buyers, 14% started to buy local or bought more local red meat since the start of COVID-19 pandemic and 17% of adults started to buy or bought more locally grown and sourced vegetables.  

The research also showed that people who were buying more locally sourced products did so to show support to local farmers and producers, knowing that they were helping the local economy. They also felt the products would be fresher and of greater quality.

Peter Sawkins uses and champions Scottish products in his cooking and baking every day and is encouraging us all to follow suit.

Commenting on the campaign, Peter Sawkins said:  “Scotland has so many products that go beyond the classic haggis and salmon, from everyday staples such as eggs, milk and vegetables to the more unusual celeriac, nori and scallops.

“When I’m cooking at home I try to cook with seasonal local Scottish products as much as possible. Although most foods are available in the shops all year round, it’s important to buy locally sourced food when they are in season as they are never beaten on taste.”

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Scotland is renowned globally for our amazing natural larder and we must do all we can to protect and promote our successful food and drink sector. From farm to fork, from pier to plate, there is something for everyone to try. And much of our seasonal produce is affordable and readily available.

“We know the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit have both had a huge impact on the way people shop, eat and drink and it is more important than ever to show support for our local producers and everyone working in our food and drink industry. The Scottish Government is committed to doing just that and I am pleased to launch this campaign, which can help the sector recover from recent challenges.

“Whether you are a self-confessed foodie or a busy parent looking to make a budget-friendly family dinner, there is a wide range of Scottish ingredients and produce for every taste, budget and diet. I encourage everyone to explore what Scotland brings to the table.”

James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scotland’s food and drink sector is underpinned by farmers, fishermen, food and drink producers with a passion for what they are producing matched by their talent and ambition.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for them to have their hard work and passion seen by consumers. Our industry has an amazing story to tell and this our chance to tell it. 

“We have always had the ingredients for success but after a tough 12 months, our food and drink businesses need the support of the Scottish public now more than ever.

“From our award-winning meat and seafood to innovative bakeries and dairies, it is great to showcase the breadth of fantastic local producers and encourage Scots to appreciate the unrivalled larder that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.”

To find out just how much Scotland brings to the table and how to support the Scottish food and drink industry, tuck into onthetable.scot

Aldi named UK’s top in-store supermarket in Which? survey

Aldi has been named the UK’s favourite in-store supermarket in Which?’s annual satisfaction survey, while Ocado slipped down the online grocery rankings after shoppers struggled to secure delivery slots during the coronavirus pandemic.

The consumer champion surveyed more than 3,000 members of the public about their experience with supermarkets, asking customers to rate their shopping experience in a range of categories such as in-store appearance and layout, quality of produce, availability of online delivery slots and value for money.

German discounter Aldi emerged as the top in-store supermarket in the UK after receiving a five-star rating for value for money – the only supermarket to achieve this in the survey – and a 73 per cent customer score.

While Aldi received mediocre ratings across all other categories, including two stars for store layout and three stars for the quality of its own-label products and fresh food, price was the most important consideration for customers when choosing where to shop.

In 2020, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket to shop in six of the eight months it was included in Which?’s monthly supermarket price analysis.

In this year’s online supermarket survey, Ocado fell to joint-fifth place alongside Waitrose and Morrisons. It struggled to meet demand when the pandemic hit and was ultimately forced to close its website and app – the latter for several months. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it received just two-star ratings for the availability of delivery slots.

It also received two-stars for value for money, reflecting its regular appearance as the second-most expensive supermarket after Waitrose in our monthly analysis.

One Ocado customer told Which?: “During [the first] lockdown I really struggled to get delivery slots, despite being officially classified as vulnerable and having a monthly delivery pass.”

Sainsbury’s was the highest-scoring online supermarket with an overall customer score of 71 per cent and a four-star rating for the availability of delivery slots.

It was also named a Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) for its online service. The company’s high standards for food hygiene and clear nutritional labelling on its own-brand products also contributed to the decision to name it a WRP.

M&S came second in the in-store supermarkets table after receiving a five-star rating for the appearance and layout of its stores and the quality of its own-label and fresh products.

In joint-third place were Lidl, Tesco and Waitrose. Much like its rival Aldi, Lidl performed well when it came to value for money, achieving four-star ratings, but it failed to impress customers in other categories.

Despite receiving five stars for store layout and food quality, Waitrose was let down by its two-star rating for value for money.

Co-op finished bottom of the in-store shopping table as it failed to impress customers in key categories. It received just one-star for value for money, and two-stars for its store layout and food quality.

Harry Rose, Which? Magazine Editor, said: “Many households have felt the pinch during the pandemic, and value for money was the most important factor when shopping in-store in our annual supermarket survey – which explains why Aldi came out on top.

“Online supermarkets have also been a lifeline for many people during the pandemic, and while Sainsbury’s rose to the challenge by massively increasing its delivery capacity, Ocado’s reputation took a hit after the scale of demand meant it stopped accepting new customers and shut down its app at the height of lockdown.”

Get creative for Pancake Day with Cats Protection’s easy recipe

Looking to add some cat-themed fun to your Pancake Day? Or would you simply like to give your breakfast some moggy magic? Then have a go at our pawsome pancakes, decorated to look like cute kitties. 

You could take inspiration from our designs or style your pancakes to look just like your own cat. Don’t forget to share photos of your creations with us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram, we’d love to see them!

Remember, these pancakes are for humans only. Don’t feed them to your cat!

Vegan Cat Pancake Recipe

Makes 16 pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 300g self-raising flour
  • 1tbsp sugar
  • 1tsp baking powder
  • 1tbsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 400ml plant-based milk
  • Vegetable oil for cooking
  • Toppings (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, vegan chocolate sauce, plant-based yoghurt)

Method:

  1. Mix together the flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking as you go, until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Add 1tbsp of oil to a non-stick pan and put it on medium-low heat.
  4. Add a couple of tablespoons of batter to the pan and shape it into a cat face (alternatively, you could make round pancakes and cut them into cat shapes later).
  5. Cook the pancake for 3-4 minutes, until the surface starts to bubble, then flip it over and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until it’s golden on both sides.
  6. Repeat the process, cooking your pancakes in batches until you’ve used up the batter. You may need to add a little more oil to the pan each time.
  7. Use your toppings to create cat faces on your pancakes. Don’t forget the eyes, nose, mouth, whiskers and ears!

Looking for more cat-themed baking inspiration? Discover our Kitty Bakes series of recipes over on our YouTube channel

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How to have a Michelin star Valentine’s Day meal at home

Valentine’s Day this year, like so many other occasions, will be very different from what we’re used to. But that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate a romantic meal for two from the comfort of your own home.  

To help make Valentine’s Day a night to remember, Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture And Choice, alongside a leading Michelin starred front of house manager, reveal how to create a romantic, Michelin star worthy dinner.  

  • Get the lighting right  

Rebecca says: “Candles go hand-in-hand with romance thanks to the ambience they create when the lights are turned down low. Placing as many as is safe around the dining room and on the table itself will help create a lovely atmosphere.” 

Dimitri Marqueteau, Front of House Manager at Michelin Starred restaurant  Bohemia, adds: “For a romantic evening, don’t forget candles, but not a scented one as this could distract from the food. The light from candles rather than harsh light from modern bulbs will set the scene and bring a warmth to the room.” 

  • Pay attention to the little things  

Achieving a Michelin star involves painstaking judging, which means every tiny detail needs to be just right. When it comes to setting your table, Dimitri advises: “White tablecloths are a must to create that special feeling and they must be creaseless. We achieve this by re-ironing them when laid on the table, it is the small attention to detail that will be noticed on special occasions. All cutlery should be hand polished and placed perfectly on the table.” 

  • Setting the table  

Achieving an elegant dining table set-up needn’t be complicated but it can make all the difference when it comes to creating a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Rebecca advises: “When it comes to setting the table, keeping it simple is key for an elegant feel. Avoid clutter in the room and try not to overcrowd the table so you have plenty of space while dining. In particular, steer clear of any statement centrepieces, as these can easily get in the way of you both making eye contact, or perhaps holding hands across the table.”  

  • Get your pre-dinner drinks just right  

To get you in the mood, Dimitri advises: “Pre-dinner drinks are the perfect way to set the mood. For romantic meals, we always recommend starting with a Lanique Rose Fizz made with Lanique – Spirit of Rose, distilled from rose petals, topped up with Prosecco or Champagne. Valentine’s is definitely the evening to drink better rather than more, so select wines you know you both like and push the boat out a bit price wise, to really feel a bit special.” 

  • Minimise your kitchen time  

Nothing kills romance quite like having to run to and from the kitchen throughout the meal. Dimitri advises: “Ensure the food you select is easy to prepare or can be prepared in advance as you don’t want to have to be getting up and cooking all night, rather than being able to talk and laugh together. Consider the finish at home meal kits from top restaurants, to ensure the food is special, but simple to prepare so you and your partner can both enjoy your whole evening together. 

If you’re not spending Valentine’s Day with your partner, there is no need to miss out on a romantic evening. 

Rebecca offers her top tips on how to celebrate the season of love even if you can’t be physically together: “Valentine’s Day does not have to be just another day. Given the difficult times the country is facing, there is no better time to find the joy in little things and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up and sit down to a lovingly cooked meal.  

“Of course, there will be many people across the country who can’t spend Valentine’s with their loved one this year. There are so many ways to connect virtually now to still make the most of the day, such as taking the time to cook and eat together over a video call, creating a shared playlist to listen to, or watching a movie together on a platform like Netflix Party.  

“We hope these tips have got you in the mood for a romantic evening every Michelin starred restaurant would be proud of and have inspired you to do something different this Valentine’s Day. 

“Whether you’re spending it with your loved one, family or even friends, this is an opportunity to feel connected and keep spirits high.” 

SCOTTISH OYSTERS FOR £2.99?

AW SHUCKS, ALDI, YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE … !

It may not be the Valentine’s Day we expected, but lockdown lovers and sassy singletons can still indulge from the comfort of their own home with Aldi’s Specialbuy Scottish Oysters.  

On sale from today (11th February), there’s no need to shell out for the romantic delicacy, because love struck Aldi customers can pick up a pack of six fresh Scottish Oysters for just £2.99 (360g).  

They do say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and at these everyday amazing prices, there really is no reason to be shellfish this Valentine’s Day.  

The oysters are being supplied to Aldi specially for Valentine’s Day by a co-operative of small-scale shellfish farmers based on the West Coast of Scotland, who belong to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group. 

Grown in mesh bags that are laid on low trestles on the shore at the low tide mark, the oysters grow naturally by feeding from the nutrient-rich tidal flows of Scotland’s seas. As the oysters grow, they are checked daily by the farmers and regularly sorted by hand to ensure optimum quality.  

Derek Sharp, Commercial Manager at Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group, said: “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is great to see Aldi support our small-scale farmers, who work collaboratively to provide the best quality oysters. 

“Our oyster farms are Friend of the Sea certified, which demonstrates the use of responsible management systems, sustainability of production, social accountability and full traceability. Aldi customers can be confident that they are buying top quality produce.” 

Although typically associated with all things romance, oysters also boast a wealth of health benefits. Rich in both vitamins and minerals, they are a fantastic source of Omega-3, meaning that it won’t just be your other half looking after your heart this Valentine’s Day.  

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Oysters are known to be a delicacy, and we are really pleased to be working with the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group to give our customers a taste of luxury, at excellent value, this Valentine’s Day.  

“This is another step forward in our championing of top-tier Scottish produce, and a chance for customers to celebrate their love in style. Aldi’s oysters will make the perfect appetiser for a special Valentine’s feast at home.” 

Aldi’s fresh Scottish oysters are available from all UK stores from today (11th February) while stocks last. You can find your nearest Aldi store here.  

‘A day in the life’ of an oyster farmer 

Gordon Turnbull, Isle of Mull Oysters Ltd 

“An oyster farmer’s schedule depends on the tide and my days are dictated by the moon. Typically, I’ll arrive at my oyster shed on the Isle of Mull around 7am to sort and grade the oysters from the previous day.  

“I’ll wait for the tide to go out which reveals our trestle tables, home to between three and four million oysters at any one time.  

“Then its go, go, go. The oysters that aren’t ready for market are returned to the shore. We’re really working against the tide as we only have a short window, between two and three hours, when our trestle tables are visible above the water.  

When the tide comes back in we can take a short break and then its all go again a few hours later in the afternoon. 

“This is my typical day during spring tide, which occurs twice each lunar month, during full or new moons when the average tidal ranges are slightly larger. A typical spring tide lasts for about seven to 10 days and during this time, we work seven days a week. 

“Neap tides occur twice a month as well: when the sun and moon are at right angles to the Earth. When this happens, the tide does not go out far enough for us to access our trestle tables, so it’s a time for the oysters to relax and concentrate on growing, and I can get on with paperwork and general maintenance on the farm. 

“It takes an oyster three to four years before it is ready for market, so there is a lot of checking and sorting involved in the job. It’s important that as the oysters grow, they are rearranged so that they live next to ones of similar size: this helps the oysters get sufficient nutrients from the sea and allows them to grow at an optimum rate. 

“The conditions at the moment are perfect for harvesting oysters. High pressure is great because it makes the tide go out more, and that combined with clear, cold days is just ideal. Oysters tend to triple in size between June and October, so we spend the winter months sorting and harvesting, and the summer months sorting and carrying out the husbandry that creates the best possible oyster.  

“Being part of the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group has been so important in helping me to grow my business, particularly over the past year. The work they do on behalf of us is just terrific, and it allows us to put all our focus on growing the best tasting oysters.” 

Don’t know how to shuck?  

Ideally you need an oyster shucking knife, but any other type of stout, short-bladed knife will do.  

  1. Wrap a tea towel over one hand and use it to hold the oyster firmly, the flattened side facing upwards. 
  2. In the other hand, place the tip of the shucking knife at the base of the hinge (sharp end of the oyster), twist the knife using pressure, then lever the knife upwards, or twist it to prise the hinge open.  
  3. Slide the knife right along and under the top shell to release the oyster and remove the top shell.  
  4. Try and hold the oyster level so as not to spill any tasty juices (especially if you are eating raw).  
  5. Use the knife to cut along the bottom shell to make sure the oyster is free and clear of that shell too. 

Serve the oysters as soon as possible after opening. They can be enjoyed as they are, or with a simple squirt of lemon juice. Many people enjoy with a sprinkle of tabasco sauce. 

Grilled Oysters with Butter 

By Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group 

Serves 2 people 

Ingredients  

6 whole live oysters 

2 cloves of garlic 

2 tablespoons of olive oil 

3 tablespoons of unsalted Scottish butter, softened  

Squeeze of lemon juice 

Cracked black pepper  

1 tablespoon of parsley, chopped very finely  

Method  

Prep: 10 minutes 

Cook: 4 minutes 

Ready in: 14 minutes 

  1. In a bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients until well combined. 
  2. To keep the oysters upright, use piles of rock salt or rice if you don’t have any salt.  
  3. Divide the butter mixture between the shell and place under the grill for 2-4 minutes.