LANDSCAPE
The landscapes of the county really do influence the variety and quality of food and drink produced.
The coastline and inland waterways provide great quality fresh fish and shell fish. Oysters for example are grown along certain stretches of the coast where the growing conditions are more favourable.
The wheat and barley grown is typically used in brewing and baking. Suffolk has some big brewing players such as Greene King, Adnams and St Peters Brewery, but an interest in micro breweries and specialist ales really does create a broad range of locally distinctive products which will no doubt secure the emotions of any keen ale drinker.
A range of vegetables are produced in key areas where the fertile soils are evident; the sandy soil in some parts enable the growing of asparagus where drainage is vital. This has also led to a concentration of small vineyards producing award wining English wines whose yield and quality improves year on year.
Moving on from grapes to apples; Suffolk still has a number of orchards, both large and small whose apple juice and cider is extremely wholesome and fresh in taste.
Pastures and grazing land throughout the county host dairy cattle herds whose milk is used is a wide range of diary products, including the production of ice cream, crème freshe and cheeses, whilst the presence of beef cattle is evident and a greater awareness in rare breeds has led to a great deal of interest in the native Red Poll breed. The breeding of pigs is extremely evident in the county and this serves to endure the fine reputation of Suffolk hams and bacon. The forest and woodlands provide a range of succulent wild game meat and is a must try.
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