Fionagh and Richard Harding left investment manager roles in London, in 2006, to buy a 350-acre farm, near Bude in north Cornwall. With a young daughter, hardly any experience (except what they had garnered from The Archers) and not much of a long-term plan, it was certainly going to be a steep learning curve.
With hard work, determination and a commitment to making their farm a success, however, they now produce award-winning artisan charcuterie, including fermented sausages, air-dried meat, soft patés and – our personal favourites – rillettes. Some of the produce is made from their own free-range meat, including pork from the farm’s own British Lop breeding sows, perfectly complemented by the finest Cornish ingredients.
Cornish Charcuterie won the prestigious Producer Retailer of the Year 2017 at the National Pig Awards in recognition of their fine selection. Their Norton Barton Farm was also granted Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) status in 2015, one of only two FEZ in Cornwall, thanks to their work as part of the Norton Barton Artisan Food Village, the only in the UK.
What is a rillette? It literally means cooked, shredded meat and is a traditional French preservation method. The meat is seasoned and slow cooked, the outcome is a courser style of pate.
Cornish Charcuterie won the prestigious Producer Retailer of the Year 2017 at the National Pig Awards in recognition of their fine selection. Their Norton Barton Farm was also granted Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) status in 2015, one of only two FEZ in Cornwall, thanks to their work as part of the Norton Barton Artisan Food Village, the only in the UK.
They have also succeeded in reaching 100% clean energy usage, from their wind turbine and other forms of environmentally friendly energy. The use of glass jars and cardboard labelling, also ensures their packaging is recyclable.
They are a growing team and it’s great to see them going from strength to strength.
All of the rillettes are made from scratch at the Cornish Charcuterie, made by sourcing ingredients as locally as possibly – even rearing some of the pigs that go into the pork products. This is true ‘farm to fork’ produce, using only high-welfare meats and poultry.
The delicious products have continued to receive critical acclaim since the company began, with awards in both the Taste of the West and Great Taste Awards. At hampers.com, we can offer you both the Pork Rillette and the Duck Rillette with Black Cherry. An indulgent luxury, waiting to be enjoyed at the perfect picnic or summer lunch.
The Duck Rillette with Black Cherry offers a rich flavour with a slight sweetness thanks to the combination of black cherries steeped in Cherry Marnier. It pairs perfectly with crackers or crusty bread, and a glass of Muscadet.
We are also pleased to offer the award-winning traditional Pork Rillette, poached in duck fat, lightly seasoned and shredded for a truly traditional taste. Cut a thick slice of crusty sourdough, spread out some wafers and enjoy with a large glass of Cornish cider. Anyone else feeling hungry?
