The spotlight this week is on Newfields Organic Produce up in Fadmoor, just outside of York. The farm has been growing organically since 1990 and supplying Unicorn for much of this time. Taking over from the wonderful Rosemary Wass in 2020, John and his wife Rachel now run the growing operation which focuses on field-scale brassicas, potatoes and roots. Situated high up on the southern edge of the North York Moors, the farm boasts a whopping 200 acres of growing space and a soil composition reflecting more than 30 years of care and cultivation.
Around this time of year we start buying a lot of our produce from Newfields, this week we are expecting two pallets on Friday full of their wonderful offer. Frilly, tender Savoy cabbages, the first of the year, are looking especially good – as are the beautiful heads of calabrese broccoli, enormous kohl rabi pieces and bolt straight, green-shooted spring onions. We’ll also be receiving the first whole cavolo nero bunches, a mineral-rich versatile kale with a slightly bitter turning to sweet flavour, delicious in many different forms.
Newfield’s renowned selection of potatoes grown in their sandy, fertile, well-drained soil have long been a huge customer draw – choose from Charlotte, Sunita or Marfona this week and keep a look out for new varieties arriving all the time. If you’re interested in the different properties, textures and flavours of potato varieties, or have a specific recipe or use in mind, please ask a member of staff for some recommendations, we’re always happy to assist.
We spoke last week about John’s loyalty to customers like Unicorn, the understanding and appreciation he shows for our business is never taken for granted. Indeed, not content with a whole sabbatical month away from the shop, our UK buyer Will is currently working up at Newfields, helping with the harvest and spending some time getting to know the farm better. Talk about a busman’s holiday, Will’s dedication speaks volumes about his commitment to, and pride in, this amazing supplier.
