TRACKLEMENTS AND BRITISH CHARCUTERIE – A PERFECT PAIRING
There is something deeply satisfying about a hunk of warm, springy bread, a spread of rich, fruity chutney and a sliver of intense, delectable charcuterie. No surprise then that on tables from Cumbria to Cornwall, Suffolk to Scotland, there’s an explosion of sharing plates featuring artisan British charcuterie with handmade savoury preserves.
These two storecupboard essentials share more than just history and purpose – both have their roots firmly in a time before refrigeration and both were used to preserve the end of summer bounty for the lean winter months ahead. They also share their preserving technique of reducing water which gives them the rich, intense and concentrated flavours for which they are so treasured and which is why they partner up so well.
What better way to celebrate their growing popularity than to ask three of the UK’s leading charcuterie makers, all winners in the 2018 British Charcuterie Live Awards, which celebrate excellence among farmers, butchers and chefs, to choose their favourite Tracklement to serve alongside their award-winning products.
James Swift of pioneering producer Trealy Farm Charcuterie has been making his Gold Award-winning Monmouthshire Air Dried Ham since 2004. He recommends Tracklements Red Pepper & Chilli Jelly; “The sweet and gentle heat of the jelly perfectly complements the dry tang of our much-loved Gold Award Winner.” For another of their Award winners – Hot Smoked Bath Chaps – he suggests Tracklements Cucumber & Sweet Pepper Relish “a really perfect Charcuterie relish with a great fresh taste making it the perfect match.”
Jean and Martin Edwards of Deli Farm started their artisan Cornish business in 2006. For their SilverAward-winning Cornish Coppa they recommend Tracklements Sticky Fig Relish “they work so well together, both have strong flavours but hold their own and complement each other beautifully.”
Tempus Foods, the Champion Producer run by Tom Whitaker and Dhruv Baker, use the Large Black pig breed for their Smoked Jowl. “Tracklements Pickled Onion Charcuteriment is the perfect foil for our buttery, mellow jowl. We’re also great fans of the combination of earthy Tracklements Beetroot & Horseradish Relish with our delicate and subtle spiced loin.”