Dropping into Brock!

Posted on by Adam Page

On Saturday afternoon, we gave a very berry welcome to Laura from New Forest Fruit at our Brockenhurst store! Not only did customers and staff get to try a tasty new treat, but we also heard about all the environmentally friendly methods used at New Forest Fruit.

Laura from New Forest Fruit at our Brockenhurst store

Environmentally friendly business      

Based in Beaulieu, New Forest Fruit has grown strawberries on the same site for over 15 years. Sustainability and the environment are at the forefront of the decisions made. One method used is specially designed sensors placed within the strawberry crops. These sensors indicate the humidity, temperature, and moisture levels of tunnels. The information provided allows the team to adjust the conditions within the tunnels, and as a result, the plants are healthier, which helps to reduce wastage.

A brand-new healthy summer snack

The summer is officially strawberry season, and there’s nothing better than enjoying deliciously sweet berries! However, there’s also a demand for dried fruit as a healthy ‘on-the-go’ snack alternative. This is something New Forest Fruit has considered, and as a result, launched a new product – called Pulsed Dried Strawberries.

The best thing about this product is – no added sugar or preservatives, only strawberries grown on the farm. These can be crushed and sprinkled over cereal or used in baking. Plus, pulsing splits the cells of the strawberry, so the berry can rehydrate and is ideal for infusing in drinks such as sparkling water or a celebration glass of prosecco! If that wasn’t enough, the packets are 100% compostable – so you can give a little back to nature too.

Summer picnic inspiration

The summer holidays are right around the corner, and if you are planning a picnic this summer, why not add this delicious, healthy, and nutritious alternative? The new range by New Forest Fruit Snacks is available now at your Welcome store – have you tried them yet?

Aligned business goals

At Welcome Stores, we work hard to use as many eco-friendly practices as possible, which is also achieved by being involved in several local initiatives. This work also allows us to support other businesses, like New Forest Fruit, to do the same. Pop into your local branch to hear more.

Rainbow frozen fruit kebabs

Posted on by Adam Page

Freshen up with these fruity treats — the tangy lemon curd and yogurt dip is a game-changer!

  • Feeds 24Feeds 24
  • Ready in 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 300g pack Co-op melon & mango fingers
  • 1 kiwi fruit, peeled
  • 24 blueberries
  • 12 red or black grapes, halved
  • 200g Co-op Greek style natural yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Co-op lemon curd
  • You‘ll also need 24 cocktail sticks

Method

  1. Cut the melon and mango into even pieces — you’ll need 24 pieces of mango and 24 of both types of melon
  2. Cut the kiwi into 24 similarly sized pieces
  3. Thread one piece of both types of melon, mango and kiwi onto each cocktail stick
  4. Finish with a blueberry and a half-grape
  5. Put the mini fruit kebabs on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and freeze for 2 hours, or until frozen
  6. Put the yogurt in a bowl and swirl through the lemon curd
  7. Serve with the frozen kebabs

Each serving contains

  • Energy 1%105kj 25kcal
  • Fat Med 1%1g
  • Saturates Med 3% 0.6g
  • Sugar Med 4% 3.3g
  • Salt Low 0%0.01g

% of adult’s reference intake | Carbohydrates per serving : 4g

Strawberry cheesecake bites

Posted on by Adam Page

These delicious mouthfuls have all the flavour of the popular dessert, but require a fraction of the effort

  • Feeds 16Feeds 16
  • Ready in 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 large Co-op British strawberries, hulled
  • 200g Co-op light soft cheese
  • 2 tbsp Co-op strawberry jam
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
  • 60g Co-op ginger nut biscuits

Method

  1. Using a small knife, carefully cut away some of the insides of each strawberry, leaving a hollow
  2. Mix together the soft cheese, strawberry jam and lemon zest, if using, until smooth
  3. Using a teaspoon, fill each strawberry with the mixture
  4. Put the ginger nuts into a freezer bag, then bash into fine crumbs with a rolling pin
  5. Tip onto a saucer and dip the end of each strawberry into the biscuit crumbs to coat
  6. Serve immediately

Each serving contains

  • Energy 3% 228kj 54kcal
  • Fat Med 3%2g
  • Saturates Med 6% 1.2g
  • Sugar Med 5% 4.9g
  • Salt Low 2% 0.11g

% of adult’s reference intake | Carbohydrates per serving : 7g