The magic of discovering new food products

There’s something magical about discovering a new food product, whether it’s a snack tucked away on a local market shelf or a gourmet ingredient you’ve never heard of. It’s a moment of curiosity sparked, an adventure waiting to unfold with each bite or sip.

Each product tells a story. Maybe it’s crafted by an artisan using traditional methods, or maybe it’s an innovative twist on a classic flavour, often surprising us with unexpected tastes and textures that inspire creativity.

Discovering new food products fuels a sense of exploration, it’s a reminder that the world of food is vast, exciting, and always evolving, inviting us to savour every new discovery.

During a recent visit to Urru in Bandon, I had a delightful chat with food connoisseur Ruth Healy, which led to an impromptu exploration of her shelves. Ruth’s recommendations are always spot on, and this time was no exception.

I left the store with a variety of her suggested items, though one of them barely made it past the door—the Forest Feast chocolate-dipped sour cherries. A true revelation with the perfect balance of fruit, sweetness, and bitterness, I couldn’t stop snacking on them. Coated in 60% dark chocolate, these chewy morsels are just the right level of sweetness, making them an irresistible treat.

Forest Feast, an Armagh-based company with over 25 years of expertise, isn’t exactly new to me; I’ve long been a fan of their Berries & Cherries pouch. However, the chocolate-covered cherries have quickly claimed the top spot as my favourite.

Next on my list from them will be their Cookies & Cream almonds—another treat Ruth mentioned. Taking Ruth’s advice further, I also picked up a jar of cranberry jam from Tastees. This isn’t your typical cranberry sauce—it’s a well-set jam with a rich cranberry flavour that’s tart but not too sweet, and it pairs beautifully with cheese.

Based in Co. Louth, Tastees is certainly a food producer to watch, making more than just preserves—they also offer cookie mixes, dressings, and spice blends.

Another standout from my haul was Carraignamuc, a new cheese from The Lost Valley Dairy. This family-run farm in Inchigeela, operated by Mike and Darcie, makes cheese using raw milk and their own cultures, maturing it for up to five months. The result is a cheese with a subtle, earthy tang that reflects their dedication to sustainable farming and artisanal cheesemaking.

I was also introduced to Lolo’s Picklery’s delightful Tickled Pink pickled red onions. This jar of pickled perfection is made with coriander, fennel, and fresh lime juice, but even coriander sceptics shouldn’t worry—the flavour is very subtle.

Refreshing and slightly tangy, it’s a perfect addition to a charcuterie board or, as I discovered, delicious straight from the jar. It’s no surprise it won a Gold Blas na hÉireann award in 2022.

Lastly, Beara Bitters caught my eye. Made from organic alcohol and natural ingredients, these bitters are a concentrated burst of flavour. I picked up their Aromatic variety, which has a lovely cinnamon note, perfect for adding to a whiskey old fashioned.

All of these incredible products were purchased at Urru, but you’ll likely find some at Bradley’s in Cork as well. Supporting these innovative artisans and independent shops like Urru and Bradley’s is vital—they’re the lifeblood of local food culture, bringing unique, high-quality products to our tables.