Cooks looking to try something different in the kitchen can now sample a range of ‘unusual’ oils from new Welsh company Calon Lan Ltd.
The Anglesey based company be launching its range of oils at the International Food and Drink Event (IFE) - the UK's largest dedicated food and drink exhibition which takes place at London’s ExCel (March 18-21).
The oils - including hemp, avocado, and camelina come eye-catching bi-lingual bottles. The camelina oil is described as ‘up front & bold with a bit of attitude’, while the avocado is ‘elegant, charming, and oh so smooth’, and the hemp is ‘sweet, nutty & ready to party!’
While consumers may be aware of the culinary properties of oils derived from avocados or hemp, camelina oil is a relative unknown in the kitchen.
Originating in the Mediterranean, its appearance is that of a cross between linseed and rapeseed, with a distinctive yellow flower.
Camelina oil is high in the all important omega 3 fatty acids and also vitamin E, the oil is low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for today’s consumers.
“It is very good for cooking and has a relatively high smoking point similar to olive oil,” says Geraint Hughes, Calon Lan’s Director.
“Indeed camelina oil should be treated the same as olive oil and is great for dipping, salad dressings and pasta sauces - it can even be used in recipes for soups and smoothies.”
The Llangefni company is a partnership between Geraint Hughes - former manager of the Centre for Alternative Land Use at the University of Wales Bangor, and north Wales enterprise agency, Menter Môn.
The venture has received funding from the LEADER + European Community initiative which assists rural communities.
Geraint has used his knowledge of arable farming and alternative crops to create Calon Lan (which means pure heart in Welsh) and in the next few weeks farmers on Anglesey will be planting crops of camelina and hemp, with the eventual aim of producing the oils locally.
“We market our oils as being ‘No Ordinary Food’ and the support and response we have had has been fantastic.”
Currently available in independent retailers in North Wales, Calon Lan’s oils are also used by a number of restaurants in the area.
Also at IFE on show for the first time will be Calon Lan’s Dukkah - a Mediterranean based grain dish made from seeds, spices and salt.
“It is again made from camelina seeds, along with, mint, pepper and Halen Mon salt - ideal for dipping or as a rub for meat,” says Geraint.
MORE DETAILS: Sheila Coleman 01792 817532 / 07968 357474
Email: sheila@colemanroberts.co.uk
Calon Lan Ltd
Llys Goferydd
Bryn Cefni
Llangefni
Anglesey
LL77 7XA
Tel: 01758 612621
Email:geraint@madryn.co.uk
Contact:Geraint Hughes
