Tesco has announced it will be returning to the 2015 National Ploughing Championships this week, to showcase fresh and in season produce from over 40 of its Irish suppliers.
Visitors to the Tesco tent will be treated to cookery demonstrations with chef Eugene McSweeney, who will serve up delicious dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Some of the treats on offer include products from Tesco’s own brand range, which recently scooped 32 Great Taste Awards and 10 Irish Quality Food Awards.
This week also marks the start of the Autumn harvest for pumpkin, which have been growing since mid-May in Castlebellingham in Louth, with the first pumpkins of the season expected in stores in two weeks time. Tesco Ireland expects to sell more than 100,00 Irish pumpkins sourced from Louth-based Keelings’ grower Oisin O’Grádaigh.
Popular in autumn cooking, as well as being used for Halloween lanterns, the trick to selecting a pumpkin is to look for one that’s heavy for its size and has firm skin, says Tesco. Whole pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dark place with plenty of air.
Pumpkins are a good source of fibre, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals including potassium and Vitamin A. They make for a versatile autumn ingredient, working in soups, stews or even mashed up as a side dish.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
