Juniper

Juniper is part of the coniferous family and vary greatly in size and shape, from 60m trees to low-lying shrubs. Being part of the coniferous family, they are also evergreen, with sharp needle like leaves, and slow ripening cones (often mistakenly called berries). Their preference for soil type is also of interest, not appearing to prefer either acid or alkaline soils – just as long as it’s an extreme and therefore growing in several location in North Wales. 

Sea Buckthorne

Sometimes going by the name Sandthorne, Seaberry, or Swallowthorn, Sea Buckthorne in the UK predominately grows along the coastline, picking up a wonderfully, detectable salinity from the sea spray, and surviving in conditions that many other plants and trees wouldn’t. Whilst Sea Buckthorn has repeatedly gone going in an out of favor in the culinary world, to us it provides an invaluable source of warming citrus, akin to that of orange peel.

Apple

Apples are just one of the many advantages of our climate. Typically we will use a blend of apples, concentrating on selecting varieties that deliver a soft sweetness, with a citrus bite. Of course there are a number of varieties that could be used to achieve this, but are preferred ones include Braeburn, Cameo, Cox and of course the UK favorite Royal Gala.

Elderberry

Generally not effected by soil tye, pH levels and just wanting a little sunlight, Elder commonly grows near farms and homesteads and in the UK makes up a significant part of hedgerow planting: probably in part due to the ancient folklaw the elder tree was thought to ward off evil and give protection from witches. But then again other myths cite the opposite, and when full with fruit whiches would congregate in groups under the elder tree.

Gorse flowers

Open windy, landscapes and mountainsides in North Wales, are at certain times of year, covered in these beautiful bright yellow Gorse flowers – often growing next to the brilliant purple of heather. Whilst we harvest gorse in the spring, when its flavors at there best, you will find one or two flowers on the bushes pretty much all year round. Hence the saying, ‘When Gorse Is Out of Bloom, Kissing Is Out of Season’.