With so much produce homegrown and reared in Lincolnshire, it should come as no surprise that the county is renowned for its traditional delicacies. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most delicious Lincolnshire food and drink on offer today.
1. Lincolnshire Sausages
Made with pork, these chunky sausages are heavily flavoured with herbs - predominantly sage, but sometimes parsley and thyme too. A lot less peppery than the Cumberland sausage, the Lincolnshire sausage is known for its distinctive herby taste and course texture. The perfect sausage for bangers and mash, or a cooked breakfast.
Stop by Redhill Farm Shop in the Bail for the ultimate Lincolnshire sausage - their award-winning product was featured in the Top 3 Best Sausages in the UK by BBC Good Food Magazine. Visit in the week for a hot sausage sandwich, or one of their delicious homemade sausage rolls.
2. Plum Bread
Lincolnshire Plum Bread is a succulent tea loaf, filled with dried fruit and flavoured with cinnamon and nutmeg. Now one of the most famous fruit loaves in England, the original recipe was first created in 1901 by Lincolnshire baker, Charles Myers. A firm favourite with the Royal family, Lincolnshire Plum Bread is traditionally served cold with cheese, or toasted with butter.
To sample a piece, pop into Bells Tea Shop on Steep Hill. They serve their Plum Bread with a slice of Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese - and a steaming cup of tea. Comfort food at its finest.
3. Haslet
The word Haslet derives from the French word ‘hastilles’, meaning entrails. Pronounced ‘Hazelet’, this Lincolnshire delicacy is essentially a pork loaf, heavily flavoured with sage. Made by hand, a traditional Haslet is created using the same ingredients as the Lincolnshire Sausage. Instead of being piped into a casing, the sausage meat is shaped into ovals and roasted until brown. Haslet is designed to be sliced and eaten cold, typically served with pickles and salad - or as a sandwich filling.
Visit the Doddington Hall Farm Shop and you can pick up some locally made Haslet on their deli counter. Enjoy it with a thick slice of warm, fresh bread - and a dollop of wholegrain mustard.
4. Stuffed Chine
Stuffed Chine is another Lincolnshire delicacy made from pork. This particular cut of meat is taken from between the shoulder blades (the neck chine) and preserved in brine. It is cured for up to ten months, before being deeply scored. Herbs, predominantly parsley, are stuffed into the cuts, and the meat is then simmered or steamed. If prepared and cut properly, there should be alternate stripes of pork and parsley when the chine is sliced. Considered to be an acquired taste, this salty meat is served cold, traditionally with a splash of vinegar. Enjoy it with a salad or alongside a jacket potato.
Although producers of Stuffed Chine are sadly diminishing, you can still find it at a number of local butchers across Lincolnshire. Try Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop in Gainsborough or Curtis’ in Lincoln for the most authentic recipe.
5. Cote Hill Yellow Belly Cheese
Named after the infamous nickname for a person from Lincolnshire, Cote Hill Yellow is a mild cheese with a subtle tang. Produced in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Cote Hill Yellow is left to mature in its wax, allowing it to retain moisture and develop a rich, buttery taste. At Cote Hill Farm, freshness is key. Milk is taken straight from the cows to the cheese making rooms, where it is handcrafted into their award-winning products. By not pasteurising the milk, it allows its full flavour to be a part of the finished product, resulting in some seriously delicious cheese.
Head to The Cheese Society in Lincoln to sample some of Cote Hill’s delicious creations. Purchase some to take home, or take a seat in their cafe where you can enjoy hot and cold cheese dishes, meat platters and wine.
6. Lincoln Gin
Ever wondered what the spirit of Lincoln tastes like? The Lincoln Distillery have captured it perfectly. Situated on the banks of the Fossdyke Canal in Lincoln, this family-run distillery produces a premium range of craft gins. Distilled in small batches, each bottle is finished by hand, ensuring the highest quality and taste. Their flagship product, Lincoln Dry Gin, is distilled with locally inspired botanicals, celebrating the history and heritage of the city. Packed with flavour, this refreshing gin is also available in London Dry, Cask Aged and Navy Strength varieties.
Lincoln Gin is stocked in selected Co-op stores across Lincolnshire. Alternatively, distillery owner Matt usually has a stall at the Lincoln Farmer’s Market, so you can meet the maker - and try a sample or two!
