Irish specialities in UK

I love to discover new products especially if they come from old and traditional companies or small independent producers. At an event where Ireland introduced some of these gems I've picked some favourites. All the products can be found in UK especially boutique delis or food halls at Selfridges, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, so it can be possible to start thinking of spreading your Christmas shopping with something that can be bought and stored.

Clonakilty Blackpudding and Whitepudding have been a discovery for me. I've never eaten black pudding and I must admit, I've really liked it. I've grilled it and then eaten with chutney but I've noticed that the Clonakilty Blackpudding has got few tasty recipes which I'm going to try. I've seen these products sold in Morrisons, Asda, Waitrose. If you go to their website you can find the list of stockists in UK www.clonakiltyblackpudding.ie 

Ballymaloe Relish is perfect spread on the black pudding, at least this is how I've sampled it and I've found them delicious. The products are made at the Ballymaloe House using vegetables from the organic farm annexed. The Country Relish with its rich tomatoes grown on the farm is a delicacy that matches perfectly cheese, meat, salads and more. It is sold in the United Kingdom in several independent shops and some Tesco branches. Check online at www.ballymaloecountryrelish.ie to find a store and start stocking up on this delicious treat.

The Burren Smokehouse produces the most amazing organic smoked salmon I've ever tasted recently. The best shops in London know about them because it is possible to find it at the Food Halls of Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and the Fine Cheese Company in Bath. Their salmon is delicious. I've sampled the seaweed one, the lemon and dill and the plain one, honestly they were tasty and the perfect centre piece at a dinner as star canapes. It is possible to buy online as well at www.burrensmokehouse.ie

Green Saffron Spices is a family business and they are specialised in spices and spices blends. For Christmas their range include a mulled wine mix, a warm fragranced concoction of spices for one of the most popular winter drinks. What I find very interesting is the Turkey delight, a mix of spices that will give a new taste to leftovers after Christmas. Many independent shops in UK stock their range of cooking sauces and spices, so it is worth it to check online at www.greensaffron.com to find out which one is closer to you.

Honey is a passion of mine and the Mileeven Fine Foods has got a great range of preserves and honey, the latter with the Sarah's Honey label. The range include Honey with Ginger, with Cinnamon, Lemon, Orange or with Sour Cherries, Raspberries and more. Harrods and Selfridges stock Mileeven  products, or you can buy online. Check their website at www.mileeven.com 

Hadji Bey Turkish Delight are scrumptious and once you open a box you can't stop until you see the bottom. At the beginning of the 20th Century an Armenian student opened a shop in Cork selling Turkish Delights that appeared on the Irish market for the first time. After more than 100 years in Ireland they still love them and now the company is starting to launching them in UK, they've got a distributor in Dorset and hopefully we will see them stocked nationwide. Check online for more news soon at www.hadjibey.ie