News

Zaytoun are expecting delivery into the UK of the newly harvested produce (5kg Almonds, 5kg Maftoul, and 500ml Unfiltered Olive Oil) around 14 December so I hope to dispatch to customers on or soon after 18 December.  I’m sorry it is cutting it a bit fine for Christmas.

I’ll be placing an order with Zaytoun on Monday, 30 November; if you place an order with me by mid-day 30th I can guarantee you will receive your order before Christmas.  I will continue to dispatch from stock, orders received by end of Thursday, 19th.

I have not yet heard when I will be receiving the pre-ordered 5kg almonds and 500ml unfiltered olive oil but once I receive these goods I shall be dispatching, hopefully, during week commencing 7 December.

Known as ‘nature’s fudge’, Medjoul dates bring a healthy, caramelly indulgence to both sweet and savoury dishes.  They pack a hefty nutritional punch into each mouthful, and athletes tell us they love them for their slow release of sugars.

Chop them into granola, whizz them into smoothies, add them to flapjacks or use them to make the best brownies and sticky toffee puddings!  Try Zaytoun’s quick recipe for date and nut bites, or their almond-stuffed chocolate dates.

They’re not just for those of us with a sweet tooth either!  Include them for depth and richness in savoury stews and tagines, add to rice, maftoul or freekeh pilafs, and they’re delicious chopped into a salad.

Medjouls love a filling, and can be stuffed with an almond, cheese or peanut butter for a wholesome energy boost, or filled and covered in chocolate for a decadent dessert.  Sometimes, though, simple is best and we enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee at mid-morning, although we wouldn’t say no to a Medjoul date with a square of dark chocolate popped inside!

But, at the end of the day (and I like a couple as dessert), simply enjoy them as they are.

The almond harvest this year has been a good one, although less so for the organic.  Zaytoun have been able to offer a price reduction on the 5kg pack based on the better harvest and by choosing a slightly smaller kernel size than the ones they have previously purchased.  The almonds are a growth area for Palestinian farmer livelihoods.

I expect to hear around the end of November when the almonds are to be delivered to me and I will notify the date to my subscribers.

During the harvest, the smell of crushed olives hangs in the air as the village presses receive the ripe, handpicked fruit from the trees. The arrival of the new season’s oil is a joy to see and taste. This organic cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil contains the light olive pulp that creates a blend with a fruity aroma straight from the olive groves and the peppery kick of a fresh pressing.

Olive particles and water are a natural outcome of crushing olives and initially produce a cloudy oil. In our year-round olive oil, the liquid is given time to settle and form a sediment before the oil is filtered to produce a clear golden-green nectar.

Unfiltered olive oil, on the other hand, is like fresh juice. It boasts strong health properties as it retains more polyphenols and anti-oxidants. It is also cloudy and has a short shelf life, and should therefore be consumed within 6 weeks of opening.  Unopened it will keep up to a maximum of one year.

This is presented in a reusable Costalata swingtop 500ml bottle (like the old ‘pop’ bottles).  I have ordered an additional quantity over and above the pre-orders I received.  It’s not too late to secure a supply but this may be a one-off opportunity so first come, first served.

I expect to hear around the end of November when the unfiltered olive oil is to be delivered to me and I will notify the date to my subscribers.