Kokova Magazine

You can't beat fresh, homemade soup. But we don't always have the time or the ingredients to hand to make it when we crave it most - and for that reason having a few pots of Tideford Organics soup in the fridge is the perfect answer.

With all pots being gluten- wheat- and some dairy-free, as well as containing no GM products, they really are a good 'comfort' food to keep to hand - especially as the nights draw in and the temperature plummets.

Tideford Organics have been cooking from their kitchens in South Devon, producing award winning organic, chilled soups, sauces, pestos, porridges and puddings since 1996. They have always stayed true to their roots, using only organic ingredients, cooking like you would at home and stirring and tasting every recipe that leaves the factory. And it shows in the soups that we were sent to try.

The Organic Farmhouse Chicken Soup with Lemon & Thyme and Organic Minestrone with Gluten Free Pasta were the first to go - along with the Organic Smoked Haddock Chowder with Organic Leeks and Peas.

If three empty pots are testament to their contents then we have to say that this little selection has received top marks. The consistency is spot on - neither too lumpy nor blended to a textureless liquid. Each pot is big enough to share and will keep for up to three days once opened. The great news is that they are also suitable for home freezing.

Chowders are not usually a favourite with us but the Smoked Haddock Chowder from Tideford Organics certainly changed some views and quickly became the favourite flavour. Served with warm, crusty buttered bread it is great soul food on a cold, winter's day.

There are a lot of soups on the market today and many cheaper ones to choose from, with supermarket's own variety dominating a lot of shelf space, but if you are looking for a soup that is consistent in taste and texture throughout then Tideford is the soup for you.

With the emphasis very much on health and flavour this wonderful range of soups are full of delicious seasonal vegetables, providing a nutritious meal for any time of the day. Available in 600g pots and 300g microwavable pots with heat proof sleeves - perfect for those on the go.

All Tideford Organics products are Soil Association accredited, organic, gluten free, wheat free and many are low salt, low fat, vegetarian and vegan. Organic Spicy Butternut Squash with Sweet Potato will certainly be a hit with Butternut lovers and has a smoother texture than the Chowder, Minestone and Chicken but it is again constant all the way through and does not fall flat on taste.

Having the Organic Spinach & Split Pea with Nutmeg and Organic Carrot & Coriander left to try we are certainly looking forward to supper later - and will definitely be looking out for more Smoked Haddock Chowder the next time we are shopping for soups.

The Tideford Organic range includes sauces, pesto, rice pudding and porridges. The rice puddings have won many awards, including 'Soil Association Pudding of the Year' and are made using rich organic milk and cream. Newly launched, the porridges are made with organic milk from the South West and jumbo oats, which are available in two fabulous flavours - Vanilla and Cinammon.

For more information visit www.tidefordorganics.com