So Christmas trees are edible. Who knew? Well actually, the concept is not entirely new to us, since this particular Good Food Ireland® team member was shown how to infuse organic honey with fresh pine from a Christmas tree some years ago, by a Polish friend who had learned this from his grandmother. The tree in question had been brought in and out of the house in its pot every Christmas for four years. It was part of the family until it got left behind in the garden during a house move. There was wailing and sobbing and gnashing of teeth. It still tugs the heartstrings just thinking about it. The honey was delicious.

Summer is reaching its productive crescendo in the next few weeks. Gardeners out there know this is the time when produce is coming thick and fast. The problem isn’t what fresh produce is available, more like what to do with it all! This is the time to get the preserving pans out, as gardeners and home growers try their hands at chutneys, pickles and relish in an effort to save some of summer’s tastes for the winter months.