The Larkhill flock in Cornwall is a remnant from earlier times when Debra used to show the poultry; the eggs were not originally a primary concern. Although they always thought the excess bounty of eggs tasted wonderful, it wasn’t until their friends and family raved about how truly special tasting they found them that they decided to put them to the ultimate test and see how the judging panel at The Taste of the West rated them. As a result, here they are today with 2 Gold Awards in 2021 and 2022, and they were crowned Taste of the West’s Champion Egg in 2022.
Debra explains “It’s a small flock, (biosecurity reasons), we hatch and raise our own replacements and have not needed to outsource since the eighties. The birds live a completely natural life, they are free range in the true sense of the word.”
Winning the Taste of the West egg class is “A dream come true” says Debra, they were delighted with comments such as ‘delicious little eggs! They cook beautifully and the flavours and textures – of both the white and yolk – are utterly amazing!’. Debra goes on to say, “Taste of the West Membership means we are more than happy to be included alongside the premier artisan food, drink and retail outlets, promoting the best of West Country produce.”
Larkhill’s goals for the future are to continue improving the high standards of their eggs. “Our eggs are appreciated by those who want an entirely 100% natural flavoursome and healthy product, without needing to resort to artificial additives or colourants, and specifically those that would appreciate a product that is from a bygone era, and nigh on impossible to source. The cost of maintaining a flock of hens which lay a maximum of 50 eggs per year (355 for a commercial layer) means that apart from our regular private sale customers, we are looking to expand the business. As we are such a very niche product, it makes sense that we supply further Michelin starred restaurants, and that would go some way to offset the costs of production.”
To find out more about Larkhill in Cornwall, please call Debra on 07732 699186.
For a full list of all finalists and overall winners in the Taste of the West Awards 2022 please visit www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/champions.
Taste of the West’s Product, Hospitality & Retail Awards 2023 are now open for entries.
To find out more about entering please visit www.tasteofthewest.co.uk/business/awards.
