1 At last, gluten-free bread that tastes like the real thing. Lucy’s Gluten Free Loaves come in three varieties – The Sourdough One, The White One and The Seedy One – and, even better, they are also vegan and soy free and the packaging is compostable. RRP $12.50, order online at lucysglutenfree.co.nz
2 Another gluten-free goodie is Kiwi Red Quinoa, the crunchy cousin of the locally grown white quinoa we’ve grown to love from Kiwi Quinoa. Pioneers of the local industry, Jacqui and Dan Cottrell are growing chemical-free red quinoa with a fresh, clean flavour, no bitter aftertaste and an intriguing nutty taste with chew. See our recipe for lentil, quinoa & watercress salad on page 64. $12 for 400g. kiwiquinoa.co.nz
3 Josie & Gus Robinson (aka Mr & Mrs Pickles) have certainly delivered delicious in this beauty of a jar. Robbies Pickled Onions are just like Nan made but with rum and honey! Perfect for entertaining, on platters, burgers or just with a good, sharp cheese and a beer. $29 for a 1kg jar. robbies.nz
4 Made from top-quality sencha leaves, Hojicha Organic Matcha Powder is a green tea powder that is roasted over charcoal not steamed, giving it a nutty and toasty flavour similar to roasted rice tea. It also has much less caffeine than matcha. $23 for 50g from theamatcha.com
5 All the work has been done for you with Blackbeards Smoked Mussels – they’ve been sustainably farmed in Coromandel’s beautiful waters and smoked locally with New Zealand- grown mānuka, then blended with flavours such as makrut lime, chilli, garlic and dill. All you have to do is open the pouch. $13 for 210g. blackbeardsmokehouse.co.nz
6 Just so easy for your favourite iced coffee or smoothie this summer (or a sneaky espresso martini), Atomic Coffee Concentrate is coffee in a cask – yes, 80 servings of Atomic espresso blend, batch brewed and concentrated. $85 for 2 litres. atomiccoffee.co.nz
7 Anabelle Bouchées are little balls of French-inspired cow’s cheese that pack a mighty mouthful of herbs and garlic, all made from organic, A2 Jersey milk. Tip: when you’ve eaten the cheese slathered on crusty baguette, drizzle the flavourful oil on your best salad. $14.50 for a 200g reusable glass jar. anabelle.co.nz
