A preserves business is celebrating national success, after one of their products achieved top marks at a coveted food and drink awards.

Ty’r Gobaith’s Pantry, based in Llangattock, has been announced as one of the stars of 2021 by Great Taste - all thanks to a particular pickled product.

Their very own ‘Pickled Cucumber’ was awarded the highest accreditation from the foodies at Great Taste - one of just 11 top marks awarded across the whole of Wales.

An exceptional 270 Welsh products, ranging from small independent artisan producers to large scale distributors, have been successful at the awards, with 190 products achieving 1-star, 69 receiving 2-stars and 11 earning the gold stamp of approval with 3-stars.

 Every year a panel of distinguished judges made up of top chefs, cookery writers, food critics, restaurateurs and fine food retailers gather to sample the nation’s best food and drink and this year, Welsh producers did not disappoint.

The process involves judges blind tasting in teams of three or four, ensuring they “get a balance of expertise, age and gender” before finalising their decisions.

As well as 3-star recognition for their pickled cucumber, the company were also awarded a further 1-star award for their tasty blackcurrant and liquorice jam.

Ty’r Gobaith’s Pantry was established in 2017 by Prue and Gavin, a small husband and wife team, who take great time and pride in the food that they produce.

They make their preserved using either vegetables or fruits grown by them, foraged fruits and herbs or from surplus produce.

Only crafting small batched of preserves at a time, they endeavour to make their products different from the everyday items you can get in the supermarket.

Ty’t Gobaith’s winning pickled cucumber was praised by judges, who left glowing reviews on a number of factors, including the balance of flavour with sweetness and spice and the cut and crunch of the vegetables.

One judge commented: “Excellent balanced flavours. The vinegar has a good depth which works superbly with the sweetness. Enormous care has been taken in the preparation of the vegetables, which have retained their delicious crunch and interesting mix of textures. The spicing is perfect and the pop of the mustard seeds adds interest and crunch.”

Reacting to the news of their award, the Llangattock couple said: “We are delighted to have been awarded 3 stars for our pickled cucumber.

“This is one of the products that Prue makes. We believe the reason the pickled cucumber is highly regarded is we use our home-grown cucumbers which are turned into pickle within minutes of picking.

“Prue also cuts them by hand, giving them an even and consistent crunch throughout the pickle.”

Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers, and has been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food said: “The standard of Welsh entries this year has been outstanding considering the challenges of the last 18 months.

“Great Taste is recognised as a stamp of excellence among consumers and retailers alike. It is a fantastic achievement and a tangible sign of the quality and excellence, which reflects the ever increasing commitment and dedication by Welsh food and drink producers to the fine food sector.”

All 11 of the 3-star Welsh products, including Ty’r Gobaith’s pickled cucumber, are now up for the regional title of ‘Golden Fork from Wales’, which is set to be announced on Sunday October 17, 2021.