Product of the Month

What’s special this month..

Asparagus

IT’S BACK! Fresh local Asparagus straight from the farm in Eastry – £4.75 for 500g.

Not only is it very fresh but it’s packed with vitamins A, C and K. Unlike much of the asparagus in supermarkets which travel thousands of miles, our asparagus is picked only 10 miles away.  ‘Wonky’ asparagus is available so we’re also helping to reduce food waste. Get your fill of this lovely seasonal veg!

Health Benefits of Asparagus (source BBC Good Food):

1. Supports gut health

Asparagus is one of a number of vegetables that act as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria which live in our digestive systems, helping them thrive and increase in number.
Encouragingly, research has shown that cooked asparagus may be useful in gastrointestinal conditions as it helps to regulate the digestive system, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting repair.

2. May ease hangovers

There is some evidence that asparagus may help ease some of the symptoms of a hangover due to both its fibre and flavonoid (protective plant compound) content. The research even suggests that asparagus may help reduce damage to the liver caused by alcohol, although further research is needed.

3. A rich source of folate

Asparagus is a rich source of folate, a vitamin which is important for making red blood cells and for cell division – the synthetic version of this vitamin is folic acid.
Folate is an essential nutrient during pregnancy because it is needed for foetal development and protects against neural tube defects including spina bifida. Just 120g of asparagus (boiled) will provide your daily reference intake (RI) (200mcg). However, the NHS recommends that women planning a pregnancy or in the first trimester of pregnancy obtain 400mcg of folic acid a day.

4. May help relieve inflammatory conditions

Not only is asparagus rich in vitamins like vitamins C and E but it also contains plant compounds called polyphenols, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects, and is why eating asparagus may relieve inflammatory conditions.

5. May lower blood pressure

It’s understood that increasing your potassium intake while reducing salt has a positive effect on high blood pressure. Asparagus is a good source of potassium, with one portion providing about 5% of your daily reference intake (RI).
In addition to this, animal studies suggest that a natural compound in asparagus acts as an ACE inhibitor helping dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. It does this by preventing an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels making your blood pressure higher. Although this is a promising finding, the same effects have not, to date, been replicated in humans.

Is asparagus safe for everyone?

Asparagus is high in purines, compounds that increase the body’s production of uric acid and may influence conditions like kidney stones and gout. Therefore, if you’ve been advised to reduce levels of purines in your diet, asparagus may not be appropriate for you.
It is possible to be allergic to asparagus – if so, you may also be allergic to other members of the same botanical family, including garlic and chives.
If you are not accustomed to fibre in your diet, eating a generous portion of asparagus in one sitting may result in bloating and wind. Some people also cite having smelly urine after consuming asparagus. This is because asparagus contains a compound called asparaguisic acid which is broken down into sulfur-containing compounds, which have a strong smell.

 

 

The village shop really is the hub of the community. You can guarantee that you will always bump into a friendly face and catch up on village news. The range of products available in the shop is amazing and has always met our needs as a family. It’s great to support local, healthy produce also. We send out gratitude to the many volunteers that run the shop and make Barham the wonderful place that it is to live in. Thanks

Having had the pleasure of helping out here a few years back , I saw first hand the dedication and hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make this such a wonderful hub of the community.

Such thought goes into every part of the running of this place ,that then appears smooth and effortless. Staff that no matter how tired, or surprisingly busy doing the behind the scenes stuff (that most of their shoppers wouldn’t even realise goes on ) are genuinely always friendly, helpful and respectful to their customers and colleagues alike.

Further supporting the community by always stocking local produce and listening to and acting on customer needs , with regards to any special dietary issues or just stocking a favourite item of someone who cannot get to larger stores in town anymore. If you’ve not been in before, you’ll be surprised by the choice available.

Lovely seasonal displays a well kept and inviting outdoor area and the innovative green light entry system further add to making this a safe, pleasant and well deserving recipient of this award.

Massive well done to all involved “

 

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