There’s nothing I like more than fresh fruit and veg and high quality produce. So there’s nothing more disappointing that a box containing funky-looking (and not in a good way) bananas, bendy broccoli and tomatoes which are so squishy they could only be used in a passata. I’ve tried several fruit and veg delivery services and whilst they’ve been convenient (no lugging heavy shopping bags from the shops) they’ve not been perfect. And then along came Farmdrop.
Farmdrop was set up by Ben Pugh, formerly a Morgan Stanley stockbroker, who, frustrated by the lack of seasonal and locally-produced food and motivated by the death of his mother in 2012, wanted to see farmers and local producers getting fairer pay whilst at the same time elevating small suppliers’ prominence to customers.
By working directly with producers and after a successful crowdfunding campaign, Farmdrop was ready to start bringing together quality-driven customers with local farmers and organisations. According to them, Farmdrop helps suppliers receive fairer prices and allows customers more accessibility to fresh, locally sourced, competitively priced food. Farmdrop tries to promote sustainability by supporting these smaller producers and at the same time, aims to source items within 150 miles although they admit that occasionally they have to look further afield.
I was offered to try out Farmdrop and having seen nutritional scientist, Toral, from The Urban Kitchen rave about it, and Ashlie’s glowing review on Healthy Living London, I naturally jumped at the chance.
First stop, was the website; Farmdrop is essentially an online shop that offers free home delivery for orders over £25. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll find yourself in foodie heaven; there is literally all sorts of exciting things to whet the appetitie, some of which I’ve never heard about before. From all sorts of organic fruit and veg, to black garlic and watermelon radish, I had to remind myself that before I launched into random purchases, I need to ensure I had the time and an idea of what I was going to do with these ingredients. Plus, I’m not actually that keen on radish in the first place…
I must admit, and this is something that surprised me, I’m not actually that adventurous! I stuck to some staples, which meant mostly fruit and veg, and was pleasantly surprised to find that a lot of the prices were competitive, if not more reasonable, than the local fruit and veg shop in Highbury.
One thing I was sad not to see available to buy was fresh turmeric. They have organic ground turmeric but I’ve got several friends who find it hard to source this so was hoping this could be an option for them. Farmdrop, if you’re listening, get some turmeric on the menu!
There is such a huge range of items, including chilli jelly, unpasteurised yoghurts, meats, fish, fresh bread and even exciting sausage rolls! I find it very difficult to resist scotch eggs and sausage rolls, especially when they come from trusted providers. As well as standard mixed fruit and veg box options, there were a range of utter genius bundles too, such as the Eggs Benedict Bundle. Yes please!
The delivery
Well within my allotted time-slot, a lovely Italian delivery man turned up with an overflowing Farmdrop box. To be honest, I’d forgotten most of what I’d ordered (aside from the sausage rolls, how could you forget those?!!) and in my excitement unpacked it on the floor in my lounge so I could survey my upcoming feast. The tomato juice that I’d specifically chosen for it’s yellow colour on the website met expectations – it was indeed yellow! I did get a little worried when I saw the micro-coriander – was this going to be one of those impulse buys which sits in the fridge hopefully but never gets used? I also had ordered vine tomatoes, purple carrots, purple potatoes, sugar snaps, quinoa (the shop near me sells it for an outrageous £7!), brocollli, baked beans, blood oranges, blueberries, Bramley apples, blood orange marmalade, sourdough bread grapefruit and organic ginger.
It’s now Friday and since delivery on Wednesday, I’ve shoved micro coriander on everything from smashed avocado to soup, munched on raw, sweet sugar snap peas, added fat juicy blueberries to my morning porridge (and snacked on them too) and enjoyed a meal of sausage roll with purple potato mash and broccoli. I can’t wait for my grapefruit breakfast and to use the blood oranges in my morning smoothie (I love it with lemon, ginger and turmeric).
Final Thoughts on my Farmdrop Review
As someone who doesn’t eat a lot of meat, I struggled to spend £50. However, everything I’ve had so far has been delicious. I’ve been impressed by the quality of the fruit and veg and the driver’s concern for re-using and recycling packaging. I love the range of products available, especially the organic selection (I’m not a fan of supermarket fruit and veg). Price-wise, I think it’s reasonable although for certain items, such as the mango and figs (£2.60 and £2.50 respectively) that’s more than I’d pay. Farmdrop reminds me a lot like shopping at a farmer’s market, but without having to trek anywhere!
Prices for individual items range from 50p but if I know quality is guaranteed and these items are coming from producers who are getting paid a fairer wage than in supermarkets, I’m more than happy.
Farmdrop, you may just well be the solution I’ve been looking for!
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