KINGSCROSS HERBS

Fresh herbs, salads and vegetables
Gray's Cottage, Kingscross KA27 8RG
Contact: Robin Gray
Tel: 01770 700 586

 

Robin Gray's shoreside organic herbs and vegetables can be reached either from Whiting Bay, along the beach track, or by climbing down a steep path from the road end. What started during a period when he worked as a chef in Glasgow, has developed into a full time occupation.

It's late August and he's collecting seaweed from the beach for next year's compost. Meanwhile, inside a poly-tunnel there is a carpet of bright green, aromatic leafy basil, filling the air with its heady scent. Outside there is thyme, tarragon, parsley, bay leaf. Other less familiar leaves, such as feathery Japanese mizuna, succulent New Zealand spinach, curly red Russian kale, strong spicy red mustard, peppery rocket and tangy cress are the lively ingredients for his 'salad bags'. Radishes, garlic and several rows of Arran Victory potatoes add yet more variety.

The deep flavour and pungent aroma from these organic, and biodyamically grown, herbs, salad leaves and vegetables, is largely to do with their system of growing. None are forced with artificial fertiliser which may produce a faster growing leaf but at the expense of flavour. There is also the health advantage of their freedom from chemical pesticides.

Product Range: Complete range of freshly picked cooking herbs. Salad herbs and lettuces plus other vegetables including Arran Victory potatoes. Registered Organic and Demeter (biodynamic) symbols.

Distribution: Wholesale. Organic Box Vegetable Scheme, delivery throughout the island. On Arran: Burlington Hotel (Whiting Bay), Wineport Bistro, Auchrannie Hotel, Creelers Restaurant, Rosaburn Café at Arran Heritage Museum, Alldays and Good Food Shop (Brodick), Carraig Mhor (Lamlash). Delivery area: Local and Scotland.