Intervew: A Scots Larder
Scottish food blogger, and proud owner of A Scots Larder, Graeme Taylor, finds the colours, flavours and heritage of Scotland inspiring.
He blogs to explore Scotland's natural larder, to highlight niche producers and promote our heritage recipes.
Taste Caledonia had a chat with Graeme to talk about his career and Scotland's food industry.
At what age did you realise your love for Scottish food?
I think I always did without realising it. Probably in the late nineties when I moved away from Scotland I realised there was a distinct flavour I missed.
You food blog as a hobby rather than a job, do you do it for fun or because you think it's important for people to learn about Scottish food?
It's definitely for fun but also because I want to share with as many people as possible both the amazing produce and flavours we have in Scotland and also the wonderful food heritage from our ancestors and through the people who have made Scotland their home from overseas. It's important for us to connect with land, sea and season again and hopefully I do a little of that.
"Be authentic and never lose your integrity"
You say on your website that you’re taking historical Scottish recipes and adding a contemporary feel to them, do you think this is what we need to do to keep Scottish food culture alive?
No I don't believe so, it's just something which I enjoy doing. I think there is a place for the old and new alongside each other and also blended together. I think the important thing for Scottish food culture is for the movement towards greater understanding of our local seasonal produce as our grandparents did, to continue.
Do you think food blogging is important?
I wouldn't say it's important no, I think it's a fun thing to do and a great way to share experience but wouldn't place a great importance on it.
Places like Spain and France very much have their own food culture, whereas Scotland doesn’t so much have this. Do you think it’s important to promote our own produce and food industry?
I think it's important for scots to become more attuned to the produce on our doorsteps. I think this is what defines Scottish cuisine. In these European countries there's much more of a movement towards sourcing produce from local markets and specialists and sitting down to eat meals together. This would definitely improve the perception of Scottish food culture if we rediscovered these things.
In my experience, when people come to Scotland they are told to try haggis, Irn Bru, and deep fried foods. People say this is dumbing down what people think of our food culture, but at the same time these things are traditionally Scottish too. Where do you stand in this argument?
I think haggis is a wonderful product when made well and there's a definite history behind fried food and how it got into the Scottish cuisine. I think there's a stereotype of Scottish food that isn't helpful at times when it convolutes into deep fried mars bars and such. The word traditional can be overused at times and I'd like to present a different outlook to Scottish food than that held by many outside of this country.
Tell me your top 3 favourite Scottish recipes of all time?
Cullen skink, roast venison haunch and cranachan would be up there as a stunning meal!
Can you tell me your favourite recipe that is specifically Scottish?
I'd say Cullen skink. A wonderful use of the ingredients available and packed full of flavour.
Do you attend food festivals at all?
I've been to Loch Fyne festival but don't get to as many as I'd like.
If you could give one piece of advice to a food blogger, what would it be?
Be authentic and never lose your integrity
Where would you want your food blogging to be in 10 years?
I guess as with many it would be nice to have a book. I've published an ebook but to have your flavour on a bookshelf would be wonderful.
Are you there enough good suppliers for local food suppliers in Scotland?
Yes I think there are many outlets for sourcing excellent Scottish produce with lots of farmers markets and excellent suppliers around.
How important do you think it is that people shop at local businesses?
I think it's vital. It's how we best connect with the food we eat and start to become healthier as a nation. You'll support the local community and in all likelihood get a better product at a lower price.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I think the cuisine of Scotland is defined by the produce and those who produce it. Historically scots ate thriftily with the seasons and this concept is what I think we should always see as defining Scottish food.