Parrish Farms

It's never been easier to pickle the perfect onion using our super simple pickling recipe. Here at Parrish Farms we have 90 years’ experience growing and pickling our own pickling onions and shallots using this recipe so hopefully you'll have the same success with it as we do. Ingredients 750g onions or shallots, peeled 600ml Malt Vinegar (or enough to cover your onions) 1 Tablespoon Pickling Spices (or your chosen spices) 1 Tablespoon Salt (canning or pickling salt recommended as these do not contain the anti-caking agent that can spoil brine) 1 Litre Jar 1 Tablespoon Sugar (Optional) Additional table salt Method Place your peeled onions in a bowl, sprinkle over some table salt and leave covered for 24 hours. This process helps them stay crunchy. In a saucepan, bring your vinegar, salt, sugar and spices to the boil to make your pickling liquid. Rinse your onions, dry with kitchen paper and spoon into sterilised jars. If you have any leftover spices, you can add them at this stage if desired. Pour the hot vinegar into the jars, making sure your onions are completely covered. Once cooled, tightly lid your jar and place in the fridge or keep in a cool place. We recommend waiting at least 2 weeks before eating.   Consume within 3 months

At Parrish Farms, we take pride in upholding the highest environmental farming standards, following the LEAF Marque principles. We are always seeking innovative ways to protect local wildlife and support the recovery of endangered species in Bedfordshire. While we care for all creatures, we recognise that some need more targeted assistance. That’s why we’ve chosen four key species to monitor and provide the resources they need to flourish on our farm. Barn Owls Barn Owls are a cherished sight at our farm, gliding silently over the fields during warm summer evenings. Despite their widespread presence across the UK, their numbers plummeted during the 20th century due to harmful pesticides such as DDT. Fortunately, these chemicals have since been banned, but Barn Owls still need safe habitats to breed and thrive. To encourage their recovery, we have installed several owl nesting boxes in secluded, sheltered locations where they can breed undisturbed. Each year, a licensed bird ringer visits to monitor their nesting progress, and we are delighted that many Barn Owls have successfully raised their young in these spaces. Additionally, by preserving woodlands, planting hedgerows, and allowing sections of our land to grow wild, we support a thriving ecosystem that ensures a steady supply of prey for our Barn Owls. This approach not only benefits these majestic birds but also strengthens biodiversity across the farm. Great Crested Newt The Great Crested Newt is one of the UK’s most protected amphibians, and we’re proud to be making a difference for them right here on the farm. These remarkable creatures depend on clean, well-maintained freshwater habitats to breed, as well as terrestrial spaces to shelter and forage. To support them, we monitor our pond life year-round, and we carry out monthly water quality checks in our rivers and reservoirs. Reeds have been planted to provide shelter and spawning areas, while banks are regularly maintained to prevent erosion and improve access for wildlife. Here's an example of how we cleared out an overgrown pond and transformed it into an incredible, healthy aquatic ecosystem. The top photo shows the pond shortly after clearance, while the second captures how vibrant and full of life it is now. We removed excess silt, invasive vegetation, and shaded overhanging branches to restore open water and sunlight, both of which are essential for healthy ecosystems. These improvements have boosted oxygen levels, encouraged aquatic plants to thrive, and created ideal breeding conditions for Great Crested Newts and other freshwater species. It’s a powerful reminder that a little thoughtful intervention can go a long way in supporting pond life. Yellowhammer The Yellowhammer, with its bright yellow feathers and “a-little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese” song, is a welcome sight and sound across our hedgerows. Sadly, this once-common farmland bird is now in decline, largely due to the loss of suitable nesting habitats. Yellowhammers prefer to nest in short, dense hedgerows next to ditches or rough field margins. They build their nests low to the ground and raise chicks well into late summer. For this reason, we avoid any hedge, ditch or margin cutting between 1 March and 31 August, giving these ground-nesting birds the best possible chance of a successful breeding season. We’ve planted new hedgerows and are improving old ones through traditional hedge-laying, an effective way to thicken and rejuvenate hedges while creating shelter for wildlife. All hedge work is carefully timed to avoid disturbing any active nests. With these efforts, we’re building a landscape where Yellowhammers can safely return and raise the next generation. Bumblebees Wildlife conservation isn’t just about birds! Pollinators like Bumblebees play a vital role in our ecosystem, particularly in agriculture. Without them, UK farmers would face an estimated £1.8 billion increase in pollination costs, which would significantly impact food production. Alarmingly, eight Bumblebee species in the UK are endangered, with two already extinct. To support these essential pollinators, we’ve designated large areas for nectar-rich wildflowers and hedgerows, ensuring a continuous supply of pollen throughout the year. We also provide safe nesting spaces by preserving undisturbed grassland and installing specialist Ceramic Bumblebee Nesters, giving these busy insects the best chance of survival.

When it comes to pickling onions, size matters. While smaller onions have their place, large pickling onions offer several unique advantages that make them a preferred choice for many home cooks and professional chefs alike. From ease of preparation to superior flavour and texture retention, here’s why opting for large pickling onions can be a smart choice. 1. Easier Handling and Preparation One of the biggest advantages of using large pickling onions is their ease of handling. Larger onions are simpler to peel, slice, and prepare, saving you valuable time in the kitchen especially when working with large batches. Their size makes them easier to grip, reducing the frustration that often comes with peeling and trimming smaller onions. 2. Versatility in Use Large pickling onions offer greater versatility in how they can be used. They can be pickled whole for a bold, eye-catching presentation, or sliced and halved to suit different culinary needs. Whether added to sandwiches, salads, or served as a garnish, their size allows for more creative applications in both home and professional settings. 3. More Intense Onion Flavour If you love a strong onion taste, large pickling onions are an excellent choice. Their larger size often results in a more pronounced and robust flavour, which infuses beautifully into pickling solutions. This enhances the depth and intensity of the final pickled product, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bold, tangy taste. 4. Better Texture Retention A key challenge in pickling is maintaining the perfect crunch, and large onions excel in this area. Due to their lower surface area to volume ratio, they soften less during the pickling process, allowing them to retain their firmness and satisfying bite for longer. If you prefer your pickled onions to have a crunchy texture, larger varieties are the way to go. 5. Impressive Appearance Presentation matters, especially when serving pickled onions as part of a meal or appetiser platter. Large pickled onions make a striking visual impact, whether displayed in jars, served whole, or incorporated into charcuterie boards. Their size adds an element of sophistication and makes them an appealing feature in various dishes. 6. Less Shrinkage During Pickling Smaller onions tend to shrink significantly during the pickling process, altering their appearance and texture. In contrast, larger onions retain more of their original size and shape, ensuring that they look as good as they taste. This makes them a reliable choice for those who value consistency in presentation. 7. More Economical Option Buying larger onions can be more cost-effective, particularly when purchasing in bulk. You get more usable onion per unit, making them a budget-friendly option for those who do a lot of pickling. Whether you're pickling for personal use or commercial purposes, larger onions can help you maximise your yield. Why Choose Large Pickling Onions? With their ease of preparation, robust flavour, superior texture retention, and visual appeal, large pickling onions are an excellent choice for anyone looking to create high-quality pickled onions. Whether you’re an experienced pickler or just starting out, these onions provide a practical and delicious solution for all your pickling needs. Explore our range of baby, medium, and large pickling onions to find the perfect fit for your recipes!

A Bold Step Towards Sustainable Farming In 2024, we took a significant leap towards sustainability by introducing Biofumigant Mustard, a revolutionary alternative to traditional pesticides and chemicals. This remarkable crop serves a dual purpose: acting as both green manure and a natural biofumigant. Not only does it enhance soil health, but it also releases powerful, naturally occurring compounds that combat stubborn weeds and pests. The Magic of Biofumigant Mustard Planted in late spring, Biofumigant Mustard transforms fields into a breathtaking sea of golden yellow flowers within just three months. While these vibrant blooms are visually stunning, the real impact comes when the plants are mowed and rapidly incorporated into the soil. Timing is crucial—this must be completed within an incredibly short 20-minute window to retain the crop’s natural pest-fighting gases. Following this rapid incorporation, the field is given time to breathe and regenerate. A five-year break ensures the soil is fully rejuvenated and primed for onions to flourish once more. By adopting Biofumigant Mustard, we are not just growing crops; we are cultivating a healthier environment for generations to come. Why Use Green Manure Crops? Green manuring is an ancient yet highly effective agricultural practice involving the incorporation of green plant tissue into the soil. This economical and practical technique helps restore soil vitality while offering an array of benefits, including: Enhanced Soil Fertility & Structure – Adds essential nutrients and organic matter. Improved Soil Aeration – Creates a healthier environment for root growth. Increased Water Infiltration & Retention – Helps the soil retain moisture more effectively. Erosion Control – Reduces the impact of wind and water erosion. Boosts Soil Biodiversity – Encourages the proliferation of beneficial microbes and organisms. Ideal for Organic & Conventional Farming – Works well in integrated crop management (ICM) and low-risk input systems. Higher Yields in Subsequent Crops – Leads to measurable improvements in crop productivity. For vegetable growers, green manure crops significantly reduce weeding costs, lowering reliance on herbicides and minimising the need for manual or mechanical weeding. Understanding the Biofumigation Process Biofumigation is the process of suppressing soil-borne pests and pathogens through naturally occurring compounds, predominantly isothiocyanates (ITCs), released from Brassicaceous plant tissues. When these plant tissues are damaged, glucosinolates interact with the enzyme Myrosinase in the presence of water to produce ITCs. Unlike simple green manure crops, Caliente Mustards and Nemat have been specifically bred to produce substantial biomass and contain high levels of glucosinolates and enzymes essential for effective biofumigation. Additional Uses of Green Manure Crops Beyond their role in sustainable farming, Caliente Mustards can be utilised in various agricultural practices, including: Forestry and Tree Production Protected Cropping Ornamental and Hardy Nursery Stock Cut Flower Production Bulb Production Viticulture (Wine and Table Grapes) A Sustainable Future with Biofumigant Mustard By incorporating Biofumigant Mustard into our farming practices, we are taking a proactive approach to sustainability, enhancing soil health, and reducing our reliance on synthetic chemicals. This innovative approach ensures a healthier, more productive agricultural future while protecting the environment. Join us on this journey towards a greener, more sustainable way of farming!