Longford artisan food producer wins award with midland flavours

Heartlands Orchard are the proud winners of a bronze award by the food quality awards.

They were awarded on September 11 in the all year round relish and chutney section. They had already been selected to represent Longford in the midland flavour marquee at the national ploughing championship last week and were delighted to add the award to their stand. The whole event was a great success with an incredible attendance and cooking demonstrations from chefs Yvonne Carty and Gary O’Hanlon using products from the food producers in the marquee.

Read more: Taskforce request has been made by local authority to boost Co. Longford area

Nestled in the countryside of Co. Longford, Heartlands Orchard is a family-run producer of artisan chutneys and preserves. The business is proudly owned and run by the Parkes family, who live and work on the grounds of their Victorian farmhouse
and 100-year-old orchard. The story began in 2019, shortly after the family moved in. A walk through the overgrown orchard sparked something—a desire to restore the trees and share their beautiful fruits.

Today, Heartlands Orchard produces a range of handmade, small-batch preserves using traditional methods and natural ingredients. Most ingredients are grown on site including the apples, beetroot, onions, courgette amongst more.

Read more: Catherine Fulvio urges Longford TY students to get brewing for Hospice

Their current products are:

• Beetroot and Apple Chutney – earthy, sweet and sharp, it’s delicious alongside cold meats, in salads, or on a cheeseboard.
• Ploughman’s Chutney – rich and savoury, perfect for cheese boards, sandwiches, or sausage rolls (trust us—it works!).
• Apple & Rhubarb Sauce – the most versatile of the lot, it’s beautiful with soft, creamy
  cheeses, roast pork, or sausage rolls, and also shines as a dessert topping—try it over ice cream or custard (a family favourite).

Follow them Instagram to find a stockiest in your area