Even before the pandemic was a thing, buying fresh veg and meat direct from producers was already lifting off, and the pandemic has only served to accelerate their growth. We put one such supplier to the test.
Coombe Farm Organic, based Somerset near Crewkerne are meat producers who farm organically, sustainably, and ethically. Instead of supplying supermarkets, they sell directly to the general public and deliver fresh meat products to your door.
Buying from Coombe Farm was very easy and they even offered next day delivery, but they also offered other dates for convenience.
Coombe Farm meat products
Their range of organic meats is quite impressive and includes all the staples, such as Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, Pork, Duck, Goose, and they even offer retired dairy beef.
For those that have a richer selection of taste buds, they also have all the popular game products, including Pheasant, Pigeons Partridge, Wild Rabbit and Venison.
Who doesn't love a sausage? These organic pork chipolatas are super delicious and just perfect for making pigs in blankets.
Combe Farm are championing Goat meat
Interestingly enough, they also have a section dedicated to Cabrito Goat meat, which they say complements their philosophy of sustainable farming.
Most meat-eaters in the UK haven't tried goat meat before, despite it being one of the most widely eaten meats around the world. If you like tasty, lean meat, it's one to try for sure. Female goats are used for their dairy but male goats are usually mostly wasted due to to the lack of demand for their meat. Coombe Farm Organic wants to change that and good on them. We added some to our order.
Our order arrived exactly when they said it would and it was nicely packaged in a cardboard box with recyclable ice packs. They can be reused for stuff like picnics and when you no longer have use for them, simply snip them with scissors to empty out the water and then put them in the recycling bin. The vacuum packs that keep your meat nice and snug can also be recycled.
It's worth purchasing a decent-sized order because you can freeze the product as soon as you open the box and use them as and when needed. That will save you some time queueing in the supermarket and the cuts are way nicer.
Coombe Farm Organic goat mince meat. A meaty and very tasty alternative to regular beef mince. Gives your spag bol a little extra edge.
Good value for money
Price wise, Coombe Farm Organic is very competitive. Sure they have some products that are a bit posh but they also have lots of excellent choices for the more frugal shopper, including a specials section.
Meat aside, they also stock a range of other food items and condiments. Herbs & Spices, Pies & Pastries, Natural Tallow & Fats, and Organic Bread. Plus, they even have an Organic ready meals range with offering such as Fish Pie, Beef Lasagne, Cottage Pie, Shepherd's Pie, Chilli Con Carne and Vegetable Curry.
The ready meals on offer also have very detailed ingredients listed nice and clearly. Storage guidelines and cooking instructions are also provided, which takes the guess work out of whether or not the products are right for you.
Our purchase came in at £66 and a few pence and from the looks of it, should be able to feed a family of four for about 10 days, which works out to just under £7 per family meal.
If you're thinking about trying them out, you will find the website really easy to use and if you need some further reassurance, they have a telephone number at the bottom of their page so you can talk to a human about their products and your order.
This isn't the end for the supermarket meat counter but producers like this are here to stay and a much needed help for people with busy lives and foodies who love eating well and enjoy variety. Not to mention their mission is to provide sustainable meat, which is something we all want.
Next: 
Previous: 
