The islands' organic hill lamb and mutton is unsurpassed, thanks to
heathery, salty pastures which produce a superb, quite unforgettable
flavour. Reestit mutton is still prepared in the traditional way, and the
wonderful potato soup based on it is an essential part of Shetland's
Christmas, New Yea and Up-Helly-Aa celebrations.
Though far fewer in number
than sheep, cattle are to be seen on the better pastures and local butter,
milk and beef are available.
Shetland still produces excellent potatoes and other root vegetables.
Cabbage is widely cultivated, the young plants grown in planticrubs - small
stone enclosures protecting the crop from wind and sheep - which intrigue
many visitors.
Nowadays,
though, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, peppers, coriander and strawberries
figure on a lengthening list of produce from glasshouses in the islands.
In
contrast to many communities in the north of Scotland, Shetlanders can
choose bread from any of several local bakeries, and enjoy local real ale
from Britain's most northerly brewery in Unst.
A
delicious, delicately flavoured amber honey is produced near Lerwick.
All this superb local produce is, of course, supplemented by the wide
range of food available in supermarkets and specialist shops, but remember
that if you buy local products, you'll help both the Shetland economy and
the global environment.
