As the first blossoms of spring unfurl in Winterborne Houghton, our tranquil trout farm begins to buzz with the promise of new life. The fresh, crisp air is filled with the sounds of nature awakening, and the crystal-clear waters of our aquifer-fed ponds glimmer under the soft sunlight. This is the time of year when we celebrate not just the arrival of warmer days, but also the exquisite flavour of our Winterborne strain of rainbow trout, cultivated with care and precision from egg to plate.
At Houghton Springs Trout Farm, we take pride in the unique characteristics of our trout, which thrive in the pure chalk spring water of the Winterborne aquifer. This environment not only nurtures the fish but also shapes their distinctive flavour profile. As we prepare for the upcoming season, we’re excited to share how you can make the most of our delicious trout, whether you’re a home cook planning a family meal or a chef looking to impress your diners with a seasonal offering.
Spring Menu Inspirations for Chefs
As a chef, the arrival of spring is an invitation to embrace fresh, vibrant ingredients. Our Winterborne trout, with its delicate texture and subtle taste, pairs beautifully with seasonal produce. Imagine a dish featuring pan-seared trout fillets, served atop a bed of lightly sautéed wild garlic and asparagus, finished with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil.
For those looking to incorporate our trout into their spring menus, we offer consistent grading options, allowing you to select sizes that suit your dishes perfectly. Whether you prefer whole trout or portioned fillets, our reliable traceability ensures you know exactly where your fish comes from, right back to our carefully managed broodstock.
Prep Note: When preparing trout fillets, consider keeping the skin on for a crisp finish. Season with sea salt and a hint of black pepper before cooking to enhance the natural flavours.
Home Cooking with Houghton Springs Trout
Cooking at home with our Winterborne trout is not only rewarding but also a delight for the senses. Let’s share a simple yet elegant recipe that can be on your table in just 30 minutes—a perfect midweek meal that feels special.
Lemon and Herb Baked Trout
Ingredients:
- 2 whole Winterborne trout, cleaned and scaled
- 1 lemon, sliced
- A handful of fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, and thyme)
- Olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan oven).
- Place the trout on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the fish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of each trout with lemon slices and the fresh herbs.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with seasonal vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.
This dish showcases the lightness of our trout, enhanced by the zesty lemon and fragrant herbs.
A Taste of Provenance
What sets our Winterborne trout apart is not just the care with which they are raised, but also the quality of the water in which they thrive. Our aquifer-fed ponds maintain a constant temperature and flow, ensuring optimal living conditions for our fish. This attention to detail results in a flavour that is clean and fresh, something our regular customers have come to cherish.
In fact, we’ve found that our trout often receives rave reviews for its taste and texture, with one local chef sharing that they consistently receive compliments from diners, who are pleasantly surprised by the fish’s rich yet delicate flavour.
Ordering Tip: For your upcoming spring menu, consider pre-ordering your trout to ensure availability. We deliver across Dorset and nearby counties, with flexible lead times to accommodate your needs.
Join Us in Celebrating Spring
As we welcome the season of renewal, we invite you to take advantage of the unique offerings that Houghton Springs Trout Farm provides. Whether you’re a chef crafting a new menu or a home cook seeking to elevate your dining experience, our trout is a wonderful choice.
Explore our range of eggs, fry, fingerlings, and market-ready trout. Each delivery is carefully packed to maintain freshness, ensuring you receive only the best quality.
Let’s make this spring a season to remember with the delightful flavours of Winterborne trout.
Reach out today to place your orders or request samples for your restaurant. Together, let’s celebrate the bounty of spring!
