The last time dear Blightly was in a recession, ITV decided to cheer everyone up by screening The Darling Buds of May. The show, based on the novels of Herbert Ernest Bates (a name to which we doff our bottle caps), follows the shenanigans of the loveable Larkin family on their farm in Kent. It starred the much-loved David Jason as Pop Larkin and launched the career of a little known Welsh lass called Catherine Zeta-Jones (who, as Mariette, ended up marrying a taxman – the poor thing). Re-run it, we say.

The larger than life Larkin family would no doubt approve of British Sandwich Week, which is currently in full swing. And as farmers, they’d probably opt for a classic ploughman’s. But according to The British Sandwich Association (who else?), a ploughman’s only ranks at eight in the top ten sarnie fillings favoured by us Brits. And, perhaps shockingly, there’s no place for cheese and pickle in the list. Here it is in full:

1. Chicken Salad
2. Mixed Selection
3. Chicken & Bacon
4. Bacon/Lettuce/Tomato
5. Prawn Mayonnaise
6. Chicken & Stuffing
7. Egg & Cress
8. Ploughman’s
9. Cheese & Onion
10. Chicken Caesar

We’re guessing a ‘mixed selection’ is one of those three-sandwich packets found in petrol stations across the country where you get two fillings you like and one that you don’t. But as Meat Loaf once bellowed, Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad.

One filling that rarely graces the Esso forecourts is Strawberry, Clotted Cream and Rose Petal. What a delightful sandwich! And we think we’ve got the perfect accompaniment….

Belvoir’s Raspberry and Rose Cordial

Belvoir’s Raspberry & Rose Cordial is a sweet, sensuous drink, packed with raspberries grown on UK farms and hand pressed by us. It’s perfect to quaff on long summer days as ripe raspberries help combat heat and thirst. Alternatively, use it as a base for cocktails: Try mixing 50ml gin, 75ml of lychee juice and 15ml of Raspberry & Rose cordial for a delicious Raspberry Blush.

Mythology says that raspberries used to be white. Things changed when a clumsy nymph,  furiously picking the fruit to appease a particular god’s rage, pricked her finger on a thorn. Blood spilled from her digit, forever turning the raspberries red. But don’t let that put you off. Roses are believed to make potent love potions, so Belvoir’s cordial balances not only taste perfectly, but also the anger of the gods.

In days gone by, raspberry juice was used to calm fever and gargling it would ease a sore throat. Raspberry syrup was said to dissolve tartar on teeth, too. So as well as making you feel better, your smile would be a couple of notches brighter.

Raspberries are high in querticin (whatever that is) and antioxidants which can provide a natural cure for hay fever.  Raspberry juice has reputed benefits for eye problems, mouth ulcers, toning the uterine muscles in pregnancy and is great for detox.

(Please note: Belvoir Fruit Farms is neither a doctor nor dentist; we are merely reporting herbal lore for the fruits and flowers in our products. We recommend you consult a medical specialist before declaring never to buy Lemsip, spectacles, Bonjela or toothpaste ever again.)

As for the rose petals, their scent is said to have an uplifting, restoring effect on the nervous system, and can relieve insomnia, lift depression, dispel fatigue and soothe irritability.

Of course, you don’t have to feel under the weather to buy our Raspberry and Rose cordial, it’s just as tasty even if you’re feeling right as rain. Speaking of which, where did those first signs up summer go?