Devon Seasonal Recipes, Traditional Devon and Westcountry Produce

Enjoy traditional Devon dishes, including the famous cream tea and Devon pasty! Then why not try your hand at some delicious Devon inspired recipes, developed Head Chef of Cafe Paradiso, Hotel Barcelona. 

Devon's lush pastures and miles of coastline mean the quality of its locally produced food and wines is difficult to beat!

Famous for the Devonshire cream tea, a delicious combination of scones, clotted cream and jam, the county is also home to numerous vineyards due to the perfect vine growing conditions - the warm climate and sheltered, south facing slopes.

The Devon pasty is another favourite dish amongst locals, and visitors will not want to miss the chance to try a Devon Chunk pie or pasty - made with local, free range meats, veg, cheeses and ales. Devon Chunk pies can be found at numerous delis and cafes including the Ducks Ditty Floating Cafe Bar at Tiverton Canal, and at River Cottage Stores in Axminster.

We have found a delicious recipe for Exeter Pudding - a traditional sponge and raisin pudding from Exeter!

Food and agriculture is an essential part of Devon's economy, landscape and culture. We aim to support the local production and consumption of food in Devon because it is more sustainable in terms of the environment, economy and community.

Buying Devon's local food benefits the whole county...
Economically - greater employment opportunities for local people and the retention of more money in the area
Socially - improved diets as local food is often more nutritious, increased opportunities for the community to be involved in food production, the revitalisation of services such as village shops and also a better understanding of the links between health, food and the environment.
Environmentally - reduction in 'food miles' (how far food has traveled from production to plate) the encouragement of more sustainable farming practices and the preservation of locally distinctive landscapes and traditional skills and culture.

How can you help the local food economy?

• Look out for products that are local and in season
• Join a local box scheme and use local retailers, farm shops and farmers markets for your weekly food shopping
• Ask if your butcher, greengrocer, delicatessen source their products from local producers
• On holiday, or whenever you visit the countryside, look for local produce to buy
• Ask if your pub lunch or restaurant meal includes fresh or seasonal local ingredients
• Pick up a local food directory from your library or Tourist Information Centre
• Ask your supermarket to stock more identifiable local products

For more seasonal recipe ideas, visit the Seasonal Food Recipes website.