Ode to valentines

odes to veg for Valentine’s Day

a collection of poems from Riverford fans & customers

To all our secret admirers…

We wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to every budding poet who penned us an Ode to Veg (and Riverford) for Valentine’s Day. We were overwhelmed by the number of poems we inspired – we laughed, we smiled and some brought a tear to the eye. It was a tough task choosing the winners and there were some we wanted to share in this booklet.

Above all, we wanted to thank every single one of you for your vegetable ditties…

Riverford

Poem 1

Ode to celeriac

By Erica, London Lying forgotten, cast aside on the shelf, She’s biding her time, a mistress of stealth.

She’s a tease, this one is; she works undercover, Seeing who dares to become her next lover.

Most have their heads turned by colour, smooth skin, The flashier veg won’t end up in the bin.

Aubergines, lacquered with smooth purple gloss, Speckled courgettes; a crisp, verdant Cos. Orange-hued carrots with tumbling green locks, Outshine the celeriac, pale, in the box.

This one’s not pretty; she’s tough, gnarled and twisted, But she knows that once bitten, she’s rarely resisted.

Looks are skin-deep, and while she looks rooty, It’s under that peel that you’ll find her true beauty.

As the blade helps her slip off her leathery disguise, She reveals her firm flesh, a feast for the eyes.

She’s willing to please; submits to your wish; There are plenty of ways she’ll end up in a dish.

Nestled with bacon and cream in a bake, Spilling and bubbling, a molten cheese lake; Or sheathed in a slick veil of piquant mayonnaise, I’m transported to heaven, a remoulade haze.

Addicted, I savour the taste of sweet sin, Swoon as the creaminess drips down my chin.

She’s the ace of disguise, the proverbial dark horse, The missing ingredient for many a course, So just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, I dare you...become a celeriac lover. like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 2

Milo and his pumpkins

By Janet, York Milo and his grandmamma (“Grandmamma” that’s me) Love gardening together At six and sixty three.

Now Milo had a special dream He thought he’d like to try To grow a giant pumpkin Then make a giant pie His plan was very simple He thought it would be cool A big surprise at Halloween To feed his friends at school He planted Jack Be Littles, Sweet Dumplings specked green Hundredweight and orange Mars With glowing golden sheen We weeded and watered We measured every day Until the fruit stopped growing With frosts upon the way.

The biggest measured more than him In cms 1 3 8 There was no doubt about it His champ was “Hundredweight” The rest went home to mummy (Who loves to cook and bake) Risotto, soup and curries As much as she could make. like Riverford

#odetoveg

The pumpkin pie caused quite a stir Each child had a taste Then champ became a lantern Nothing went to waste.

Next year we’re growing “Rouge Vif D’Etampes” As used by Cinderalla We really love our pumpkins Me and the little fella!

I’ll email you some photos So you can plainly see A love affair twixt veg and boy That ended happily!

(Poet sent 4 rather sweet pics of Milo with the pumpkins!!)

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 3

Cutey Rooty

By Jeffrey, Macclesfield Carrot devine! Carrot of mine!

O, will you be my Valentine?

When first I teased you from your bed, how my pulse raced! My face went red, not that vermilion, perfect hue defines your beauty through and through, but splodgy-cheeked, like naughty child.

I was transfixed, lovelorn, beguiled.

For though I knew that you’d been culled, at last, my love, at least I’d pulled.

Staring thus, not calm nor manic, gazing on your form organic, your head, adorned with feathery fronds a vibrant green (Who cares for blondes?), I bathed your body in its prime to clean away the surface grime.

No pestilence, no carrot fly, had marred you with invasion sly.

At home, my love, it’s time to dine and share a sumptuous meal devine.

First I remove your outer dress and tenderly your shape caress, your inner self, your flesh reveal.

You hit the spot, that’s X-appeal.

And so we face the final crunch: to eat you now or wait for lunch?

Carrot devine! Carrot of mine!

O, will you be my Valentine? like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 4

By Jo If I could choose a Valentine stud, I’d leave the men and choose a spud!

There’s King Edwards with a royal twist, A Desiree I just can’t resist!

Rugged and earthy, I can’t get enough Sweet or starchy, they’re such hot stuff!

Chippy by nature and no small fry, I’d love to gaze into their eye!

I know they’d make a smashing host, By the fire we’d sit and roast; Wedged together there’d be no concealing That I find them so appealing!

And that explains my Valentine’s wish My steamy, creamy, tasty dish!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 5

By Alex, Somerset I’ve never really been a man Thrilled by Valentine’s Day. I seem to find that flowers and chocs Don’t tickle me that way; And cards that talk of sickly love Just leave me feeling bored, This year, you see, all that I want Is veg from Riverford.

Their carrots are so crunchy, Their parsnips are divine, And if my lady serves me swede I’ll take it as a sign, That my true love is staying true, She’s playing her part: By filling me with yummy veg, She looks after my heart.

So keep your fluffy teddies, Keep your sexy pants, South Devon’s finest salad Will have me eating from your hands.

And come that special Friday I know what I want more A rack of lamb and chocolate truffles Delivered to my door.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 6

By Emma, Gloucester R oughly chopped or finely diced, I n a sauce, with meat or spiced.

V eggies are my favourite foods, E ncapsulating all my moods.

R unner beans with get up and go, F lorettes of cauli when I’m feeling low.

O nions sparking a tear or two R ejoice together in an emotive stew.

D ig vegetables? I do! I do!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 7

By Elli, London O Celeriac, darling, when sautéed in oil You’re a dish that is fit for a queen!

It’s just such a pity you’re coated in soil; You’re a bit of a b*gger to clean.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 8

By Susie, Dundee (to the tune of ‘My Favourite Things’ of Sound of Music fame) Red and green peppers, so crisp and so crunchy Ramiro peppers for when I feel munchy Cabbage leaves stuffed full and tied up with string These are a few of my favourite things.

Leek and potato for savoury strudels Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms on noodles Crunchy tahini slaw with chicken wings These are a few of my favourite things.

Baked spud with cheesy kale when I’m a sinner Broccoli ragout for when I want thinner All sorts of onions: red, yellow and spring These are a few of my favourite things.

Worms turning soil for growing my veggies Brussels with pine nuts and hot fennel wedges Helping Uganda, the joy that it brings These are a few of my favourite things Veggies in winter stews, tasty and warming Roasted or raw, my diet’s transforming Thin stemmed asparagus, the first pickings These are a few of my favourite things When the wind bites, when the work drags When I’m feeling sad I look in my Riverford vegetable box And then I don’t feel so bad.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 9

By Laura You put me in a spinach Swede make a lovely couple, My artichoke beets faster As I think about your vegetables.

Shallot ask you a corny question?

It’s bean something on my mind, I love your rocket more than sprouts Peas be my valentine?

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 10

By Averil, Northampton My childhood memories are post-war By modern standards we were poor We grew the fruit and veg we ate And meat just slightly glanced the plate Where once I cringed at ‘knobs’ and swede They’re now the mainstay of my feed So learned behaviour, one could say Has served me well up to this day Whilst others gorge on burgers and chips And worry about inches on their hips My carrots, cabbage, beans and peas Ensure my clothes slip on with ease Don’t get me wrong I do ‘indulge’ But good old veg deter the bulge.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 11

By Amy, Crewe It started with Potatoes, - they were making eyes at me.

My love affair for Veg began, From Leeks to the humble Pea. Parsnips, Cabbage, Celeriac, And Sprouts (let’s not forget!)

They set my heart a-flutter , And make me say COUR!gette.

And then there is the Carrot, The most vibrant of the roots.

He said, “My name is Jasper” Oh, he really was a beaut!

I think there was a rugby player, That I did once hold dear.

But I only wanted to nibble On his Cauliflower Ear! To Beetroot-ful it’s been said, That I can be quite flirty.

That’s why I like my Vegetables, Organic and slightly dirty!

So a goody box from Riverford, To me sounds so ap’Peel’ing.

Send one to your Valentine, and show your loving feelings!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 12

By Christine, Swansea Riverford, Riverford will you be mine?

Your carrots and broccoli are simply sublime.

Your sugar snap peas make me weak at the knees, Please, give me a (butternut!) squash and a squeeze!

Riverford, Riverford with your veg so divine, Will you be my valentine?

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Poem 13

By Haley, St Albans Riverford Organic make me smile, For their veg I’d walk the extra mile, With their Valentines box they do seduce, They also recycle and reduce!

Veg grown with love is such a winner, And gives you a delicious, healthy dinner.

Beautiful broccoli or sexy swede, A happy tum is guaranteed!

Low in fat and vitamin packed, So very kind to my digestive tract!

With my veg I sustain a serious affair, My weakness is, I truly care, Just like my men, they have to be fresh Crisp and tasty with good firm flesh!

I hate when tomatoes are soft and sloppy.

When cucumbers droop and look all floppy, Good firm carrots I love the most, Or a solid squash to butter then roast, My best recipe is my vegetable pie The kids love it so, brings a tear to my eye.

Onions are staple and used every day, I adore them too but I have to say, I’ll limit the intake today I think, (On Valentines day I don’t want to stink!)

Riverford veg makes your heart pump with glee, They’re fair trade and friendly and deliver for free!

Your ethical reasoning won’t be abused, Cause even their boxes have been re-used!

This Valentines day let’s all make a pledge, Take care of your body and LOVE YOUR VEG!!!!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 14

Ode to the Potato

By Jane, Nottingham O dearest spud, O lovely spud, Please be my Valentine, I want to have you every day And know that you are mine.

You may not win a beauty prize But I think you’re the best, You are the king of vegetables And outshine all the rest.

You’re never boring, never dull, You’re very versatile, I long to have you on my plate To gaze at you awhile.

You’re dreamy boiled and splendid chipped, Gorgeous in a jacket, I love you mashed, adore you creamed (Never from a packet!).

You sauté well, you roast, you fry, You’re really tasty cold, You blend into a creamy soup Or curry up quite bold.

You brighten up an omelette, A casserole or stew, My dinners wouldn’t be the same If I could not have you.

You tempt me with your vitamins, Minerals and fibre, You energise me with your carbs And you’ve no fat either. like Riverford

#odetoveg

DesirÊe or Golden Wonder, Cara, Jersey Royal, Estima or Maris Piper, I’ll always be loyal.

And so I tell you one more time, Without you I would pine.

O darling spud, beloved spud, Please be my Valentine!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 15

By Jamie, London On the fourteenth day of February, I’ll tell all of my true love, The world’s first veggie-missionary, Crossing seas like Noah’s dove.

Where will you go? I’m sure they’ll ask, And to them I’ll reply; I’ve sprouted wings to help my task, And to Brussels I will fly.

Truth is I’ve lost my beans (for healthy greens), From my head down tomatoes, I’ll spread the word by any means, With bunch carrots I’ll propose!

I know to some I’ll seem quite nutty, But really I don’t josh, Over meat I’d choose a nice chip butty, Beef better? Not than squash.

After all there’d be no roasted chicken, If we had no eggplants, And hot lamb stew just would not thicken, Without potatoes I shall chant!

I’ll shout so loud that all will hear, No need to turnip up, My love for veg will fuel my cheers, (along with green peas by the cup).

So make sure you leave mush-room for veg, If you invite me to your table, And in return to you I’ll pledge, To bring my gravy ladle!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 16

By Laura, London I found two slugs in my fridge, Just the other day.

One was crawling on the shelf, The other had passed away.

The thing about Riverford, You have to understand, They grow their veg in such a way, That helps protect the land.

Their farmers are organic ones, And don’t use pesticides, No bio-fuel or GM food, Which are bad for your insides!

So even though, you might find A little bug or two, Riverford deliver yummy veg, And help the planet too.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 17

By Leanne, Bridgend When I was a little girl my Mum would turn and sigh, “I suppose you only want tinned peas” as dinner time came by But now my world has opened up and tinned peas are no more For every week a vegbox is delivered to my door.

There will be sweet, delicious carrots and artichokes and squash The Romanesco cauli make my friends think that I’m posh!

Purple sprouting broccoli and tall and slender kale Your local supermarket may not have such treats for sale.

Organic chillies and garlic, pack an extra punch Salad leaves and cucumber to make a lovely lunch In Spring there’s fine asparagus and sprouts for Christmas time All gathered round the table, agree they taste sublime.

Let’s keep the seasons special and support the local farm Organic helps the wildlife keep safe from pain and harm So keep it coming Riverford, you never let us down Super veg deliveries with a smile and not a frown.

like Riverford

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Poem 18

By Lynne, St Austell A big old lonely onion, sat all by himself, decided to something exciting and not just stay on the veg shelf.

He’d had enough of quiet, no one to talk to, so up he got and went to see what he could get up to!

He started his adventure, and jumped to the next shelf, he was totally surprised to find he wasn’t by himself!

The sight was quite astounding, he couldn’t even talk, as on the shelf were carrots and a single celery stalk!

“Hello there” said the carrots, “ it’s good to see you here” and celery was so happy he gave a little cheer! “ I thought I was the only veg “ the onion said in awe “oh not at all” the carrots cried “ come with us there’s more” They shuffled along the veg rack, and much to onions surprise were a giggling little bag if spuds, he couldn’t believe his eyes!

“At last” yelled the potatoes “we’re so glad to see you, come with us we’ve waited, there’s things that we must do” So over to the fridge they marched and opened up the door, inside was something onion had never seen before.

“Meet meat” said the potatoes, “ he’s a very important part, of what we are about to do, without him we can’t start” “Follow me”the meat announced,” it’s time that we begin” then suddenly the veg were joined by tomatoes in a tin!

The onion found it all quite strange but went along to see, about the thing the other veg were saying was called “ tea” Upon the stove there was a pot, it looked very inviting, onion decided that it was all very exciting.

So one by one they all jumped in, onion went in first, then carrots and the celery ( they’d worked up quite a thirst!)

“I can help you out with that, I’ll help you tell the tale” like Riverford

#odetoveg

so off he popped his metal lid and in he poured his ale.

Meat went next into the pan, also a leaf of bay, some salt n pepper jumped into, they always save the day!

“Hey wait for us” potatoes cried, and they all jumped in too, together bubbling in the pot they’d made a lovely stew!!

So this my little poem, my ode to veg and meat, if followed as a recipe will give you all a treat :-)

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#odetoveg

Poem 19

Veggies Are The Food Of Love (apologies to William Shakespeare!)

By Kirsty, Devon If veggies are the food of love, crunch on!

Give me tons of them So that I may Peel, chop and slice, Mash, roast and dice Right to my lover’s heart.

Let me inspire with asparagus Entrance with endive and Melt with marrow.

May passion inflame like a Hot habanero and Cucumber kisses cool.

Let’s snuggle down in King Edward’s jackets And laze on legions of legumes.

If veggies are the food of love, I’m eating!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 20

By Rebecca, Eastbourne I have a little secret...

I’m afraid its rather silly...

At 40 something years of age, I have a crush on the man Who brings my riverford delivery.

His name is Tim, Not too tall or to thin “That’s right my lovely The red door past the bins.”

I leave a note with a sun or smile, Put my recycling out, it’s been a while I keep missing Tim with his veg This week I’ll camp out in my garden hedge.

Oh bearded Tim be my valentine?

Come share with me some organic wine?

Herbal tea and piece of cake, If you deliver me last it won’t make you late. (ok, so the poem should be about why I love veg, but hey, hire good looking friendly delivery drivers and customers love your veg even more :-)

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 21

A Bit of a Potato Poem:

By Rachel, Devon Oh Sweet Potato thee I do Desiree.

You’re all I need for Harmony on any day!

You rise and soar in my Estima-tion, Specially if granny doesn’t cook you to cremation.

You sing through my heart like a Mozart Melody!

Like Vivaldi played by Nigel Kennedy!

You can play the Romano to my Juliette; About the Duke of York I’ll surely forget.

Our puppy could be a Dunbar Rover!

We’ll stay out so late that my Ma(will)fona!

You’re so Galante, a real Golden Wonder, Premiere potato, my heart you surely do plunder.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 22

By Rachel, Cornwall V is for veggies, oh let me adore you!

E is for eggplant, or aubergine as we Brits call you, G is for growing, in Britain’s fine ground, In rain or shine you flourish until harvest comes around.

E is for eating your five a day, because plenty of veggies keeps the doctor away, T is for tasty, your flavours we love, from sweet juicy carrots to earthy cauliflower cloves!

A is for autumn, when your bounty comes round, you come out the ground and we pass your goodies around.

B is for broccoli, a true super-grub, with a dollop of butter, what’s not to love?

L is for legumes – filling a tasty healthy plate, E is for extremely good service from Riverford Organic – the boxes are never late.

So vegetables we salute you, with your vitamins and more, This Valentine ’s Day we love you, of your goodness we are sure!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 23

Veggie Love

By Sonja, Hants Veggies in the garden Veggies on the plot, Riverford Organics You’ll find they’ve got the lot!

Veggies in the steamer Veggies on the plate Veggies in the microwave When you’re running late Colours of the rainbow -Chard for all to see Orange of the pumpkins Green of bean and pea Red of plump tomatoes And Yellow courgettes too Blue, indigo or violet I’ll leave that up to you!

Once a year it’s Valentines Day But veggie love is here to stay

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Poem 24

By Elizabeth, Gloucester Riverford is beauty, like the night, Of cloudless limes and starry chives; And all that’s best of dill and bright Lettuce meat her aspect and her pies: Thus mandarined to that tender light Which melon to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grape, Which waves in every merlot tress.

Organic lightens o’er her face; Where apple thoughts their sweet express How plum, how pear their dwelling place.

And on that week, and o’er that cow, So soft, so calm, yet blackcurrant, The squash that win, the corn that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A field at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

like Riverford

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Poem 25

by James, Leicester I have to say it has to be, Another veg lover is the one for me, I really cannot get enough, Of the crispy, crunchy veggie stuff.

To meet another who feels like me, Just think how happy we would be!

I saw him across the supermarket aisle, He outshone any other man by a mile.

Our eyes met over beans and peas, And I started dreaming of honeymoon seas!

Our fingers brushed just next to sprouts, Will he ever ask me out??

Then one day-just by tomatoes, Is when we said our very first hellos, So while he was reaching for a marrow, I trundled in my wheelbarrow, I pushed him in- “Be mine,be mine.

Please will you be my Valentine?�

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#odetoveg

Poem 26

by Stuart, Oxford So what was the cause of the cress’s distress?

And what made the curly kale wail?

The stout brussels sprout shouted “please leave me out!”

To the overgrown ravenous snail.

They all had a hunch he would munch them for lunch And hoped the gardener was hot on his trail They would one day be dinner for a Riverford winner But not for the ravenous snail.

A bold courgette, declared “do not fret!”

“There’s a reason his incursion will fail, The gardener, in time, will detect the slime Of this overgrown ravenous snail.”

A haricot bean pleaded “don’t be so mean,” And hoped that his prayer would prevail But now at full power of 0.1 mph Came the charge of the ravenous snail.

This startling pace made endives embrace He was coming up fast on the rail The once sturdy carrot felt as sick as a parrot In the wake of the ravenous snail.

But here comes the gardener, will he be the snails pardoner?

Or squish him under his boot?

“They’re not yet full grown, so go find your own This ‘eres my veg [missing last line but I’ve asked him to re-send it!!]

He lifted the snail, dropped him into his pail But his kind eyes twinkled like jewels “Tis’ valentines day, what more can I say? like Riverford

#odetoveg

It turns us all into fools” “Now, we both love our veg but this side of the hedge Is a snail free zone don’t you see?”

“So you stick to your side and I’ll stick to mine And that way I’ll let you stay free” Well, this rule never stuck, it was the snails’ tragic luck That the Gardner was Gallic you see So the snail was served with garlic and herbs For the Gardeners wife’s Valentine’s tea!

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Poem 27

Perfect Imperfection

by Nina, Wrexham I have a little secret, a source of shopping shame, When I see a row of vegetables all looking just the same, When I spy a perfect carrot or a bag of well -scrubbed roots, I heave a sigh of sorrow and my heart sinks to my boots.

For I love a wonky parsnip and I crave a nibbled sprout, A muddy artichoke will always make me dance about.

I like my courgettes curvy and my potatoes pretty plain, A short and dirty untrimmed leek is tasty all the same.

So if you cook me dinner on this special lovers’ day, There is a most important thing I really need to say.

Please pay close attention to how the perfect veg should be, A little knobbly and misshapen; a little bit like me.

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Poem 28

An Ode to veg…

by Sam, Romford Riverford veg I love you so much, On the internet I stay in touch.

I order my box every other week, To my kids delight when they take a peek.

“What have we got, what have we found?”

They squeal in delight as they look around.

Juicy red peppers, green brussel sprouts, “Lots of apples” my little one shouts!

Seasonal veg appears in my box, Fruit and meat and even some chocs.

I take pride in the Organic food I buy, Nothing better than Riverford supply.

Loving the ethos of chemical-free, Saving the planet, looking after each tree.

Workers planting out in the field, Waiting for sun to produce a yield.

As a loyal customer, Riverford I stay true, Eating the veg that I purchase from you.

Not a day goes by I don’t think of your veg, In your philosophy I do pledge.

Guy Watson, you are a man to behold, Carry on with your dreams and we’ll watch them unfold…

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 29

A Bit of a Potato Poem

By Rachel, Devon Oh Sweet Potato thee I do Desiree You’re all I need for Harmony on any day!

You rise and soar in my Estima-tion, Specially if granny doesn’t cook you to cremation.

You sing through my heart like a Mozart Melody!

Like Vivaldi played by Nigel Kennedy!

You can play the Romano to my Juliette; About the Duke of York I’ll surely forget.

Our puppy could be a Dunbar Rover!

We’ll stay out so late that my Ma(will)fona!

You’re so Galante, a real Golden Wonder, Premiere potato, my heart you surely do plunder.

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 30

Ode to Mr Sprout

By Ali, Coventry Oh, Mr Sprout from Brussels So mistreated, so misunderstood!

Victim of boiling to oblivion And fart jokes that are simply no good!

Allowed out just once per year, To groans and complaints from all.

Well, not at my table, young fellow; For here, you can roll proud and tall!

In my kitchen, you are simmered just moments, keeping you firm, tender and sweet.

I dress you with butter, nuts, red onions, and you are considered a treat!

I bake you among pasta with cheeses, for a warming and comforting meal.

I stir fry you with ginger and sweet chilli, for a side dish that’s neat, that has heat!

So, ignore the naysayers and whingers, Lack of vision is to blame, it would seem!

For you are a hero to me, dear chap.

Mr Sprout, you are held in esteem!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 31

My Riverford box

by Anne, Boscastle My Riverford box is arriving today, Lots of fresh veg is travelling my way.

Potatoes to roast with carrots and neeps, Brussels and parsnips piled up in heaps.

They’re healthy, they’re tasty, they’re filling and good For my heart and my tastebuds and if ever I should Need to lessen my waistline they are just what I need To help shed the pounds with remarkable speed.

They’re part of my plan to whittle away The excesses I went through last Christmas day.

Way out in front and ahead of the rest My Riverford box is always the best (and the young man who brings them is lovely too!!)

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Poem 32

Ode to Riverford

by Carolyn, Marlborough Lettuce put penne to paper Riverford, my ‘heart’ belongs to you.

I know this might sound cheesy But my sentiments are true blue.

Riverford, Oh Riverford, I know my heart will flutter, With thoughts of all your fruit and veg and cheese, and eggs and butter.

Celeriac and fennel, once a mystery to me, But, no, the Riverford Farm Cookbook, came up with ideas for a romantic tea.

I take my Riverford chiller bag, To other Stores with me, Just to show my love of Riverford Farm, Fresh, Organic and Pesticide Free.

Happy Valentine’s Day Riverford From little ole me.

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#odetoveg

Poem 33

A foodie twist on Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18

By Caroline, Berkshire Shall I compare thee to a chantenay?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Rough winds do shake your little pods in May, And summer’s growth hath all too short a date.

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is your green complexion dimmed; And every pod from pod sometime declines, By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed; But thy eternal yumminess shall not fade, Nor lose the sweetness of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall the bean brag thou wand’rest in his shade, When in a Riverford box to me thou come’st.

So long as men can eat the humble pea, So long lives this, and this gives joy to me.

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Poem 34

By Leanne, Sheffield For our Valentines dinner, what are we going to choose?

Lots of lovely veggies, we surely cannot lose.

Peppers or some cherry, tomatoes on the vine.

I’m sure whatever we choose, will just be so divine.

How about a stirfry, with bean sprouts in the wok.

Add to that some chicken, because my stir fries rock!

Ooh what about a salad, with lots of mozzarella.

With some roasted tomatoes, this will just be stellar!

For main we’ll have some lamb, with a lovely herby crust.

With boulangère potatoes, definitely a must!

We’ll add to that some carrots, roasted in a tin.

With a lovely thick redcurrant sauce, with port in it, not gin!

For afters we’ll have truffles, with cocoa from a tree.

Although they aren’t veggies, they’ll be perfect just for me!

The reason I like vegetables, is because they are so yummy.

And just for Valentine’s day, I’ll share them with my hubby!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 35

By Natasha, London How do I love thee vege?

Let me count the ways.

I love thee from above ground, half hidden, or below From as far down as I can dig, to as wide as you can grow, Those fragile rocket leaves, and chilli peppers ablaze, I love thee’s gentle rhythm to every day’s Setting of the moon, and rising of sunlight.

I love thee as a chef, striving to flavour right.

I love thee selfishly, my creations seeking praise.

I love with a passion put to use In my small garden bed, and by my tastebud’s faith.

I love thee with a love I never hope to lose, Whilst clanging pots and messing up my kitchen, Chopping, frying, buttering you up, and if they choose, I shall but love thee better, from Riverford’s competition!

like Riverford

#odetoveg

Poem 36

By Mark, Devon I’ve heard of a place ‘midst the beauty of Devon, Delivering an organic vegetable heaven, With care they ensure that with every seed sown, All of their produce is locally grown, This attention to detail is one of the ways, They can dig and deliver in less than two days, With the freshest of veggies delivered to door, At fabulous prices, who could want more?

All this we owe to the dreams of one Guy, To grow quality veg for the good folk to buy.

like Riverford

#odetoveg