CAMRA targets veggies with beer and food matching
Vegetarians are being urged to try some beer and food matching by consumer group the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
To celebrate National Vegetarian Week, which runs from May 24 until May 30, CAMRA has matched some vegetarian beers to recipes suggested by the Vegetarian Society.
Although many members of the public are unaware, some beer is unsuitable for strict vegetarians because it is clarified with finings, taken from the swim bladders of fish.
But, according to CAMRA, vegetarian real ales in casks and bottles are becoming increasingly popular and so more brewers are producing this style of beer.
The suggested matches are:
- Artichoke and sunblush tomato tart can be accompanied by floral-style ales such as Lagonda IPA from Marble Brewery in Manchester or Porter Brewery's Floral Dance.
- Mediterranean tian goes well with Pale Ale from Zerodegrees in London.
- Tortilla beany bake goes well with Marble's Uncut Amber or Rossendale Ale from the Porter Brewery.
- Caramel berry brioche can be accompanied by a beer to accentuate its sweet flavour. Townes' Pynot Porter fits the bill.
"Many of the beers mentioned are brewed by breweries that are completely vegetarian," said Louise Ashworth from CAMRA.
"Vegetarian real ale makes an excellent accompaniment to food. Why not try it for a change in place of wine?"
A list of vegetarian beers can be found at www.camra.org.uk and the Vegetarian Society's recipes can be found at www.vegsoc.org.
Meanwhile the Vegetarian Society has launched its annual awards. It is inviting nominations in categories including best retailer of vegetarian wine and beer and best UK destination for vegetarians, among others.
