Cheese and fungi on the menu as Berry joins the Countryfile team
TELEVISION FAVOURITE Mary Berry was given a chance to explore the role farming has played in her life as she guest edited a special edition of Countryfile.
The former Great British Bake Off judge, 85, said she was “immensely honoured” to be offered the opportunity on a programme she described as “iconic”.
The episode sees Berry try her hand at a traditional method of cheesemaking, corral an amorous Longhorn bull and its herd, and go foraging for edible fungi in the grounds of her childhood home.
The episode also sees the food writer, who was raised in Bath, will look at how farming has influenced her cooking.
She highlights farming causes close to her heart, the importance of local produce and the need for a better understanding of the food chain.
The episode culminates in a barbecue hosted by Countryfile presenter Matt Baker featuring ingredients collected by Berry.
Berry said: “Countryfile for me is an iconic programme. I was immensely honoured to be asked to be guest editor and loved every moment.
“I am passionate about seeking the very best local produce and how important food education is.
“Having grown up during the war, it made me realise the importance of home-grown produce.
“I have learnt so much and had no idea that Matt Baker had secret barbecue skills.”
Berry appeared on Bake Off between 2010 and 2016 but stepped away from the show, alongside presenters Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, when it left the BBC for Channel 4.
After being encouraged in domestic science classes at school, she studied catering and institutional management at college.
She then moved to France at the age of 21 to study at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, before working in a number of cooking-related jobs.
Berry’s first job was at the Bath Electricity Board showroom and then conducting home visits to show new customers how to use their electric ovens
She has published more than 75 cookery books, including her best-selling Baking Bible in 2009. Her first book was The Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook in 1970.
The Countryfile episode aired on BBC One last night and will now be available on the online iPlayer service.