THE SHEPHERD'S PANTRY
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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Who is the team behind The Shepherd's Pantry?
The Shepherd's Pantry was set up in late 2024 by Leonie Byrne. Its a tightly-run, single-family operation.
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Do you have any qualifications? How do I know these products are being produced safely?
In preparation for starting a food business, I obtained both my Food Safety Level 3 Certificate (HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)) and also Certificate in Managing Food Allergens from eLearn.ie. I also began my relationship with my local Environmental Health Office before starting to produce to ensure I would be compliant across the board. Food safety and the safety or my customers are of utmost importance to The Shepherd's Pantry.
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Where are your products made?
All of our products are made in a separate kitchen to our everyday home kitchen. It has been inspected by the local Environmental Health Officer and is compliant with local food production regulations. We fondly refer to it as 'The Pantry'.
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Do you have a sustainability policy?
At The Shepherd's Pantry, sustainability is at the forefront of our business. We know that our actions impact the community around us, and we try to lead by example in all endevours.
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What should I do with the packaging when the product is all gone?
Both the jars and lids are fully recyclable. Simply wash them before disposing of them correctly.
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How should I store my The Shepherd's Pantry purchase when I get home?
Our preserves should be stored in a cool dry place until opened. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and then used within four weeks.
Spice mixes and seasonings should be stored in a cool dry place, but do not require refrigeration after opening.
Dressings should be refrigerated as soon as possible after purchase.
Please consult the label of individual products for specific information. All items will have a use-by or best-before date on their base.
The Products
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Are all of your products home-made?
Yes, all products are made in small batches and from scratch.
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Do you use preservatives in your products?
The only preservatives that we use in our products are sugar, citric acid and vinegar. However, some of our ingredients do contain preservatives of their own: for example, some vinegars contain sulphites (preservatives) and English mustard also contains some preservatives of its own. We endeavour to use whole , clean ingredients as much as possible.
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Please consult the ingredients label of our products for further information.
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Where do you get your ingredients?
Where possible, The Shepherd's Pantry gets its ingredients from local suppliers. Other items, like for example the spices, we purchase from Irish suppliers online. It is our policy to use Irish suppliers unless there is none available.
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Are your products Gluten-Free (suitable for Ceoliacs)?
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Are any of your products suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
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Are you products suitable for Diabetics?
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What is the shelf life of your products
Our preserves have a shelf-life of about twelve months from the date of production. Spice mixes also have a 'best-before' date of twelve months, though they will last longer. Dressings require refrigeration and have a shorter shelf-life of a couple of weeks.
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Can you tell me about allergens in The Shepherd's Pantry products?
Please consult the ingredients label of our products for further information.
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Is 'The Shepherd's Pantry a member of Origin Green, Slow food Irelnad
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Technically, The Shepherd's Pantry is a 'One-Woman-Show', and that woman is Leonie Byrne. She is team leader, recipe creator, chef, advertising executive, chief purchaser, visual display artist, courier, sales person extraordinaire and business mogul. She is also self-effacing, modest and is never partial to exaggeration. most of the time.
Seriously though, as with all things, I couldn't achieve all I have done without the support of my wonderful husband and son. Working on a farm and running a home can be time consuming and hard work, and without the help of my family, this business would not exist.
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Yes, I make all of the products myself, in my purpose built kitchen at home.
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Gosh, I really wish I could answer yes to this question! So far, i have not been able to make products using my own fresh fruit and vegetables, as I started us new venture at the wrong time of the year. However, we have a large garden and a sizeable polytunnel, so I'm hopeful that this growing season, I'll be able to include some homegrown ingredients in upcoming batches.
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Currently working on this!
The Shepherd's Pantry currently ships to Irish addrresses. For rates on international orders, please contact us at theshepherdspantryww@gmail.com
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While trading at markets, fairs or shows, I often have a selection of samples available that give customers the opportunity to 'try before they buy'. This is not suitable for all products though, for example the spice mixes or items that are intended to be cooked.
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