Jill’s mother of tasty invention

Mar 8 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

A BUSINESS that provides healthy soup from local ingredients was created out of necessity by a Northumberland mother.

Jill Self’s Simple Soup business, launched this week, was inspired by her attempts to alleviate her youngest son’s eczema.

Mrs Self did extensive research to find a way to ease the problem for Kieran, 13.

The mother of three said: “I converted his diet to additive-free and organic, through a number of soup recipes I have.

“His eczema cleared up completely, and while I can’t claim that my soup was the cure, I am sure it helped. He looks a picture of health.

“My mission is that as soon as it comes out of the ground, it goes into my soup and it is completely free from additives.” Mrs Self, of Bellingham, launched her business at Hadrian’s Wall Country Locally Produced Fair, and had a stream of interested customers.

She said: “It was my first day promoting Simple Soup and the response and encouragement I received from everyone was absolutely fantastic.

“I have been overwhelmed and I hope to be able to start full production by the end of April.”

All Mrs Self’s soups are cooked at home using 100% local ingredients.

The range includes creamy garlic mushroom, curried parsnip, chunky vegetable and lentil and ham.

Kieran savours his new diet. He said: “Most people go for the curried parsnip, but my favourite is probably the lentil and tomato. They are all very nice.

“It might be that I have grown out of the eczema, but the soup has definitely helped and it is healthy. We have always been quite a healthy family.

“I am not sure whether she would have gone into business if it hadn’t been for the eczema.”

The Journal last month launched its Taste North East England Campaign, urging people to use local produce.

It is aimed at encouraging shops to stock more local produce, restaurants to use local ingredients and, most important, shoppers to buy local goods.

For information about Simple Soup, email jill.self@btinternet.com