I was having a discussion with someone the other day, whose argument was faulty. He stated that he could see no reason why a manufacturer should refuse to sell to the consumer. As a person who runs a wholesale company, as well as having my own retail business I totally understand why this happens. A manufacturer produces product in bulk, and sells it to a few wholesalers. These wholesalers then distribute the product in smaller lots to several retailers. The retailer sells smaller amounts of the product to numerous consumers. Using this method of sales, a company that manufactures something no else does, can set his price as high as he wants. But in most industries there are numerous manufactures making the same product. The wholesalers and retailers have to compete with one another, so usually their margins are quite low. But, a retailer who has a captive market can make his price as high as he wants. My friend stated he should just be able to go straight to the manufacturer. I tried to use the example of grocery shopping. When you go to the supermarket you buy, for example, 20 different products, in one place. But, if you bought them individually from the manufacturer you would have to make 20 stops, assuming that the manufacturer was actually in the same area in which you live. Which, more often than not is not the case. And, there is no guarantee that the product would be cheaper if you bought direct. His response was to tell me that the products he sells are cheaper than other retailers – herein lies the fault as he was now comparing himself as a retailer! I prefer to do one stop shopping, and so buy all my fresh produce at one store. For my chrain (horseradish condiment) I purchased everything I needed from one retailer. This makes the chrain cost effective. Had I been forced to buy each ingredient from the manufacturer directly, I would have had to find someone who makes vinegar (thankfully in our area), grows beetroot and horseradish (not farmed where we live) and drive around like crazy.
This has been made with horseradish which is seasonal, in time for Passover.
Chrain
Ingredients
- 250 mls white wine vinegar
- 250 mls water
- 1 beetroot, cut in half and thinly sliced
- 100 g horseradish, peeled and finely grated
Method
- Place the vinegar, water and beetroot into a small sauce pan
- Bring to the boil
- Add the horseradish
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes
- Remove from the heat and set aside to cool
- Place into a sterilized glass bottle
- Refrigerate and use as needed
Click on the links for conversions and notes.
What I blogged:
- two years ago – Friday’s Food Quiz
- three years ago – Cold Cucumber and Avocado Soup
- four years ago – Anise Hyssop
Oh, an interesting recipe Tandy – I have never had gefilte – I think this would also be a great condiment for steak.
It is good with meat as well Rachel 🙂
I don’t think that I’ve ever tried this but I really do like gefilte fish! 😀
I have a recipe coming up then that you may enjoy 🙂
I love this recipe horseradish, I don’t eat it, but all the men in my life (husband, dad and father-in-law just devour horseradish)! Honestly, it never occurred to me I could make my own. How unique! And I like to shop at one store too, not have to run to a million places =)
Horseradish should grow very well and easily so you could really make your own Laura 🙂
Your blog is full of interesting tidbits. I’m not really up on my Jewish cuisine. I know of course, of gefilte fish but had not heard of chrain. I’m now just that bit more knowledgable.
Thanks Fiona 🙂
I LOVE the colors in this dish! So beautiful!
Thanks!
I’ve never heard of this! But it sounds like it would make for a great condiment.
It is my all time favourite 🙂
I’ve never had chrain before. It looks and sounds great.
Thanks Pam 🙂
It is interesting to think about these things, Tandy. What is ethically sound is not always economically sensible. The Chrain looks lovely. 🙂 Happy Passover!
what wise words Krista 🙂
This is so interesting!! It’s cool that your experience makes you way more knowledgable whereas I wouldn’t have known these things! Great recipe as well!
Thanks for the compliment Cailee, and it all comes with time 🙂
simply damn delicious!!!
never had one but i think it’s taste good and had a stunning looking for condiment too
Thanks Dedy 🙂
I am so glad I came across you blog, so much inspiration here! Cannot wait to try this out! Hope you have a lovely day.
XO JNESS
Thanks so much for the visit and the kind words. Will pop into your blog later 🙂
I’ve never had or heard of chrain before – seeing beetroot is one of my favs – I’m gonna have to try this!
Let me know how it works out for you 🙂
I simply love the horseradish flavor. This looks absolutely amazing Tandy.
Thanks Kay 🙂
Hi Tandy, never heard of chrain, looks like a delicious condiment.
Thanks Cheri 🙂
Sounds like a great recipe!
Thank you 🙂
wow! I have never tried this! Looks so great! I have no idea about the taste, that’s why I want to give your recipe a try right away!
I could eat horseradish with anything and everything so please let me know what you think 🙂