Showing posts with label fruit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fruit. Show all posts

Friday 1 March 2024

Sustainable Eating: Tips for Reducing Food Waste and Eating Responsibly

In a world facing numerous environmental challenges, sustainable eating has emerged as a crucial aspect of reducing our ecological footprint. 

Food waste is a significant contributor to environmental harm, accounting for a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions and wasted resources. 

Embracing sustainable eating practices not only helps mitigate these issues but also promotes healthier lifestyles and supports more ethical food production systems. Here, we'll explore some practical tips for reducing food waste and eating responsibly.

Plan Your Meals:

One of the most effective ways to reduce food waste is to plan your meals in advance. Take some time each week to create a meal plan, considering what ingredients you already have and what you need to buy. Planning meals not only helps you buy only what you need but also ensures you use up perishable items before they go off.

Check your store cupboard supplies: 

Make sure that items in your store cupboard are fit to eat. Don't necessarily merely rely on the best before or use by dates. Look at them, smell them and taste them. If they seem OK, then they probably are.

Buy Wisely:

When grocery shopping, be mindful of what you buy. Opt for locally sourced, seasonal produce when this is possible, as it typically has a lower environmental impact and supports local farmers. Also, try to avoid overbuying perishable items that may spoil before you can use them. Stick to your shopping list and resist the temptation to purchase more than you need.

Embrace Imperfect Produce:

Many fruits and vegetables are discarded simply because they don't meet aesthetic standards. However, these "imperfect" produce items are often just as nutritious and delicious as their more visually appealing counterparts. By choosing imperfect produce, you not only help reduce food waste but also support efforts to combat food insecurity and promote a more inclusive food system. Morrison's and Tesco are two supermarkets that offer wonky vegetables and fruit. 

Practice Proper Storage:

Properly storing your food can help extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage. Invest in reusable containers and storage bags to keep fruits, vegetables, and leftovers fresh for longer. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the optimal storage conditions for different types of produce to ensure they stay fresh as long as possible.

Get Creative with Leftovers:

Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, get creative and find ways to repurpose them into new meals. Leftover vegetables can be added to soups, stir-fries, or salads, while leftover proteins can be used in sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also adds variety to your meals and saves you money.

Compost Food Scraps:

Despite our best efforts, some food waste is inevitable. Instead of sending it to the landfill where it contributes to methane emissions, consider composting your food scraps. Composting not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used to support healthy plant growth in your own vegetable patch. We intend to cover this subject at a later date.

Sustainable eating is about making conscious choices that minimize our impact on the environment and promote a more ethical and equitable food system. By following these tips for reducing food waste and eating responsibly, you can play a significant role in building a more sustainable future for generations to come. Remember, every small change in our eating habits can make a big difference in the health of our planet.

(Image courtesy of Ben Kerckx from Pixabay)

Wednesday 28 February 2024

Exploring Exotic Fruits: From Dragon Fruit to Durian

In a world brimming with diverse flavours and textures, the realm of exotic fruits offers a tantalising adventure for culinary enthusiasts. 

From the vibrant hues of dragon fruit to the pungent aroma of durian fruit, these fruits beckon us to explore beyond the ordinary. Join us on a journey as we delve into the fascinating world of exotic fruits, uncovering their unique characteristics and culinary possibilities.

Dragon Fruit:

With its striking appearance resembling something out of a fantasy tale, dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. Available in vibrant hues of pink and yellow, this fruit boasts a mild, subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of a cross between a kiwi and a pear. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, making it a nutritious addition to smoothies, salads, and desserts. Whether enjoyed fresh or blended into a refreshing beverage, dragon fruit offers a delightful tropical experience.

Durian:

Often hailed as the "king of fruits," durian elicits strong opinions due to its potent aroma, which some find enticing while others find overpowering or even nauseating. 

Despite its divisive scent, durian boasts a creamy, custard-like texture and a complex flavour profile that blends notes of sweet, savoury, and slightly bitter. 

Native to Southeast Asia, where it enjoys something of a cult-like following, durian is often consumed fresh or incorporated into various dishes, including ice cream, pastries, and savoury curries. While its distinctive odour may deter the uninitiated, adventurous food enthusiasts are rewarded with a unique gastronomic experience.

Mangosteen:

Dubbed the "queen of fruits," mangosteen offers a counterbalance to the boldness of durian with its delicate flavour and floral aroma. Encased in a deep purple rind, mangosteen reveals snow-white segments bursting with juicy sweetness. 

Renowned for its luscious taste and potential health benefits, mangosteen is revered in Southeast Asia for its antioxidant properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Whether enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack or incorporated into desserts and salads, mangosteen adds a touch of tropical elegance to any culinary creation.

Rambutan:

Resembling a tiny sea urchin with its vibrant red or yellow spiky exterior, rambutan hides a translucent, juicy flesh within. Native to Southeast Asia, this tropical fruit offers a subtly sweet flavor with floral undertones, reminiscent of lychee and grapes. 

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, rambutan is not only a delicious treat but also a nutritious one. Whether savored fresh or added to fruit salads and cocktails, rambutan invites exploration with its unique appearance and delectable taste.

Exploring exotic fruits is a journey of sensory discovery, where vibrant colors, diverse flavors, and enticing aromas converge to tantalize the palate. From the otherworldly appearance of dragon fruit to the divisive allure of durian, each fruit offers a unique culinary experience steeped in cultural heritage and natural beauty. 

Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into gourmet dishes, exotic fruits invite us to embrace adventure and expand our culinary horizons. So, why not embark on a gastronomic voyage and savor the treasures of the tropical world? After all, the fruits of exploration are as diverse and bountiful as the fruits themselves.

Sunday 21 January 2024

Meet Isla the future of freshly prepared fruit in mere seconds

iSqueeze the fruit juicing masters, has added striking Isla to its portfolio of self-service technology, a machine which slices a whole pineapple in seconds, boxed up fresh in front of customers eyes. 

Always pushing the boundaries of innovation to provide ‘health for the nation,’ the future of fresh fruit is here.

Isla, meaning Island in Spanish, is set to bring its exotic fruit to shoppers to transform the way people consume natural pineapple. Gone are the days of  pre-packaged fruit hanging around on the shelf, instead iSqueeze is serving up machine cut and prepared pineapple on the premises to guarantee ultimate freshness.

The new machine recently launched into Jempson’s, prepares a whole pineapple in just 15 seconds! First the crown is removed, followed by the peel and the core of the pineapple, before being packaged in a fully recyclable cardboard box to enjoy anywhere in slices, chunks or sticks! 

The machine is adaptable to varying sizes of fruit, thus meaning retailers will get the most out of their pineapples. Customers will also be quids in, as one whole pot of pineapple 600g (on average) will retail for just £3.49 whereas pre-cut pineapple is sold at £2.30 (on average) for 300g. Pineapple should be kept refrigerated and consumed within three days.

Who said sliced bread was the best thing? iSqueeze has now gone one better with the juiciest fruit money can buy, prepared on the spot, offering businesses a reason to keep shoppers coming back! Isla is compact, comprising a single block, to guarantee that it remains sealed to prevent contamination.

Customers won’t be able to miss Isla with its vibrant yellow exterior, to make people thirsty for exotic juice-filled fruit pieces just by looking at it! And what’s more supermarkets can customise machines to fit in with an establishment’s identity, with bespoke graphics and stickers to match the aesthetics of any location.

Pineapple slicing machine Isla continues iSqueeze’s mission to bring health to the nation adding to its existing range of products including fresh juice machines, premium blenders, smoothie makers, and slush machines. The brand is pioneers of providing healthier vending machine choices suitable for everyday consumption unlike the more traditional confectionary vending options on the market. 

iSqueeze has installed machines in retailers across the UK, including convenience stores, supermarkets, cafes/restaurants, gyms and more. Leading partners include Jempson’s, Asda, Sainsbury, Co-Op, Euro Garages, Costcutter, Spar, Nisa stores and many more.

15 seconds and a whole pineapple later, Isla will be shoppers new best friend for healthy convenience.

To learn more please visit https://isqueeze.co.uk/isla-pineapple-slicer


 

Thursday 19 October 2023

Revitalise Your Health: The Significance of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Your Diet

In a world where fast food and processed snacks have become the norm, the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet cannot be overstated. 

These vibrant, nutrient-packed foods are not just a source of natural goodness but also hold the key to a healthier, more energetic, and longer life. In this blog post, we'll explore the myriad benefits of incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily meals.

Nutrient Powerhouses:

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses, offering a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide the body with the raw materials it needs to function optimally. For instance, citrus fruits like oranges and strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and supports skin health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.

Fibre for Digestive Health:

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fibre. Fibre is crucial for healthy digestion, as it aids in regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal disorders. It also helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overeating.

Disease Prevention:

Regular consumption of fresh produce is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help protect the body against oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. For example, the carotenoids in carrots and sweet potatoes are linked to a lower risk of certain cancers.

Weight Management:

If you're aiming to manage or lose weight, fresh fruits and vegetables are your best friends. They are low in calories and high in water and fibre, making them the perfect choice for filling up without packing on excess calories. Snacking on veggies like celery and bell peppers with hummus can satisfy your cravings without derailing your weight management goals.

Skin and Hair Health:

Your skin and hair can benefit significantly from a diet rich in fresh produce. Vitamins like A, C, and E, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables, promote healthy skin by reducing signs of aging and preventing blemishes. These vitamins also contribute to stronger, shinier hair.

Mood and Mental Health:

Recent research has shown a connection between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and improved mental health. The antioxidants and nutrients in fresh produce may help reduce the risk of depression and improve overall mood. The fibre content also contributes to stable blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and irritability.

Environmental Impact:

Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables can also benefit the environment. They generally have a lower carbon footprint compared to heavily processed or packaged foods. Supporting local, seasonal produce can further reduce your environmental impact by reducing the need for long-distance transportation.

The importance of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet is undeniable. They are nature's gift, offering a treasure trove of health benefits, from bolstering your immune system to preventing chronic diseases, aiding in weight management, and promoting mental well-being. So, the next time you plan your meals, remember to make room for these colourful and nutritious gems. Your body and mind will thank you for it, and you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Just one further point. Make sure you wash fresh fruit and vegetables before you eat them, especially if you do not peel them.

Tuesday 12 September 2023

Good news for fruit and veg lovers! Aldi has got your back with more price cuts

Yes, Aldi does have the backs of fruit and veg lovers because Aldi, already known as the UK’s cheapest supermarket, has lowered the prices on an extensive range of fruit and veg products.

From now on fruit and veg loving shoppers can enjoy even lower prices on items such as apples, bananas, spinach and courgettes, plus on a range of Specially Selected products like Cotton Candy Grapes. The latest price drop, reportedly the largest round of cuts Aldi has announced so far this year, representing around one third of its produce range, has seen 55 items fall by an average of around 11%.

The move is the latest of over 100 prices Aldi's reduced in the past several months and follows on from news from Which? confirming Aldi as the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket for the 15th month in a row.

On a basket of goods, Aldi was the cheapest at £65.21, £14.30 lower than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose.

You'll remember that That's Food and Drink recently covered news that Aldi announced the opening of its 1,000th store as part of its commitment to expanding its store footprint across the UK.

Said Julie Ashfield, who is the Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK: “Our promise to our customers is we will always keep our prices as low as possible. We remain fiercely committed to doing this. Now and always.

“This latest price drop is part of our efforts to ensure that healthy, high-quality groceries are accessible to everyone. That will always be our mission, and it’s why we continue to see shoppers switch to Aldi.”

www.aldi.co.uk.

Wednesday 6 September 2023

Aldi lets loose with its fruit and veg

But it's all in a good cause! Because Aldi is set to trial four new loose fruit and vegetable lines in a bid to further cut plastic waste.

Beginning this week, items including garlic, limes, lemons and oranges will be introduced as loose in select Aldi stores all over the country.

Specially chosen Aldi branches in the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, South East, and London will start offering loose garlic and limes, while shoppers in the East of England, East Midlands and London will be able to purchase loose garlic, limes, oranges and lemons.

If rolled out across all its branches, this move will see Aldi remove a further 94 tonnes of plastic packaging every year.

Luke Emery, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said: “At Aldi we're firmly committed to removing plastic packaging wherever we possibly can and we are constantly reviewing ways to make a real difference.

“By trialling these packaging-free produce lines, we hope to help our customers cut back on unnecessary plastic when shopping at Aldi.”

Aldi already offers loose produce options on a number of ranges, including potatoes, peppers and avocadoes.

Thursday 31 August 2023

Aldi cuts prices of fruit and veg

Already the UKs cheapest supermarket, Aldi has cut the prices on a range of fruit and veg products.

This week, shoppers can enjoy even cheaper prices on items such as strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes and spinach. 

Fruit and veg items in Aldi’s Everyday Essentials range are included in this latest price drop, which has seen items fall by an average of about 9%.

The move is the latest of in excess of 100 price cuts Aldi has introduced over the past two months.

Julie Ashfield, who is Aldi's MD of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “Every week we're working very hard to make new savings to pass on to our customers and help ensure we always offer them the lowest grocery prices we possibly can.

“We know shoppers are having to make difficult choices at the moment, so we at Aldi are doing what we can to offer the lowest prices possible. That’s why shoppers continue to switch to Aldi from every other supermarket.” 

Consumer group Which? named Aldi as the UK’s cheapest supermarket in July for the 14th consecutive month. On a basket of goods, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket at £71.22, which was £16.02 lower than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose.

Sunday 27 August 2023

Bumper British melon crop harvested

Lovers of watermelons (EDITOR: This includes my wife and I!) will be in for a treat this year, because  there's a record-breaking bumper UK-grown crop on the way.

Shoppers will be able to judge for themselves when the predicted 11,000 UK-grown watermelons, the biggest crop ever produced and harvested in Britain, -exclusively hit Tesco shelves this coming week.

The fruit has been produced by the UK’s biggest watermelon grower, Oakley Farms which is based in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, under the careful guidance of melon growing expert James Cackett.

James, who is as a fruit technical manager for Tesco, has spent the last 15 years working with both seed houses and British growers on developing varieties that are perfect for the UK climate and soil.

James said: “This is an absolutely  massive achievement by Oakley Farms as their previous production record was around 5,500 watermelons a few years ago so to double that inside two years is a fantastic achievement.

“The growing of watermelons in Britain is still a small and developing industry with only a handful of producers scattered all over the UK.

“When we first started selling them, in very small quantity, about 10 years back, Tesco customers were curious as to whether such an exotic looking fruit could ever be grown over here in the UK.

“But they're now very popular with shoppers firmly committed to supporting British growers and each year demand gets stronger, so it doesn’t take very long for the entire crop to sell out.”

Oakley Farms and Tesco have worked together on watermelon production for seven years and while the rainy July certainly slowed production somewhat, lesson learned from previous years has still resulted in a record-breaking year in terms of volume of production.

The farm is also the UK’s biggest producer of pumpkins and also grows courgettes and pumpkins and courgettes are both members of the cucurbit family, as are watermelons.

Oakley Farms manager Nick Molesworth added: “We began growing them after Tesco approached us and offered to work with us on the project and we felt that it made good sense as the crop would fit in perfectly between production of courgettes in late spring and pumpkins in the early autumn months.

“We've tried several different methods of growing the watermelons and are now getting more fruit per plant so the hard work is beginning to pay off for us.

“However, I have to say that they're not that easy to grow and the British climate can also be a bit of a challenge,  but we’re very pleased with this year’s crop. We believe that growing watermelons is a natural evolution for our business.”

The water melons are set to go on sale in x Tesco stores and will cost £3.49 each for the standard size and £2.50 for the mini size.

www.tesco.com 

Sunday 13 August 2023

Why not plant fruit trees in your garden?

King's Seeds have a wide range of fruit trees available for sale.

These include Peach Peregrine Fruit Tree - 4.5Ltr Pot.

Apricot Flavorcot® Fruit Tree - 4.5ltr Pot.

Plum Opal Fruit Tree - 4.5ltr Pot.

A spokesman from King's Seeds said: "We have 3 new patio fruit trees, on offer for three weeks only."

They are ready for despatch, but you must order them by 9am on Thursday 31st August.

Each fruit tree costs £32.

To learn more and to place your orders please visit https://www.kingsseeds.com.

These would make ideal presents for the home gardeners in your life, but please do establish beforehand to make sure they have enough garden space and the right type of soil for the fruit trees concerned.

Saturday 12 August 2023

No cook chilled porridge

No cook chilled porridge is a dish I invented myself many years ago.

Very late one evening I was pouring some cold milk into a bowl of porridge oats. I realised that I wasn't hungry after all, so I placed the bowl in the fridge and went to bed.

The next morning I remembered the bowl of oats and I took it out and took a mouthful. The result was better than anything I had ever expected. 

The oats had perfectly melded with the milk and I had inadvertently created a bowl of utterly delicious cold porridge.

The recipe is simplicity in itself.

Take one bowl of porridge oats. 

Fill to the brim with the chilled milk of your choice, dairy or non-dairy.

You can add brown sugar, honey, etc to add sweetness if you wish.

Stirring in cinnamon or mixed spice with dried mixed fruit is a good idea, but do make certain any spices you add are properly mixed throughout. The dried mixed fruits will absorb the moisture from the milk and will plump up very nicely.

You can also add sliced or ground nuts.

When the bowl of porridge is ready, place it in your fridge and leave it overnight or throughout the day until it is ready for you to eat.

Actually, you could try oat alternatives if you want to give that a try. 

You can garnish with freshly cut fruits including bananas, strawberries, etc.

(Image courtesy of  Pictavio from Pixabay)

Saturday 29 July 2023

Aldi reduces prices of staple fruit and veg

Aldi supermarkets has revealed price cuts on fruit and veg products. The reason is to pass savings on to its customers during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Ten products are included in the price drop, from avocados, red peppers and easy peelers to staples such as  baking potatoes and sweetcorn. This is the latest of hundreds of prices Aldi has cut in recent times including household staples like milk and pasta.

Shoppers will see prices drop by up to 36%, with the reductions firm evidence of Aldi’s commitment to offering the best value products to all its customers. In recent weeks, it's taken the step of reducing the price of nearly 100 products.

Latest research from Which? revealed Aldi to be officially declared to be the cheapest UK supermarket in June for the 13th consecutive month. 

On a basket of goods, Aldi was the cheapest at £75.25, £7.42 cheaper than Tesco and £16.55 lower than Waitrose. On average, shoppers save 11% on a basket goods by shopping at Aldi compared against the Big Four.

Julie Ashfield, who is MD of Buying at Aldi UK, said: “We know shoppers are having to make hard choices at the moment, which is why we’re passing savings on to our customers anywhere we are able to.

“We know it can be very hard to access food that's both nutritious and affordable, so we recognise reducing the costs of healthy food and veg staples like these is so really important right now.

“We’re continuing to see high numbers of people switching to Aldi from all other supermarkets as shoppers look to save money and our promise remains that we will always offer straightforward, honest prices that we’ll keep low for our customers, every day.”

Full list of reduced items are listed here:-

• Sweetcorn (2pk)

• Iceberg Lettuce

• Baking Potatoes (4pk)

• Radish (240g)

• Watermelon

• Avocado

• Red Pepper

• Premium Easy Peelers (600g)

• Flat Peaches (4pk)

• Unwaxed Lemons (4pk)

These price cuts are in addition to Aldi’s Super 6 initiative which offers fruit and veg at great value prices.

Thursday 27 July 2023

Sustainable and delicious. New Cocktail ideas

Now, more than ever, sustainability is at the forefront of the minds of many of us, especially in the kitchen, and as the cost of living crisis continues to put a strain on our finances, many of us are looking to reduce our food waste and squeeze out the most of our weekly shopping trips. 

But! There are many tips and tricks for utilising your leftover food scraps including turning them into delicious cocktail ingredients. (What? Cocktail ingredients? Yes, cocktail ingredients. We'll explain more, here.)

The team of top drink experts at online drinks retailer, The Bottle Club, have put together some handy tips for utilising your leftovers and transforming them into tasty summer beverages.

Blend fruit pulp, peels and zest into syrup

Adding a fruity syrup to your homemade cocktails in an ingenious way to add a delightfully delicious extra fruity dimension to your drink, whilst simultaneously reducing your food wastage. 

Leftover fruit pulp, peels, and zest can all be used to create a sweet and delicious syrup. Making the syrup is simple, all you need do is add the fruit pulp, peels, or zest into equal parts water and sugar, simmering in a pan until the solution resembles a syrup-like texture. 

Use your leftover fruit as garnish 

A great alternative to using leftover fruit in syrup is to use them as garnish for your summer cocktails. Dehydrating your leftover fruit is an ideal way to make them last longer, as they can last up to a full year when stored properly in a proper airtight container. 

If you don’t own a dehydrator or an air fryer, this can also be achieved by oven-cooking your fruits for 30 minutes. Leftover orange peels go well in a classic Old Fashioned, whilst grapefruit peel is the perfect addition to the iconic Negroni cocktail.

Create syrups with leftover herb stems

If you’re a kitchen whizz, you’re probably no stranger to cooking with herbs. But herbs aren’t just used to add a little extra flavour to your dishes, they can also be used in your drinks, too. 

The leftover stems of your everyday herbs like parsley, thyme, and basil can also be brewed into a syrup that will add a nifty extra kick to your summer cocktails. 

Start by simmering your herb stems in equal parts of sugar and water. Simply allow the solution to cool in the fridge and then add to your cocktails. To maximise the flavours, leave the solution to chill in the fridge for several weeks. 

Herbal syrups are particularly effective when used in gin and vodka-based drinks. 

Save coffee grounds to be used in coffee-based cocktails 

If you’re partial to a coffee-flavoured cocktail, try saving your leftover coffee grounds to make a delicious after-dinner drink. From a classic Espresso Martini to a Calypso cocktail, there’s plenty of delicious cocktails for coffee lovers to indulge themselves in. 

To create a coffee liqueur to be used in cocktails, just add 100 grams of coffee grounds, 4 tablespoons of white granulated sugar and 2 parts of spirit (preferably vodka!) to a sealed container. Leave this to mix for around 24 hours before you start crafting your homemade cocktails.

Use leftover mint stems to add a refreshing kick

When using mint leaves to add extra flavour to your cooking, you probably throw out the leftover stems. However, mint stems can be used as the perfect garnish for cocktails like the class Mojito and Mint Julep, to give a real minty kick to these cocktails. 

Spearmint is the most common type of mint used to craft these delicious and refreshing cocktails to be enjoyed on a summer's day. 

Create an infusion with your leftovers 

There is a wealth of possibilities and combinations when it comes to infusing alcohol with leftover fruits, spices, and herbs. Light-coloured spirits like gin and vodka are the most common spirits used, as the mild flavours will infuse more easily than darker spirits like rum and whiskey. 

When you are creating an alcohol infusion at home, add the chosen ingredients to an airtight container along with your chosen alcohol, shake it up and let it sit. Leave the solution to settle for 24 hours to give the flavours time to infuse and strain before drinking.

Popular infusion combinations include: 

Grapefruit, rosemary and vodka

Apples and gin 

Pineapples and whiskey 

Coconut rum 

Lemongrass, ginger and tequila

To learn more visit https://www.thebottleclub.com/blogs/thedrinksjournal/cocktails-to-make-the-most-of-fresh-seasonal-produce

(Image courtesy of Radosław Kulupa from Pixabay)

Friday 19 May 2023

Lidl issues call to all other UK supermarkets to help make fruit and veg more attractive to youngsters

Lidl GB is calling on all other supermarkets to introduce packaging design changes to make fruit and veg appeal more to children.

It issued the friendly challenge after Lidl noticed sales increase by over a third on its specially designed Oaklands Funsize fruit range.

Lidl was the first supermarket to introduce fruit and veg packaging aimed at children, a move aimed at  helping parents and carers encourage kids to eat their five-a-day.

It's also pledged to remove all cartoon characters from packaging of all 'unhealthy' products by Spring next year. 

Lidl was the first British supermarket to introduce a range of healthy products specifically designed to encourage children to eat more greens. The collection comprises of fresh fruit and veg with quirky names and cartoon characters, such as Banana-Llamas and Tawny Tomatowl.

To further engage youngsters, competitions were staged to name and design cartoon characters. The result has been the introduction of numerous memorable characters, including Koala Pears, which led to nearly a quarter of a million additional units being sold the year after the competition ended.

Doubling down on its bid to help children eat healthier diets and aid parents in combating pester power, the discount store announced it will also remove cartoon characters on unhealthy products by Spring next year. 

Over 14 different product categories will be impacted, like sweets, chocolates and savoury snacks, with at least 30 products getting a fresh look, including the discounters Sweet Fruit Chews and Multicoloured Fizzy Belts.

The move follows Lidl’s landmark removal of cartoon characters from cereal packaging back in 2020. The changes mark a significant step in helping families across the UK make healthier choices, after research revealed over two thirds (68%) of parents found child friendly characters on unhealthy food and drink packaging made it more difficult to feed their children a healthy diet.

Peter de Roos, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB said: “Our ambition is to make high quality, healthy food accessible to all, and the principal way we achieve this is through our best value prices.

"But we are also aware that there are other barriers in place, particularly concerning children, and parents tell us unhelpful packaging is one of them. This is something that’s so simple for us supermarkets to change, and our results show the positive impact that these small changes can make." 

He concluded by saying: "We hope other supermarkets follow in our footsteps so that, as a sector, we can be confident we’re doing all we can to support parents in helping to improve the diets of the next generation.”

The announcement follows the publication of Lidl GB’s new Healthy & Sustainable Diets Policy, which aims to ensure diets are healthier, more sustainable and easier to understand to aid customers decision making in-store.

https://www.lidl.co.uk

Thursday 11 May 2023

How a humble apple could cost you dear

Here's a word of caution from LeaseCar.uk:

If you eat an apple or any other fruit if you toss the core or any uneaten portion of the apple, banana or  other fruit out of your car, van, lorry, bus or whatever, you could end up with a hefty sum of money for littering.

A spokesperson for Leasecaruk told That's Food and Drink: "Drivers could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to £150 if caught throwing an old apple core out of the window.

"Although having a quick snack on the go is common for most of us, throwing something outside can be classed as littering - even if the item is biodegradable or an animal comes along and eats it."

This law also covers half-eaten sandwiches, etc, so to be safe rather than sorry, take your food  waste home with you or bin it responsibly at the next available waste bin. 

(Image courtesy of Golda and Pixabay)


Tuesday 7 February 2012

Make Mothering Sunday even more special with Godminster

Godminster has something very special to treat well deserving mothers this year, a mature Godminster Cheddar paired with an indulgent fruit cake from The Simply Delicious Fruit Cake Company, all hand-packed in a gift box to make a Cheddar and Fruit Cake Combo. The gift provides the perfect combination of tradition, sweet and savoury.

Godminster's award-winning vintage organic Cheddar is made to a unique 70-year-old recipe and has been made on the farm in Bruton, Somerset for over ten years. The Cheddar is instantly recognisable by its purple wax coating and is available in either a heart or round shape.

Godminster's owner Richard Hollingbery said, "This fantastic combination is so well-known in Yorkshire, where I was born, so to be able to offer this to people throughout the country is great. The fruit cake is made to the highest quality, by a Company we work closely with - the pairing of this with the Cheddar is a match made in heaven."

Godminster's Organic Cheddar and Fruit Cake Combo includes a 400g heart or round vintage organic Cheddar and The New Discovery Fruit Cake and retails at £26.00 including postage and packaging at www.godminster.com

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Hot spring means bumper crop for wild fruit jam makers

Jam-makers are excited after an expert predicted what could be the best ever year for wild fruit and berry harvests in the UK.

Leading foraging expert Chris Bax said the warmest spring on record has filled the nation's trees and bushes with blossom, which points to a bumper fruit harvest.

Wild raspberries and strawberries are already starting to show and there are good signs of a fantastic blackthorn crop; meanwhile, commercially grown strawberries are already 150 per cent up and grape harvests set to create new records.

All of which is music to the ears of the nation’s jam-makers. Once considered the preserve of older generations, it's enjoying a renaissance thanks to celebrity jam-makers like Kate Moss and Zoe Ball who have helped jam jars sales double in the last 12 months.

Mr Bax, who runs Taste The Wild and is an advisor to British cooker manufacturer Stoves, said: “We’ve had optimum growing conditions with a harsh, cold winter and a spring with little frost and the warmest ever temperatures – a perfect climatic event for our nation’s wild fruit and berries.

“I expect the country to be laden with fruit, and with wild species such hawthorn and wild cherry in abundance, it’s great news if you want to make your own jam with free fruit.”

To capitalise on the bumper fruit harvest and the appetite for jam-making, Stoves has commissioned Mr Bax to produce an iPhone app showing how to collect free wild fruit and berries with recipes for home-made jam.

The ‘Wild Jam Maker’ app lists fruits and berries growing wild in the UK and recipes include Sea Buckthorn Jam and Wild Cherry Jam. The free app can be downloaded from the Apple App store.

Jane Rylands, Stoves’ brand manager, said: “Jam-making is very much in vogue at the moment and with such a bumper crop of fruit this year, our free app will help Britain’s jam-makers find new and interesting recipes using ingredients direct from the land.”

Free fruit is bursting not just from the great British countryside, but also in our towns and cities too – you can pick rowan, blackberry and cherry plum in urban areas.

The world’s biggest jam festival – the WI Stoves Real Jam Festival – will take place in October this year. Last year’s event attracted more than 500 entries from men, women and children across the

For more information on Stoves follow @StovesUK on Twitter and www.facebook.com/StovesUK

FACTFILE:
Founded in 1920, Stoves is one of the UK’s best loved cooking brands. It is also one of the only major kitchen appliance brands still committed to manufacturing in the UK with 100% of its freestanding cookers, built-in ovens and hobs and range cookers assembled at its Merseyside headquarters. All products are designed and built in the UK specifically with British cooks in mind. Visit www.stoves.co.uk to view the full product range.

(EDITOR: When foraging for fruits always ensure you are legally entitled to do so. For example, it's best not to encroach on private land, without the permission of the owner)

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Belvoir’s Cordial way to Celebrate Summer

British strawberries on the supermarket shelf may herald the start of Wimbledon, Henley and the lazy days of leather on willow but, says British folklore, it’s another great British crop that marks the actual start of summer – the humble Elderflower.
 
One company which always welcomes the flowering of this ancient hedgerow crop is Belvoir Fruit Farms, makers of the original elderflower cordial, and who every June frantically harvest the saucer sized frothy cream blossoms to transform into their lovely cordials and pressés, made just as nature intended with no preservatives or artificial ingredients.  

This year to help celebrate the six week Elderflower harvest, Belvoir has enlisted the skills of Valentine Warner, the chef known for his love of seasonal  ingredients and in particular his ability to forage for them, to raise the profile of this quintessentially British plant that has so much to offer.
 
Valentine has devised two truly delicious recipes featuring Elderflower cordial – Elderflower & Gooseberry Jelly and Elderflower Cream Shortbread Tartlets - perfect for that other great British institution of afternoon tea.   

True to his passion, Valentine has also provided a recipe for Elderflower cordial itself, using freshly picked Elderflowers.  Whilst relatively easy to make, it does need to stand for 24 hours and requires a large quantity of fresh Elderflowers. These can be great fun to pick but with only a short six week harvesting window – you have to be quick! 
 
Says Valentine Warner: “The Elderflower is a fabulously versatile plant but one that tends to be sadly overlooked.  It is readily available in the wild but often people don’t know what it is and certainly don’t realise what an amazing addition to recipes elderflower can be. The beautiful white blossoms can add a distinctive flavour to sweet dishes that just talk to the tongue of balmy summer days. Personally, I also think that elderflower makes one of the most refreshing and delicious drinks.”
 
No surprise that Pev Manners, MD of Belvoir Fruit Farms completely agrees, however he would recommend you save yourself the time and effort of making elderflower cordial and buy the best elderflower cordial on the market instead! Belvoir Elderflower cordial is still made to his mother’s original recipe cooked up in her kitchen more than 25 years ago.  (EDITOR: We have a bottle in the fridge! it's delicious!)

“The secret of a really good elderflower cordial,” says Pev “is to use masses of flowers that have been picked in the sunshine when they are warm and heavy with yellow pollen, then get them into the vat within three hours.  It is this freshness that gives Belvoir’s cordial its intense bouquet.”
 
Valentine agrees:  “Belvoir’s Elderflower drinks are made with immense care and attention to detail. You can really taste the love that has been lavished on them from the first to the last drop. Their Elderflower pressé, served with fresh mint, is a delectable soft drink alternative for a summer party or wedding, while the cordial is delicious simply chilled with still or sparkling water or makes a refreshing addition to white wine spritzers, champagne or a gin and tonic.” 
 
Belvoir has 90 acres of elderflower orchard that bursts into blossom in June every year.  But, to help make the millions of bottles of Belvoir elderflower cordials and pressés consumed worldwide, Belvoir enlists the help of the local villagers paying them for any elderflowers they pick from the wild in the Leicestershire countryside, to maximise on the brief six week elderflower harvest period.
 
The elder occurs naturally all over Britain.  However, it is traditionally a hedgerow plant and as the hedgerows themselves are in decline so naturally occurring elders are in decline too.  To help raise awareness of the plight of the British hedgerow and wild flower meadows, Belvoir has forged a partnership with Plantlife, the charity that works to protect Britain’s wild plants and to improve understanding of the vital role they play in everyone’s lives.   Belvoir has committed to donating 10p to Plantlife for every person who signs up to the Belvoir newsletter by visiting www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk.

Victoria Chester, Plantlife CEO said: “We are delighted to be working with Belvoir.  A member of the honeysuckle family, elder Sambucus nigra is an evocative native species, associated with abundant folklore and a vital source of food for wildlife. Its alkaline bark also provides a perfect home for lichens.   Smelling of honey and muscat, elderflowers are a harbinger of summer and, by promoting their use in such delicious recipes as elderflower cordial, Belvoir is raising the profile of a plant whose qualities are often overlooked.”
 
As well as being the plant to trumpet the arrival of summer, the Elder is steeped in mystery and superstition.  The Elder was thought of as a protective tree, and growing it outside your door was believed to keep evil spirits from entering the house.  Flutes made of Elder were used to summon spirits and Elder was also the common wood of wands, while washing her face in dew gathered from elderflowers was believed to enhance and preserve a woman’s youthful beauty.  It is, however, the Elder’s medicinal properties that truly impress.  Every part of the Elder - bark, leaves, flowers and berries – has been used in domestic medicine since the days of Hippocrates and the plant has been called Nature’s Medicine Chest.  It is said the great physician Boerhaave never passed an Elder without raising his hat, so great an opinion had he of its curative properties.  The Mrs. Beeton of herbalists, Mrs. Grieve, recommended an elderflower infusion as a “good old fashioned remedy for colds and throat trouble.”  It is also reputed to combat hay fever, and is a remedy that Pev swears by.
 
Why not experience the taste sensation that is elderflower for yourself?   Here is how Valentine Warner has made use of this quintessential, British drink to add some extra zing to two classic sweets together with a recipe for elderflower cordial itself:
 
Elderflower & Gooseberry Jelly
It can prove tricky to find fresh gooseberries these days as they, sadly, are not as popular as they used to be. This is why I have used canned fruit. The jelly is still excellent! Lady elderflower and hairy man gooseberry were born to be summer lovers.
Serves 4-6
2 x 300g tins of gooseberries in syrup
200ml Belvoir Elderflower Cordial
200ml water
12g of sheet gelatine (7 sheets approx measuring 7.5 x 11cm)
Fine kitchen muslin
1-1   ½ pt jelly mould
 
Method
1.       Pour the cordial into a saucepan followed by the water & the gooseberries with their syrup, I would note here that the gooseberries are dull in colour but once heated they will take on a wonderful blush
2.       Very gently burst the berries with a potato masher. Do not pulverise them.   Bring the mixture up to the faintest wobbling simmer but not hotter.
3.       In a separate bowl snap the gelatine into shards & cover in only just enough warm water to soak, remembering that once wet the gelatine will become limp. The water must not be boiling as it will destroy the properties of the gelatine. Leave it there until well softened , 5 minutes or so
4.       Double up some of the muslin in a sieve over bowl
5.       Pour the contents of the saucepan slowly into the lined sieve & allow to drip through of its own accord, if the latter half of the liquid stops dripping through, distress the pulp gently with a spoon to get it going again. Do not fiercely press the pulp to extract it as this will make your jelly misty.
6.       While the jelly syrup is still warm drop  in the gelatine, pulling it apart as you add it, this will help to eradicate lumps
1.       Whisk until all the gelatine has totally dissolved then pour straight into the mould & cover the top with cling film. Allow the jelly to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours
2.       When ready to serve, tease away the bottom of the jelly from the sides of the mould before briefly dipping it in a big bowl of hot water, if it’s a thin plastic mould or metal mould 1 or 2 seconds is ample.
3.       Turn out the jelly onto a serving plate .Double cream is a must.
4.       Peeled & very thinly sliced rounds of cucumber tossed in a tablespoon of sugar & left to drain then wrung out are also a very refreshing accompaniment.
 
Elderflower Cream Shortbread Tartlets
Here are some perfumed little tartlets perfect for the great English summer tradition of a little outside afternoon tea. 
Serves 6
 
Pastry
100g plain flour
50g semolina flour
100g salted butter
50g caster sugar
zested rind of the lemon
1 egg beaten
Pinch of salt
 
For the cream filling
125ml Belvoir elderflower cordial
300ml full fat double cream (not long life)
30g white castor sugar
Freshly squeezed juice of one medium lemon
You will need 1 x 6 hole muffin silicone mould
 
1.       In a large bowl combine the flours, sugars and salt with the lemon zest. Grate in the fridge cold butter
2.       Work everything together thoroughly with a wooden spoon until it forms loose dough then turn it out onto the work surface & briefly knead it into one block with your hands.
3.       Remember that the longer you work the dough, the warmth of your hands will make it overly sticky
4.       Divide the pastry into 6 parts & press it into each mould right up to edge, the pastry about the thickness of a one pound coin. Neaten up the open edges with a knife or if you like a more rustic looking tart then leave as is.
5.       Allow the chill in the fridge for one hour and preheat the oven to 150c
6.       Line each tartlet case with a scrumpled piece of baking parchment filled with ceramic beans or whatever you see fit for weighting down the pastry
7.       Bake the tarts for approx 30 minutes or until their top edges, are richly golden brown
8.       Remove them from the oven taking out the papers & beans. Lightly but carefully paint the inside of each tart case with beaten egg before returning them to the oven without the paper & beans. Cook them for a further 5 minutes or so until the bases are deep golden as well.  Allow the tart cases to cool
9.       In a non stick saucepan mix the double cream with the cordial & caster sugar, bring it up to a very brief but gentle boil and then simmer for 2 minutes (please do take care that it doesn’t split). Whisk in the lemon juice (it is the lemon juice that will set the boiled cream) and immediately turn off the heat
10.   Allow the mixture to cool for approximately10 minutes before pouring in to the 6 tart cases
11.   Place the tartlets in the fridge for 4 hours or  until the cream mixture has set
12.   When serving your elderflower tartlets dust the tops of each with icing sugar & accompany with fine tea, preferably outside
 
Cook’s Tips
If semolina flour for the pastry proves difficult to find, simply replace the 50g with plain flour so that you use 150g of plain flour instead.  In addition, if making your own pastry leaves you cold an alternative serving suggestion is simply to spoon the cream filling into ramekin dishes and sprinkle shortbread biscuits on top.  Delicious!
 
Elderflower Cordial
Belvoir is a favourite, but if doing some outdoor DIY here is a simple recipe. Tartaric acid is widely available in supermarkets and chemists and will not get you arrested if you buy it in large amounts.
 
Makes roughly 2 x 500ml bottles
 
25-30 largish elderflower heads, from a wild clean place.
1kg granulated sugar
25g tartaric acid
1 long peeled strip of unwaxed lemon
750ml nearly simmering water
Fine kitchen muslin
Method
1.       Snap off any particularly thick stalks connected to the flower heads, leaving just the slim stems holding each blossom
2.       Put the flower heads in a large preserving pan or bowl
3.       Sprinkle over the sugar and tartaric acid
4.       Peel the lemon rind & add to the pan, along with all the lemon juice
5.       Add the hot water and stir gently but well. Cover loosely with a tea towel and leave to stand in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring every now and then.
6.       The sugar should completely dissolve and the syrupy cordial will become infused with the flavours of elderflowers. Strain the contents of the pan through a muslin-lined colander into a clean bowl. Decant into sterilised bottles
7.       Seal and store in sterilised bottles and store
8.       Sterilising Bottles -preheat the bottles in an oven at 180c/350f/Gas 4. Wash the bottles & stoppers really well and put on a baking sheet in the oven for 10 minutes. Leave to cool slightly before adding the cordial through a funnel.
 
Belvoir Fruit Farms hand produces 13 cordial varieties, 10 pressé and 5 Fruit Crush drinks including organic and non organic.  Belvoir’s drinks are available from leading supermarkets, delicatessens, food halls, farm shops or via the website www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk. RRP: starts at £3.85 for regular cordial, £4.50 for organic cordial, £2.75 for regular 75cl pressé, £2.50 for elderflower 75cl pressé, £1.65 for 25cl pressé and £1.95 for Fruit Crush.

If you do want to try making your own Elderflower cordial, Valentine Warner has given some tips for collecting Elderflowers:
·         Pick your elderflowers on a nice dry day, rain does them no favours when transporting them home
·         Pick your elderflowers early in the morning when their scent is much stronger

(EDITOR: Or just nip out to the shops, or buy it on line!)