Celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity with Food and Drink

Image Courtesy Yolanda Díaz Tarragó & Pixabay

Each year on 22 May, the world marks the International Day for Biological Diversity — a time to reflect on the vital role biodiversity plays in our lives, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. 

As food lovers, one of the most powerful (and delicious) ways we can honour biodiversity is through our plates and glasses. 

This year, why not celebrate with dishes and drinks that showcase the rich variety of ingredients our planet provides?

Here are some ideas for biodiversity-friendly meals and beverages that you can create and share:

1. Cook with Heritage Grains

Modern agriculture often relies on just a few staple crops, but there are hundreds of traditional grains that have nourished cultures for centuries. Experiment with:

Spelt or einkorn flour in homemade bread or pasta

Red or black rice in a vibrant grain bowl

Freekeh or teff in a Mediterranean-style salad

These grains support agricultural diversity and are often grown in ways that are more environmentally friendly than mass-produced wheat or rice.

2. Embrace a Rainbow of Pulses

Beans, lentils, and peas are not only protein-packed and budget-friendly, they’re also biodiversity heroes. Mix and match:

Heirloom varieties like speckled pinto beans or purple podded peas

Chickpeas for homemade hummus or a spicy chana masala

Beluga lentils for a textured salad or warming stew

Pulses enrich the soil they grow in and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, making them great for sustainable farming.

3. Choose Local and Seasonal Produce

Support your region’s unique biodiversity by shopping locally and seasonally. This might include:

Spring greens like wild garlic, asparagus, or purple sprouting broccoli

Lesser-known veggies like kohlrabi, salsify, or rainbow chard

Foraged foods like nettles, elderflowers, or sea beet

Try a local produce box delivery or visit a farmers’ market to explore what’s available in your area.

4. Brew Biodiverse Beverages

Get creative with drinks that champion biodiversity:

Herbal teas made from native or foraged ingredients like mint, chamomile, or elderflower

Fruit shrubs (vinegar-based cordials) using seasonal berries or orchard fruits

Craft ciders or beers from small-scale producers who use heritage apple or barley varieties

Even a simple cup of single-origin coffee or tea can be a nod to preserving traditional growing methods and plant varieties.

5. Try Artisan and Raw Milk Cheeses

Industrial dairy production often relies on just one or two cow breeds. Artisan cheesemakers, however, often work with native or rare breeds and traditional techniques that support microbial and animal diversity. Look out for:

Lincolnshire Poacher (from British Friesians)

Stichelton (raw milk blue cheese)

Goat and sheep cheeses made on small, biodiverse farms

Pair with seasonal chutneys and homemade oatcakes for a truly celebratory spread.

6. Bake with Forgotten Fruits and Nuts

Bring biodiversity to your baking with unusual or underused ingredients:

Medlar jam tarts or damson cakes

Hazelnut and cobnut biscotti

Quince upside-down cake or wild plum crumble

These forgotten fruits often grow well in less intensively farmed orchards or hedgerows, encouraging wildlife as well as flavour.

Final Thoughts

Food is one of the most direct ways we interact with the natural world. By choosing diverse, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients, we not only support healthier ecosystems but also rediscover the joy of variety in our meals. This International Day for Biological Diversity, take a moment to taste the difference biodiversity makes — and maybe even share your creation with friends, family, or on social media to spread the message.

What biodiversity-friendly ingredients will you try this year?