Finding Balance in Your Plate: The Role of Canned and Frozen Vegetables

In the world of culinary delight and nutritional wisdom, the mantra "fresh is best" often takes centre stage. And rightfully so! Fresh produce, bursting with flavour and nutrients, holds an esteemed place in our diets. 

However, in our quest for optimal health, it's essential to recognise the valuable role that canned and frozen vegetables play in our kitchens and on our plates.

The Freshness Conundrum

Fresh vegetables undoubtedly offer a sensory experience like no other. The vibrant colorus, crisp textures, and aromatic scents evoke a connection to nature that enhances our dining pleasure. Moreover, fresh produce often boasts peak nutritional content, having undergone minimal processing or preservation.

However, the allure of freshness comes with its challenges. Fresh vegetables have a limited shelf life, making them susceptible to spoilage if not consumed promptly. Additionally, their availability may be seasonal or region-specific, posing constraints on variety and accessibility throughout the year. These factors can hinder our ability to maintain a consistently diverse and nutrient-rich diet.

Enter Canned and Frozen Varieties

In our modern food landscape, canned and frozen vegetables emerge as convenient and practical alternatives to their fresh counterparts. While some may perceive them as inferior in quality or nutritional value, these perceptions often overlook the benefits they bring to the table.

1. Convenience: Canned and frozen vegetables offer unparalleled convenience. They are readily available year-round, require minimal preparation, and have an extended shelf life. Busy individuals and families can enjoy the ease of incorporating these options into quick and nutritious meals, reducing reliance on takeout or processed foods.

2. Nutrient Retention: Contrary to popular belief, canned and frozen vegetables can retain significant amounts of nutrients. Advances in food processing techniques have led to improved methods of preservation, such as flash-freezing and canning at peak ripeness. These methods lock in essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring that your vegetables maintain their nutritional integrity even after preservation. In fact if "fresh" vegetables have hung around in warehouses for extended periods of time their nutritional value may be less than in preserved vegetables.

3. Affordability: In many cases, canned and frozen vegetables offer a cost-effective solution to meeting dietary needs. They are often more budget-friendly than fresh produce, making them accessible to individuals and families with varying financial constraints. By choosing canned or frozen options, consumers can stretch their grocery budgets without compromising on nutritional quality.

4. Reduced Food Waste: One of the most significant advantages of canned and frozen vegetables is their contribution to reducing food waste. Unlike fresh produce, which may spoil if not consumed promptly, canned and frozen varieties have a longer shelf life, allowing for greater flexibility in meal planning. By minimising waste at the consumer level, these preservation methods support sustainability efforts and promote responsible food consumption.

Striking a Balance

While fresh vegetables undoubtedly hold a revered place in our culinary repertoire, it's essential to embrace the versatility and practicality of canned and frozen varieties. By striking a balance between fresh, canned, and frozen options, we can create a well-rounded and sustainable approach to nutrition.

Here are some tips for incorporating canned and frozen vegetables into your diet:

Read Labels: Look for canned vegetables with no added salt or sugar, and opt for frozen varieties without added sauces or seasonings to minimise unnecessary additives.

Experiment with Recipes: Get creative in the kitchen by experimenting with different cooking techniques and flavour combinations. Canned and frozen vegetables can be incorporated into soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles with delicious results.

Stock Up Smartly: Keep a variety of canned and frozen vegetables on hand to ensure you always have nutritious options available, especially during busy weeks or when fresh produce is scarce.

Combine Fresh and Preserved: Mix fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables in your meals to enjoy the best of all worlds. Use fresh produce when available for peak flavour and texture, and supplement with canned or frozen options to enhance convenience and variety.

In conclusion, while fresh vegetables undoubtedly hold a special place in our hearts and on our plates, canned and frozen varieties offer invaluable benefits in terms of convenience, nutrition, affordability, and sustainability. By embracing a balanced approach to vegetable consumption, we can nourish our bodies, delight our taste buds, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable food system. So, let's celebrate the diverse array of vegetables available to us and savor each bite, whether fresh, canned, or frozen!

Winging their way to you: Sauce Shop Launches Nationwide Delivery Concept Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® in Partnership With Sessions

Sauce Shop, the popular and award-winning British craft sauce brand, has partnered with Sessions, the Growth Platform for original food brands, to launch an exclusive delivery concept, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop®. 

This innovative partnership marks Sauce Shop's first foray into delivery-only operations, strategically tapping into the growing UK foodservice delivery market.

Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop® is set to debut on February 20th, available on leading delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. The menu, exclusively designed around Sauce Shop's exceptional range of products, features crispy fried wings, buttermilk fried tenders, chicken burgers and more, all made using, or served with, Sauce Shop sauces, including the 3-star Great Taste Award-winning Buffalo Hot Sauce.

Inspired by Sauce Shop's triumphs in the foodservice sector, Tenders & Wings, available from over 50 dark kitchens across the nation, aspires to deliver an outstanding 20,000 meals every week by April. With an anticipated surge in user penetration in meal delivery, expected to surpass 33% by 2027 (Statista, 2022), it highlights a significant market potential for Sauce Shop's latest exciting venture.

After supplying the hospitality industry with sauces and seasonings for almost a decade, Sauce Shop has built a reputation for uncompromising quality and flavour. The range is produced without artificial preservatives or additives, delivering an authentic taste that resonates with chefs and culinary professional and foodies. The brand's mission, centred on making great tasting sauces accessible to all, aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of consumers in the dynamic meal delivery landscape.

“We're really thrilled to announce our new food delivery menu. Having been suppliers to the hospitality industry for the best part of a decade, it's genuinely exciting to introduce a food menu that embodies the essence of Sauce Shop. Knowing that our fans appreciate a good serving of fried chicken, Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop is set to exceed their expectations” says Pam Digva, Co-Founder of Sauce Shop.

Dan Warne, Founder and CEO of Sessions said: "We have always believed in partnering with fresh talent, brands and creators to scale original food concepts, and our latest partnership with Sauce Shop® is a real testament to that.”

Sauce Shop is readily available at major retailers and local suppliers making it a convenient choice for chefs and establishments.

www.sauceshop.co

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.

Tesco Real Food says we have the biggest and best English strawberry crop in twenty years

Tesco Real Food has announced Britain's spring heat wave (EDITOR: I can remember that! Just!) has led to the biggest and best quality English strawberry crop for two decades.

The glut of English strawberries – considered by experts to be the best in the world – will result in an estimated 50 per cent reduction in UK retailers bringing in imports.

Experts point out Britain's warmer than usual March and April heat wave produced perfect growing conditions resulting in the crop being at least two weeks earlier than usual and the extra sunshine has also increased sugar levels making the current crop much sweeter and juicier than normal.

Tesco strawberry buyer Paul Jones said: "The unexpected great weather means an abundance of top quality, sweeter than normal English strawberries - of the standard normally associated with Wimbledon fortnight.

"As the quality is so high we've taken far more of the English crop than we usually do at this time of year.

"From the start of May we will be predominantly selling just English strawberries and the need not to import Spanish imports allows us to keep the price down.

"This is fantastic news for the English strawberry industry and should see them getting an unexpected windfall from increased orders from UK retailers."

One of England's largest strawberry growers, R and V Emery, based near Southampton, Hampshire, said it was the earliest start to the English strawberry season for about 20 years.

Vernon Emery, who runs the business with his brother Richard, said: "Our production yield is up by 150 per cent on recent years and if the good weather continues and we get some rain too we could be heading for a record year.

"The extra warmth helped boost sugar levels but equally important have been good levels of light which have helped the fruit set and encouraged bees to pollinate the plants.

"The great weather has also been consistent without dips in temperature which would have hampered the quality."

Since the start of the English strawberry season Tesco has sold 50 per cent more home grown strawberries than it did over the same period last year.

(EDITOR: It's market day, today! I'll be off to the fruit stalls to check on the strawberries!)

Safety tips for cooking out doors on the barbecue

Many people will be barbecuing food this summer. Some of them will fall victim to food poisoning. Here are some tips to avoid food poisoning at barbecues:

1) Ensure the barbecue and all cooking utensils are clean before you start.
2) Do NOT leave uncooked food out of the freezer or fridge for long periods of time before cooking them.
3) NEVER allow raw and cooked foods to come into contact.
4) Ensure all foods are cooked through properly and thoroughly.
5) Do not allow food, barbecue or plates to become contaminated.
6) Make certain that tables, etc., outside are free from contamination from bird droppings, etc.
7) Make sure the barbecue chef has wipes and paper towels available.
8) Ensure all salads are washed.
9) Ensure you have alcohol gel for hand cleaning for the chef and for helpers and diners
10) If something doesn't taste quite right, then do not eat it. In fact, it is better to waste it, rather thank risk food poisoning
11) Clean up as you go along

If you follow those basic rules, you have a good chance of not developing food poisoning or poisoning your guests.