The Magic of Mushrooms: Feast-Worthy Mains and Satisfying Salads

Mushrooms have long been admired not just for their earthy flavour and nutritional value, but for their versatility in the kitchen. 

From the humble chestnut mushroom to the luxurious porcini, these fabulous fungi can take centre stage in hearty main courses or lend an umami kick to light, refreshing salads.

Whether you're a devoted vegetarian or just looking to cut back on meat, mushrooms provide depth, texture, and satisfaction to your meals. Here’s why mushrooms are magical—and a few recipes to prove it.

Why Mushrooms Deserve the Spotlight

Mushrooms are rich in nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. They're naturally low in fat and calories, and many varieties are excellent sources of antioxidants and fibre. Their meaty texture and savoury flavour (thanks to glutamates) make them a brilliant stand-in for meat in many dishes.

Plus, with UK foraging traditions and a growing appreciation for wild and cultivated varieties alike, mushrooms are enjoying a well-earned culinary renaissance.

Magical Mushroom Mains

1. Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegan or Classic)

A comfort food favourite.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

500g mixed mushrooms (e.g. chestnut, oyster, portobello), sliced

150ml vegetable or beef stock

150ml sour cream or plant-based alternative

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped

Method:

Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.

Add mushrooms and cook until golden.

Stir in stock and simmer for 5 minutes.

Reduce heat and stir in cream and mustard. Season to taste.

Garnish with parsley and serve over rice or tagliatelle.

2. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Herby Couscous

Perfect as a dinner party main or weekend treat.

Ingredients:

4 large portobello mushrooms

1 tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 cup cooked couscous

2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 tbsp feta or vegan cheese alternative

1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

Brush mushrooms with olive oil and roast for 10 mins.

Mix couscous, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, and herbs.

Stuff mushrooms and bake for another 10–12 mins.

Serve with a dressed salad or roasted veg.

3. Mushroom and Barley Pie

A hearty twist on traditional pie, packed with autumnal flavour.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oil

1 leek, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

400g mushrooms, chopped

100g pearl barley

500ml vegetable stock

1 tbsp soy sauce

Shortcrust or puff pastry

1 egg or plant-based milk, for brushing

Method:

Cook leek and garlic in oil. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.

Add barley, stock, and soy sauce. Simmer until barley is tender and mixture thickens (30–40 mins).

Spoon filling into a pie dish, top with pastry, and brush with egg or milk.

Bake at 200°C for 25–30 mins until golden.

Fabulous Mushroom Salads

1. Warm Mushroom and Spinach Salad

A nourishing lunch or elegant starter.

Ingredients:

300g mixed mushrooms

1 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 handfuls fresh spinach

Shavings of Parmesan and/or toasted walnuts

Method:

Fry mushrooms with garlic in olive oil until tender.

Add balsamic and cook for a further 2 mins.

Toss with spinach and top with cheese or nuts. Serve warm.

2. Marinated Mushroom & Lentil Salad

Great for meal prep and packed with protein.

Ingredients:

250g button mushrooms, halved

1 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tin green or puy lentils, rinsed

Handful chopped parsley

Method:

Toss mushrooms with vinegar, oil, mustard, and garlic. Let sit for 30 minutes.

Combine with lentils and parsley. Chill or serve at room temperature.

Tips for Cooking with Mushrooms

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Mushrooms need space to brown, not steam.

Clean gently. Wipe with a damp cloth or brush—never soak them.

Mix and match varieties. Combining textures and flavours creates more interesting dishes.

Whether you’re roasting, stuffing, slicing, or marinating them, mushrooms truly earn their place as the magic ingredient of many memorable meals. Why not head to your local market or greengrocer and pick up a punnet or two for a mushroom feast this week?

To learn more visit https://mushroomgrowers.co.uk

Why not try growing your own mushrooms at home?

https://www.merryhill-mushrooms.co.uk

https://www.iwmushrooms.co.uk

https://www.caleybrothers.co.uk

https://www.meritmushrooms.co.uk

https://urban-farm-it.com

Growing Microgreens at Home or for Your Pub or Restaurant

Microgreens are tiny, flavour-packed greens that are easy to grow and can elevate your dishes with minimal effort and maximum impact. 

Whether you're a home cook looking to add a nutritious garnish to your meals or a chef seeking to impress diners with vibrant plate presentations, microgreens are a brilliant solution. 

This guide will show you how to grow, harvest and use microgreens — and which seeds are safe or unsafe for the purpose.

What Are Microgreens?

Microgreens are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, harvested just after the first true leaves develop. They’re more mature than sprouts but younger than baby greens, offering a punchy flavour, delicate texture and high nutritional value.

Popular in fine dining and trendy cafés, microgreens can also thrive in your own kitchen, back garden, or even in the corner of your pub kitchen.

 Why Grow Microgreens?

Fast turnaround: Harvest in 7–21 days

No garden required: Ideal for windowsills, shelves or small growing tents

Minimal equipment: Just seeds, soil (or a growing medium), light, and water

High profit potential: Especially for pubs, cafés and restaurants offering upscale dishes

Nutrient rich: Up to 40x more nutrients than mature leaves of the same plant

Safe vs Unsafe Seeds for Microgreens

Safe and Popular Seeds:

Broccoli

Radish

Rocket (Arugula)

Cress

Kale

Basil

Coriander (Cilantro)

Peas

Sunflower

Beetroot

Chard

Mustard

Seeds to Avoid:

Tomato

Potato

Aubergine (Eggplant)

Pepper (Chilli/Bell)

These belong to the nightshade family and their greens can be toxic.

Always ensure seeds are labelled specifically for microgreens or organically grown, free from fungicides or chemical treatments.

How to Grow Microgreens

What You’ll Need:

Shallow trays or containers (even recycled takeaway containers work)

Growing medium: organic potting soil, coconut coir, or grow mats

Spray bottle or fine watering can

Light source: a sunny window or LED grow light

Seeds

Step-by-Step:

Prepare the Tray

Fill your tray with 2–4 cm of growing medium and level it out gently.

Sow the Seeds

Sprinkle seeds densely but evenly. No need to bury them—just press them down lightly.

Moisten Gently

Mist the seeds with water using a spray bottle.

Cover and Germinate

Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a dark, moist environment. Keep in darkness for 2–3 days.

Uncover and Grow

Once seeds sprout, remove the cover and move the tray to a well-lit spot. Water lightly once or twice a day.

Harvest

Use clean scissors to snip the greens just above the soil line when they are 2.5–7.5 cm tall, usually in 7–21 days.

How to Use and Serve Microgreens

Microgreens can be used in countless ways:

Garnish for soups, steaks, and brunch plates

Tossed into salads for texture and colour

Blended into smoothies for added nutrients

Topped on burgers, wraps, or tacos

Stirred into omelettes, risottos or pasta dishes

As a stand-alone salad with vinaigrette and shaved cheese

Restaurants and pubs can use them to:

Add visual flair

Elevate flavour with spicy or citrusy notes

Signal freshness and seasonality to diners

Tips for Pubs and Restaurants

Grow on-site: Small trays can be stacked vertically in kitchens or storage areas.

Label dishes: Let diners know their garnish is house-grown — great for menus and social media.

Host microgreen workshops: Great for community engagement and PR.

Growing microgreens is a sustainable, delicious, and profitable way to enrich your menu or home meals. They require little space and effort but offer huge rewards in flavour, health benefits, and presentation.

Grow Your Own Food with a Garden Composter

Image courtesy NoName_13 of Pixabay

Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding things you can do, both for your health and for the environment. 

Not only does it provide you with fresh, organic produce, but it also reduces food waste, lowers your carbon footprint, and saves money in the long run. 

One of the best ways to enhance your home gardening efforts is by using a composter. Composting enriches your soil naturally, helping your plants thrive while cutting down on household waste.

Why Use a Composter?

Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. By using a composter, you can recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste into valuable fertiliser. This improves soil quality, encourages healthy plant growth, and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers. Plus, it’s an excellent way to reduce landfill waste.

Setting Up Your Composter

Setting up a composting system is simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these steps to get started:

Choose Your Composter: There are different types of composters available, including compost bins, tumblers, and open compost heaps. Select one that best suits your garden size and personal preference.

Find the Right Location: Place your composter in a well-drained area with good air circulation and partial sunlight. This will speed up the decomposition process.

Layer Your Compost: A good compost pile requires a balance of ‘greens’ (nitrogen-rich materials like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds) and ‘browns’ (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, cardboard, and shredded paper). Layering these materials helps maintain the right moisture balance.

Turn the Compost Regularly: To speed up decomposition and prevent odours, turn the compost every couple of weeks with a garden fork or by rotating a compost tumbler.

Keep It Moist, But Not Too Wet: The compost pile should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, add more browns to absorb excess moisture.

Using Your Compost to Grow Food

Once your compost is ready (which usually takes a few months), you can use it to enrich your garden soil. Here’s how:

Mix It into Your Garden Beds: Spread a layer of compost over your vegetable garden and mix it into the topsoil to improve structure and fertility.

Use It as Mulch: Apply compost around the base of plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Feed Potted Plants: Mix compost with potting soil to provide a natural boost to container-grown herbs and vegetables.

What Can and Cannot Be Composted?

To maintain a healthy compost pile, only compost appropriate materials:

✅ Can Compost:

Fruit and vegetable scraps

Coffee grounds and tea bags

Eggshells

Grass clippings and garden trimmings

Shredded paper and cardboard

Dry leaves and straw

❌ Avoid Composting:

Meat, fish, and dairy products

Oily or greasy food scraps

Pet waste

Diseased plants

Synthetic materials (plastics, metals, glass)

Final Thoughts

Growing your own food using compost not only benefits your garden but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle. By turning waste into nourishment for your plants, you are creating a closed-loop system that supports healthy growth while reducing your environmental impact. 

So why not start today? With a little effort and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying delicious homegrown produce straight from your garden!

National Allotment Society Launches 2025 Survey to Champion Allotment Wellbeing

As part of National Allotments Week 2025, themed 'Allotments and Wellbeing', the National Allotment Society (NAS) is calling on all allotment holders, gardeners, and green space enthusiasts to share their experiences in a nationwide survey.

This survey aims to gather valuable insights into the joys and challenges of allotment gardening, highlighting its role in supporting mental and physical wellbeing. 

The feedback collected will help NAS continue its vital work to protect, preserve, and promote allotments for future generations.

“Allotments provide so much more than fresh produce – they are a source of community, physical activity, and peace of mind,” says Charlotte Watts, Marketing Officer at NAS. “By taking part in this survey, you will be helping us advocate for better resources, policies, and protections to ensure allotments remain an accessible and cherished part of our lives.”

NAS urges all allotment holders and gardening enthusiasts to participate in this important survey. It only takes a few minutes to complete, but the impact will be long-lasting. The results will shape future initiatives, support lobbying efforts, and ensure allotments continue to thrive as essential green spaces.

To take part, visit https://forms.gle/hCvg5R1hn5XHnnmi8 have your say today!

Website: thenas.org.uk/national-allotments-week

Embracing the Magic: Growing and Eating Your Own Microgreens

In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life often leave us disconnected from nature's wonders, there exists a magical realm awaiting exploration right in our homes - microgreens. These tiny, vibrant greens hold a universe of flavour, nutrition, and joy within them. 

Growing and consuming microgreens isn't just about cultivating a crop; it's a journey of discovery, mindfulness, and satisfaction. Join me as we embark on this enchanting adventure of growing and savouring our own microgreens.

Unveiling the Magic of Microgreens:

Microgreens, the miniature versions of leafy greens and herbs, are harvested when their first true leaves emerge. Despite their small, or even tiny, size, they pack a powerful punch of flavour, colour, nutrients and taste.

From peppery rocket to delicate basil, each variety offers a unique culinary experience. But the magic of microgreens doesn't stop at their taste; it extends to their cultivation process and the satisfaction derived from nurturing them.

The Joy of Cultivation:

Growing microgreens is a delightfully simple yet rewarding endeavor suitable for seasoned gardeners and novices alike. All it takes is a shallow container, some soil or growing medium, seeds, and a sunny windowsill or a grow light. And your children will love to be involved, too.

Witnessing the transformation from seed to sprout and eventually to lush greens is akin to witnessing a miniature miracle unfold before your eyes. The act of caring for these tiny plants fosters a sense of connection to nature and an appreciation for the cycles of growth.

Mindful Nourishment:

Beyond the act of cultivation lies the true magic of microgreens - their role as a source of nourishment for both body and soul. Incorporating these miniature wonders into our diets introduces a burst of freshness and flavour to our meals. 

Whether sprinkled over salads, sandwiches, or soups, or blended into smoothies, microgreens elevate dishes with their vibrant hues and concentrated taste. Moreover, knowing that these greens were nurtured with our own hands adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every bite.

Nutritional Powerhouses:

Despite their tiny size, microgreens are nutritional powerhouses, often containing higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than their mature counterparts. Research suggests hey may possess potent health benefits, including improved immune function, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced digestion. By incorporating microgreens into our diets, we not only tantalise our taste buds but also support our overall well-being, too.

Cultivating Connection:

In today's fast-paced world, cultivating a connection to the food we consume can feel like a distant luxury. However, growing and eating microgreens offer a tangible way to bridge this gap. By tending to these tiny plants, we rekindle our bond with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the origins of our food. Furthermore, sharing the experience with friends and family fosters a sense of community and joy in the simple act of growing and eating together. Why not set up a microgreen swap club with family members, neighbours or work colleagues? 

In a world inundated with convenience and instant gratification, the magic of growing and eating your own microgreens serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, savour the moment, and reconnect with the natural world. 

From the thrill of watching seeds sprout to the satisfaction of harvesting a bountiful crop, every step of the journey holds its own enchantment. So, why not embark on this magical adventure today? Grow your own microgreens, and let the magic unfold in your greenhouse, your conservatory, your windowsill or your kitchen shelf or counter.

Incidentally, we grown our microgreens in our conservatory.

Embark on a Flavourful Journey: Starting Your Own Culinary Herb Garden

In the realm of culinary delights, there's something special about fresh herbs. They possess the power to transform an ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece, elevating flavors and tantalsing taste buds.

Imagine plucking a sprig of fragrant basil or snipping some zesty cilantro straight from your own garden to enhance your favorite recipes. 

If you've ever dreamed of cultivating your own culinary herbs but didn't know where to begin, fear not! Starting your own herb garden is a gratifying journey that promises both culinary and aesthetic rewards.

Why Cultivate Your Own Culinary Herb Garden?

Before diving into the practicalities, let's ponder the numerous benefits of nurturing your own herb garden:

Fresher Flavours: Nothing compares to the taste of freshly harvested herbs. Shop-bought herbs, while convenient, often lack the vibrancy and potency of just-picked varieties.

Cost-effective: Growing your own herbs can save you money in the long run. A small investment in seeds or seedlings can yield abundant harvests, providing you with a continuous supply of herbs without the need to frequently purchase expensive packaged varieties.

Health Benefits: Herbs are not only flavoruful but also packed with health-promoting compounds. Incorporating fresh herbs into your diet can enhance the nutritional value of your meals and contribute to overall well-being.

Sustainable Living: By growing your own herbs, you reduce reliance on commercially produced herbs that may involve extensive transportation and packaging. Cultivating herbs at home promotes sustainability and reduces your carbon footprint.

Getting Started:

Now that we've established the compelling reasons to start your own herb garden, let's delve into the practical steps to kick-start your botanical adventure:

Choose the Right Location: Most culinary herbs thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Select a spot in your garden or balcony that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Select Your Herbs: Consider which herbs you use most frequently in your cooking and start with those. Popular choices for culinary herb gardens include basil, parsley, coriander (also known as cilantro), rosemary, thyme, mint, and chives. Begin with a few varieties to keep things manageable.

Prepare the Soil: Ensure your soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If you're growing herbs in containers, use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or vegetables.

Planting: Whether you opt for seeds or starter plants, follow the instructions on the seed packets or plant labels for proper spacing and depth. Water your newly planted herbs gently but thoroughly.

Care and Maintenance: Regular watering, weeding, and occasional fertilization will keep your herb garden thriving. Monitor your herbs for signs of pests or diseases and address any issues promptly.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Herbs:

As your herbs flourish, it's time to reap the rewards of your efforts:

Harvesting: To encourage bushy growth and ensure a continuous supply of herbs, harvest them frequently. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the outer leaves or stems, taking care not to damage the plant.

Preserving: Extend the shelf life of your herbs by drying, freezing, or preserving them in oil or vinegar. These methods allow you to enjoy your homegrown herbs even during the offseason.

Culinary Creativity: Let your imagination run wild in the kitchen! Experiment with different combinations of herbs to add depth and complexity to your dishes. From fresh pesto and herb-infused oils to flavorful marinades and garnishes, the possibilities are endless.

Embarking on the journey of starting your own culinary herb garden is a rewarding endeavor that enriches both your palate and your soul. With a bit of planning, patience, and tender loving care, you can cultivate a thriving herb garden that enhances your culinary creations and brings joy to your daily life. So roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let the aromatic allure of fresh herbs inspire your culinary adventures!

And don't forget to ask any more experienced gardeners you know for their expertise and guidance. Most are only too happy to offer their help.