That's Gardening: Embrace the Orchard: The Benefits of Growing Your ...

That's Gardening: Embrace the Orchard: The Benefits of Growing Your ...: In a world where convenience often, regretfully, trumps sustainability, reconnecting with the earth and cultivating our own fruits is a refr...

The ABCs of Composting: Turning Kitchen Waste into Garden Gold

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing waste, composting stands out as a simple yet powerful practice that anyone can adopt. 

Composting not only diverts kitchen scraps from landfills but also produces nutrient-rich soil that can enhance your garden's health and productivity. If you're new to composting or looking to brush up on the basics, read on as we explore the ABCs of turning kitchen waste into garden gold.

A is for Aerobic Decomposition:

Composting is essentially the aerobic decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. These tiny decomposers break down kitchen waste into simpler compounds, releasing valuable nutrients in the process. To support aerobic decomposition, ensure proper aeration within your compost pile or bin by turning or mixing the materials regularly.

B is for Brown and Green Materials:

Composting requires a balance of brown and green materials. Brown materials, such as dried leaves, straw, or newspaper, provide carbon, while green materials, like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings, supply nitrogen. Aim for a ratio of roughly 3 parts brown to 1 part green to maintain a healthy compost pile.

C is for Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio:

Understanding the carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio is crucial for successful composting. Microorganisms require the right balance of these elements to thrive. Brown materials have a higher carbon content, while green materials are richer in nitrogen. A C:N ratio of around 30:1 is ideal for efficient decomposition.

D is for Decomposition Process:

Composting is a natural process that occurs in stages. Initially, microorganisms break down easily decomposable materials, generating heat as they work. Over time, the compost pile cools down, and larger organisms like earthworms and insects aid in further decomposition. Patience is key, as the process can take several months to a year to yield finished compost.

E is for Environmental Benefits:

Composting offers numerous environmental benefits. By diverting organic waste from landfills, composting reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, compost-amended soil improves moisture retention, reduces erosion, and promotes biodiversity, making it a valuable tool for sustainable agriculture and landscaping practices.

F is for Finished Compost:

When your compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, it's ready to use. This finished compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be incorporated into garden beds, used as mulch, or mixed with potting soil for container gardening. Avoid adding unfinished compost to your garden, as it may rob plants of nitrogen as it continues to decompose.

G is for Gardening Tips:

Compost can benefit all types of gardens, from vegetable plots to flower beds. When using compost in your garden, mix it thoroughly into the soil to ensure even distribution of nutrients. Avoid placing compost directly against plant stems to prevent rot and disease. Regularly amending your soil with compost will improve its structure, fertility, and overall health.

H is for Home Composting Methods:

There are various methods for composting at home, ranging from traditional outdoor piles to enclosed bins and tumblers. Choose a method that suits your space, time, and preferences. Outdoor piles offer simplicity and space for large volumes of material, while enclosed bins are neater and may deter pests. Tumblers provide easy turning and faster decomposition but have limited capacity.

I is for Inclusivity:

Composting is an inclusive practice that can involve people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to sustainability, there's a role for everyone in the composting process. Engage your family, friends, and community to spread awareness and build a culture of composting together.

J is for Journey Towards Sustainability:

Composting is just one step on the journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle. By embracing composting in your daily routine, you contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and nurturing the planet. As you witness the transformation of kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil, you'll be inspired to explore other eco-friendly practices and make a positive impact on the world around you.

In conclusion, composting is a simple yet impactful way to turn kitchen waste into garden gold. By following the ABCs of composting, you can harness the power of nature to create nutrient-rich soil for healthier plants and a healthier planet. 

Whether you're composting in a backyard bin or a small apartment balcony, every effort counts towards building a more sustainable future. So, grab your kitchen scraps, start composting, and watch your garden thrive!

And you will be able to use the compost to grow more vegetables, thus creating a virtuous circle. 

(Image courtesy of Ben Kerckx from Pixabay)

Sessions, dubbed the record label for food, gets busy with the Sauce Shop to create magical collaborations

UK tech food company Sessions has exclusively launched a delicious range of food with a mouth-watering partnership with Sauce Shop. 

Sessions, the UK’s fast-growth brand platform for original food, has announced the partnership with the award-winning craft sauce producer and will be available across fifty delivery locations in the UK as well as on site in Brighton.

Sessions, dubbed the ‘Record Label for Food,’ is an ingenious, innovative company disrupting the UK food market with new food developments, innovations and collaborations to bring the most original new food to delivery customers.

The collaboration with Sauce Shop is the first of its kind and will see the popular artisanal sauces paired up with several of Sessions’ best-seller dishes featuring wings, tenders, burgers and fries, to give consumers a new original take on the fried chicken category.

The exciting new partnership will also be available at Shelter Hall, the popular Brighton food market hall owned and operated by Sessions, to Brightonians the chance to order any pairing and experience the collaboration.

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

"We’re not only matching sauces with our menus, we’re powering the iconic Sauce Shop® brand with our growing network and tech to reach thousands of taste-loving consumers, and we have our eyes firmly set on pushing the boundaries even further with the team beyond this first run.”

Pam Digva, Founder and Brand Director at Sauce Shop said: "We are obviously incredibly excited for the first Sauce Shop food delivery menu to go live in partnership with Sessions. 

"After supplying the hospitality industry with sauces and seasonings for nearly 10 years, it is amazing to launch a menu that has Sauce Shop at its heart! We know fans of the brand love a bit of fried chicken, and Tenders & Wings by Sauce Shop will not disappoint.”

For more information about Sessions and Sauce Shop®, please visit https://sessions.co.uk.

The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook by Morgan McGlynn Carr

Find your inner fromager and pair like a pro with this ultimate guide to creating delectable cheese pairings!

The main concept behind cheese pairings is how certain elements in a cheese and any chosen accompaniment react differently to each other.  

The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook demonstrates that by matching a mouthwatering cheese with the perfect cracker, a stunning chutney, the right fruit or charcuterie, an exceptional wine, or any other beverage, the results can be extremely rewarding. 

This sumptuous and detailed 'cheese bible' written by 'The Queen of Cheese' includes fascinating insights and flavours from around the world, seasonal pairing guides, carefully curated pairing boards with both classic and unique combinations, and a range of delicious cheese-based recipes suitable for all occasions.

Morgan says: “If you're anything like me, being presented with a plate of delicious cheeses is simply an invitation to dive in, no questions asked. However, it's time to hold back: learning how to taste cheese properly, so that you can decipher all the layers that make it taste so good, will help you make great choices when it comes to pairing. Mastering the art of tasting cheese in a structured way gives you a deeper appreciation of the cheese and a confident understanding of what other morsel of deliciousness might best go with it.”

The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook is a must-have for any cheese lover looking to expand their repertoire and elevate an entire dining experience and is the only cheese guide you'll ever need for entertaining friends, family, guests, colleagues, and yourself!

Morgan McGlynn Carr is the UK's leading cheese expert and owner of Cheeses of Muswell Hill, an award-winning independent cheese shop in North London. 

She is also the resident Cheese Expert on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch and a top judge at the World Cheese Awards. 

Having had the shop since age 21, she was Britain's youngest female cheesemonger and has spent the subsequent years traveling the UK and the world, working with celebrated mongers and makers and learning to make, mature and sell cheese professionally. She is also a cheese consultant for leading retailers and the author of two other highly acclaimed books, The Modern Cheesemaker and The Modern Cheeseboard.

The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook is released 6th June 2024 (White Lion Publishing, rrp £26)

Photography by Jamie Orlando Smith

PRESS EVENT: Morgan will be hosting a series of 'cheese shop lates' at Cheeses of Muswell Hill to showcase some of the pairings from the book ahead of publication. These will be intimate evenings for up to 6 people w/c 15th April 2024. If you would like to register your interest, please get in touch.

Praise for The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook

'All hail the Queen of Cheese.' -- Simon Rimmer

'From the undisputed Queen of Cheese comes a book that's not only informative, but full of modernist recipes and ground-breaking ideas..' -- Gizzi Erskine

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.

Cultivating Healthy Habits: Strategies to Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables

Encouraging children to eat vegetables can often feel like an uphill battle for many parents and caregivers. 

However, instilling healthy eating habits early in life is crucial for the overall well-being and development of children. 

Vegetables are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support growth, boost immunity, and promote overall health. Therefore, finding creative and effective ways to incorporate vegetables into children's diets is essential. 

Here we will explore various strategies to encourage children to eat vegetables and make mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Lead by Example:

Children learn by observing the behavior of those around them, particularly their parents and caregivers. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to encourage children to eat vegetables is by setting a good example. Make sure to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your own meals and demonstrate enthusiasm for healthy eating. When children see adults enjoying vegetables, they are more likely to follow suit.

Get Children Involved:

Involve children in the meal preparation process from an early age. Take them grocery shopping and let them choose their favorite vegetables. Encourage them to participate in meal planning, cooking, and even gardening if possible. When children feel involved in the process, they develop a sense of ownership and are more likely to try new foods, including vegetables.

Make it Fun:

Make eating vegetables a fun and enjoyable experience for children. Experiment with different cooking methods, such as roasting, grilling, or steaming, to enhance flavor and texture. Get creative with presentations by arranging vegetables into fun shapes or creating colorful and visually appealing dishes. Consider hosting themed vegetable nights or incorporating vegetables into fun snacks like veggie skewers or homemade veggie pizzas.

Encourage Children to Grow their own vegetables:

Allow your children to have their own plot in the garden where thy can grow their own vegetables. Also take a look at buying them microgreen kits.

Offer Choices:

Give children choices when it comes to vegetables. Offer a variety of options and let them select which vegetables they would like to include in their meals. Providing options empowers children and gives them a sense of control over their food choices. Additionally, be open to their preferences and be willing to accommodate their tastes within reason.

Sneak Vegetables into Meals:

For picky eaters who are resistant to eating vegetables, consider sneaking them into their favorite dishes. Puree vegetables and incorporate them into sauces, soups, or smoothies. Add grated or finely chopped vegetables to dishes like pasta sauces, casseroles, or meatloaf. This way, children can enjoy their favorite meals while still getting the nutritional benefits of vegetables.

Be Patient and Persistent:

Encouraging children to eat vegetables may require patience and persistence. It's normal for children to be hesitant or resistant to trying new foods, including vegetables. Avoid pressuring or forcing children to eat vegetables, as this can create negative associations with food. Instead, continue to offer vegetables regularly, and be patient as children gradually develop their palates and preferences.

Celebrate Successes:

Celebrate small victories and successes along the way. Praise children when they try new vegetables or willingly eat their veggies without fuss. Positive reinforcement can help reinforce healthy eating habits and motivate children to continue making nutritious choices.

Encouraging children to eat vegetables is essential for their growth, development, and overall health. By incorporating these strategies into your approach, you can make mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience while instilling lifelong healthy eating habits in children. 

Remember to lead by example, get children involved, make it fun, offer choices, sneak vegetables into meals, be patient and persistent, and celebrate successes along the way. With patience, creativity, and a positive attitude, you can help children develop a love for vegetables that will last a lifetime.

Deliciously Fibrelicious: How to Add Fibre to Your Diet in Tasty Ways

In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, we often hear about the importance of fibre in our diet. 

Fibre not only aids in digestion but also plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and keeping our gut microbiome happy. 

However, finding ways to incorporate fiber into our meals without sacrificing taste can sometimes feel like a challenge. Fear not! In this blog post, we'll explore some delicious and appealing ways to boost your fibre intake while tantalising your taste buds.

Start Your Day with Fibre:

The morning is the perfect time to kick-start your fibre intake. Swap out refined cereals for whole grain options like oats, barley, or quinoa. 

These grains are not only rich in fibre but also provide a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Mix in some fruits like berries, bananas, or apples for an extra fibre punch. You can also sprinkle some ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for added texture and nutrients.

Go Green with Your Salads:

Salads are an excellent opportunity to load up on fibre-rich vegetables. Incorporate a variety of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula as the base of your salad. Then, toss in colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes for added crunch and fibre content. Don't forget to add some protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make your salad more filling and satisfying.

Embrace Legumes:

Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are nutritional powerhouses packed with fibre, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporate them into soups, stews, salads, or even dips like hummus. Whip up a delicious and fibre-rich chili using black beans, kidney beans, and plenty of vegetables. You can also make a flavorful lentil curry or add chickpeas to your favorite pasta dishes for an extra fibre boost.

Snack Smartly:

Snacking doesn't have to be synonymous with processed junk food. Instead, opt for fibre-rich snacks that will keep you energised and satisfied between meals. Reach for fresh fruits like apples, pears, or oranges paired with a handful of nuts or seeds for a balanced snack. 

Greek yogurt topped with berries and a drizzle of honey is another tasty and fibre-filled option. You can also prepare homemade trail mix using whole grain cereals, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a convenient on-the-go snack.

Get Creative with Whole Grains:

Ditch the refined grains and opt for whole grain alternatives to boost your fibre intake. Experiment with different types of whole grain bread, pasta, and rice to find your favorites. Quinoa, brown rice, farro, and Bulgar are excellent options to incorporate into your meals. Use whole grain wraps or tortillas for sandwiches and wraps, and swap regular flour with whole wheat flour in your baking recipes.

Adding fibre to your diet doesn't have to be boring or bland. By incorporating a variety of fibre-rich foods into your meals and snacks, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dishes while reaping the numerous health benefits that fibre has to offer. 

Get creative in the kitchen, experiment with new ingredients, and soon you'll find yourself on the path to a happier and healthier lifestyle—one fibrelicious bite at a time.

Trewithen Dairy Tells You How To Make The Perfect Latte At Home

With Trewithen Dairy's justifiably renowned Cornish Barista Milk now available nationally in Ocado and regionally in SPAR and Lidl branches, the leading Cornish dairy is spilling the (coffee) beans on how to create the perfect latte at home with their award-winning barista milk that produces a genuinely superior milk froth.

According to recent research by Mintel, the market intelligence agency, consumers are entering a 'fourth wave' of premium home-crafted coffee. 

With the rising popularity of home barista setups, Trewithen Dairy's Cornish Barista Milk is helping coffee enthusiasts bring the coffee shop experience into their own homes, resulting in a perfect barista quality coffee. Sourced from local Cornish farms and crafted with care, the quality milk is specially designed to complement the rich flavours of coffee, resulting in a velvety and indulgent latte.

Try Trewithen's top tips on how to create the perfect latte and remember that practice makes perfect!

Making the perfect foam

Trewithen Dairy's Cornish Barista Milk is perfect for creating barista style microfroam due to its ideal protein (3.5%) and butterfat (4%) combination which creates a creamy texture and silky, longer lasting microfoam.

Fill one third of your milk jug to allow space in the jug for the milk to expand and enough milk to get the required foaming motion.

Give the steam arm a quick purge before using to clear any excess steam. 

Place the steam arm just underneath the surface of the milk and after a few short 'chirps' lower the steam arm further into the milk, positioning it at the side of the jug. This should initiate a swirling motion in the milk. Heat the milk to around 65 °C and froth until it reaches a velvety consistency. 

Pulling your espresso

For any good coffee it's important to start with high quality coffee for a robust and flavourful base. Whether you're using an espresso machine or a coffee pod, you'll need around 25-30ml of espresso coffee. Start running the shot of espresso as soon as you begin foaming your milk so that it is ready to go. Ideally, you're looking for a golden crema on top of the surface of your espresso.

Mastering the pour

After foaming your milk, gently tap the jug or bump on a table to remove any unwanted air bubbles and get ready for the pour.

Starting from a relatively high position of 2-3” above the cup with a central aim, pour the frothed milk over the espresso in a slow, steady stream until the cup is nearly half full. Continue to pour whilst gradually lowering the milk and steepening your pouring angle, adding a little wiggle to your wrist. Once almost full, pick up the jug and move it forward as you go, to create your first heart pattern. 

You can enhance your latte with syrups, spices, or flavoured powders to suit your taste preferences.

Trewithen Dairy would love coffee fans to share their at-home latte creations on social media using the hashtag #trewbarista for a chance to be featured on their official channels.

For more information on Trewithen Dairy and its range of premium dairy products, please visit www.trewithendairy.co.uk.

Celebrate Fibre February with Matthews Cotswold Flour

Did you know it is Fibre February? Matthews Cotswold Flour wants everyone to know that it's Fibre February and Matthews Cotswold Flour, which is Britain's leading speciality flour producer, is marking Fibre February by encouraging everyone to eat more fibre and sharing easy ways to do it.

Bertie Matthews, Managing Director, says: “Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is a challenge in our busy, modern lives and an estimated 90% of adults don't hit their 30g daily fibre target. 

"Fibre is important for keeping our gut healthy and it may help to reduce our risk of heart disease,  stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.”

He continues: ”The Fibre February campaign was designed to encourage everyone to boost their fibre intake and using high fibre flours, like malted rye, in your baking, is a quick and tasty way to do that. So we've created a fantastic Rye Sandwich Loaf recipe to celebrate Fibre February and to get you on your way to more fibre in your diet.” 

Throughout February, Matthews Cotswold Flour will be sharing high fibre recipes with their Baking Club and social communities and offering discounts on some of their high in fibre Rye and Ancient Grain flours.

For more information on Fibre February visit Cotswold Flour www.cotswoldflour.com or follow @CotswoldFlour on Instagram or Facebook. 

The Flour Advisory Bureau has some great recipes and hints on fibre and you can visit them at https://fabflour.co.uk/fab-nutrition/fibre/fibrefebruary

Pruning While Respecting The Environment: Discover Château de Pommard's Pruning Method

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, Chateau de Pommard is proud to employ eco-friendly vine pruning practices, revolutionising how vineyards maintain their crops while minimising environmental impact.

How is this done? For a start, Chateau de Pommard uses different types of pruning adapted to each vine, always preserving the sap flow of the vines to guarantee their longevity. 

Chateau de Pommard's vineyard manager Jean-Rémi explained: "We shape our young vines using the 'Guyot Simple' pruning method, which is the most suitable for our grape varieties and plant densities. 

He went on to say: "On older vines with two distinct sap paths, we use the Guyot-Poussard method, a variant of Guyot Simple. The difference is, we position two spurs, one on each flow. Finally, on old vines that are quite high, we often prune them in Cordons de Royat, meaning we leave four spurs."

Pruning while respecting the environment

Throughout the winter, as you drive along the Route des Grands Crus, you can see clouds of smoke from the burning of vine shoots. While tolerated, this practice harms air and health, so Château de Pommard's team banned it some years ago. 

Chateau de Pommard chose to recycle its canes from pruning. The cut shoots are bundled in the rows and removed by the team. One part will be shredded and composted with bovine manure, which will be spread in the autumn. Chateau de Pommard's partner, Vitis Valorem, will collect and recycle the other part into biodegradable staples for trellising.

This method is part of Chateau de Pommard's commitment to respecting the environment. Through various eco-friendly initiatives, Chateau de Pommard aims to transform the Clos Marey-Monge, its 20-hectare biodynamic-certified vineyard, into a self-reliant viticultural ecosystem and protect it for the next 300 years.

www.chateaudepommard.com