Traditional teas making way for Tropical Sun's herbal tea offerings

We Brits love a good cuppa; However, whilst sales of traditional black or ‘builder’s’ tea have seen a steady year-on-year decline of around 3% since 2013, sales of fruit and herbal teas have increased by 24% and green tea by 41% over the past five years, with year-on-year growth of 8%.

Tropical Sun Foods, best known for hero products from around the world such as Jerk Seasoning and coconut milk, have a range of more than 22 products in their range of herbal teas from across the globe and are expanding further with two new flavours (Chamomile and Turmeric & Ginger) launching soon..

Why has this change occurred? Commercial Director, George Phillips puts the growth of the herbal tea market down to younger consumers. He said: “We believe this trend is driven by younger consumers who are seeking out more adventurous hot beverages, or those with perceived health benefits.”

Phillips added: “With demand increasingly exponentially, particularly with more people working from home, fruit and herbal tea is a subcategory with huge potential, and there are very compelling reasons for impulse and convenience retailers to increase their offering in-store, not least to ensure they are capturing an ever-wider consumer base.”

Containing only all natural ingredients, Tropical Sun ‘Teas of the World’ range are all caffeine-free to promote calm wakefulness and have received accolades including Great Taste Awards for Moringa and Sorrel & Ginger Tea. 

They were also voted ‘Best tea for green tea drinkers’ for people avoiding caffeine in The Independent’s Indy Best feature and their Turmeric Tea was recently named ‘Best Herbal Tea’ by ExpertReviews.co.uk.

You'll find Tropical Sun products stocked in thousands of independent retailers across the UK, in Sainbury’s, on Amazon and at www.tropicalsunfoods.com – priced at £1.99.

What teas are available?

Moringa Tea

The Independent said Tropical Sun tea was the best caffeine free alternative for Green Tea fans. Commonly referred to as ‘Miracle Tree’ on account of its incredible nutritional properties and wide range of applications, Moringa is used by indigenous cultures for water purification, as a health supplement and, of course, as a tea! It has a subtle, earthy taste which won a Great Taste Award this year.

Turmeric Tea

Their Turmeric Tea was highly praised by Expert Reviews. This warming and mild, turmeric is one of the most popular spices worldwide and has a long history of use within the ayurvedic wellness system. For the full flavour, place a teabag into a cup and add freshly boiled water. Allow to brew for 2-5 minutes. Alternatively, for ‘golden milk’, place a teabag into milk, bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 10 minutes.

Sorrel & Ginger Tea

Tropical Sun Sorrel & Ginger Tea’s tart, cranberry-like flavour and gorgeous deep red colour make it a popular herbal infusion across many cultures. For the full flavour, place a teabag into a cup and add freshly boiled water. Allow to brew for 2-5 minutes. Slowly sip and enjoy, or chill down and serve over ice for a cooling, refreshing beverage!

Tropical Sun Sorrel & Ginger Tea is a winner of the prestigious Great Taste Award: the 'Oscar of World Food'!

Cerassie Tea

A popular Caribbean herbal folk remedy, Tropical Sun Cerassie Tea is made from the leaves of the bitter gourd plant and has an unmistakably earthy taste and is available at Sainsbury’s.

Neem (Indian Lilac) Tea

An age-old ayurvedic herbal remedy, Tropical Sun Neem Tea is made from the leaves of the neem tree and has an unmistakably bitter taste.

Honey & Ginger Tea

A classic infusion, Tropical Sun Honey & Ginger Tea is both sweet and spicy. Soothing and refreshing, it is the perfect winter beverage.

Bright and invigorating with a citrus kick, Tropical Sun Lemon & Ginger Tea is the perfect palate cleanser.

Ginseng Tea

An age-old herbal stimulant, ginseng is regarded as one of nature's most effective energy boosters and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Tropical Sun Ginseng Tea is made with 100% ginseng just as Mother Nature intended

Peppermint Tea

Refreshing and invigorating. Tropical Sun Peppermint Tea is the perfect pick-me-up for the health-minded

Lemon & Ginger Tea

Bright and invigorating with a citrus kick, Tropical Sun Lemon & Ginger Tea is the perfect palate cleanser and is available at Sainsbury’s.

Tulsi Tea

An age-old ayurvedic herbal remedy with a light and earthy taste, tulsi tea has been part of Indian tradition for centuries.

Noni & Ginger Tea

Consumed by Southeast Asians and Australian Aborigines as a tonic, noni is an increasingly popular nutritional supplement. Blended with refreshing ginger, Tropical Sun Noni & Ginger is mildly spicy with a subtle, sweet aroma.

Green Tea

Refreshing and relaxing, green tea has been used as a traditional Chinese remedy for many centuries. Tropical Sun Green Tea has a delicate, classic flavour and can be topped off with a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist

Fennel Tea

An age-old folk remedy, legend has it that use of fennel was mandated by the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. Traditionally used to aid digestion, Tropical Sun Fennel Tea has a sweet aniseed-like flavour and a relaxing aroma.

Celebrate Your Mum This Mother's Day with Langham Sparkling Wine

Nothing says celebration quite like the bold, iconic sound of a cork popping out of a bottle of sparkling wine. 

And what better way to celebrate your mum and everything she does for you than an elegant bottle of Sparkling Rosé from one of England's finest wine estates?

The Langham Wine Estate is a single vineyard estate nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside. Taking the greatest of care and pride in their craft, they hand harvest the grapes and take a low intervention approach to their wine-making. 

Not only that but in 2020 the Langham Wine Estate won the coveted Best Sparkling Wine Producer award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), beating some of the best French champagne houses as well as sparkling wines from around the rest of the world. The previous year, the award was won by Veuve Clicquot.

Langham Sparkling Rosé is delicious on its own and is also exceptional with food being rich and open with a dry finish. It's elegant and complex with noses of raspberry and pomegranate. Made using the same Traditional Method as Champagne, it has a minimum of 24 months ageing on the lees and a further 6-12 months ageing on cork after disgorgement. The rich sunset pink colour makes it a perfect gift for Mother's Day.

It costs £34.95 and is available directly from Langham Wine Estate and can be purchased with a beautiful wooden gift box for just £5.45.

https://langhamwine.co.uk/product/rose-nv19

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

Coping With Food Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Dietary Restrictions

Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, requiring them to be vigilant about what they eat to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions. 

Whether you've or a family member, recently been diagnosed with a food allergy or have been living with one for years, understanding how to navigate dietary restrictions is crucial for maintaining good health and quality of life. In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies and essential tips for managing food allergies effectively.

Seek Professional Diagnosis and Guidance:

If you suspect you, or a family member, has a food allergy, seek professional medical advice. Allergists can conduct tests to identify specific allergens and provide personalised guidance on managing the condition.

Keep a food diary to track symptoms and potential triggers, which can help healthcare professionals make an accurate diagnosis.

Educate Yourself:

Learn to read food labels carefully to identify potential allergens. Manufacturers are required to list common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, on their labels.

Be aware of hidden sources of allergens, such as cross-contamination in shared cooking utensils or processing facilities.

Create a Safe Environment:

Communicate your food allergies to family, friends, coworkers, and restaurant staff to ensure they understand the seriousness of your condition.

Keep your home and work environments free from allergens by establishing designated safe zones and storing allergen-free foods separately from allergen-containing products.

Plan Meals Carefully:

Embrace home cooking as much as possible, allowing you to have complete control over ingredients and preparation methods.

When dining out, research restaurants in advance, and communicate your dietary needs to the staff. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate food allergies if given sufficient notice.

Have Emergency Preparedness:

Always carry emergency medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen), in case of accidental exposure to allergens.

Educate friends, family, and caregivers on how to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, including when to administer epinephrine.

Stay Positive and Proactive:

While living with food allergies can be challenging, maintaining a positive mindset is essential. Focus on the abundance of foods you can still enjoy rather than dwelling on restrictions.

Get involved in online support groups or local communities for individuals with food allergies. Sharing experiences and tips with others facing similar challenges can be incredibly empowering.

Living with food allergies requires diligence and careful planning, but it's entirely manageable with the right knowledge and support. By seeking professional guidance, educating yourself, creating a safe environment, planning meals carefully, preparing for emergencies, and staying positive, you can effectively navigate the complexities of food allergies and enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life. Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and with the right strategies in place, managing food allergies becomes second nature.

(Image courtesy of Brett Hondow from Pixabay)

The importance of good hygiene in the home kitchen

A clean domestic kitchen

Good hygiene in the home kitchen is crucial for several reasons:

Food Safety: Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper cleaning of kitchen surfaces, utensils, and equipment, help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can contaminate food and cause foodborne illnesses.

Pets: Don't allow pets to play on food preparation areas. And if they do, carefully and kindly remove them and clean the area thoroughly. 

Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Proper hygiene reduces the risk of cross-contamination, where harmful bacteria from raw foods, such as meat and poultry, are transferred to ready-to-eat foods, leading to foodborne illnesses. Separate cutting boards, utensils, and storage areas for raw and cooked foods can help prevent cross-contamination.

Prolonged Food Freshness: Keeping the kitchen clean and free from spills, crumbs, and food residues can deter pests like insects and rodents that are attracted to food scraps. Proper storage and handling of perishable foods also help prevent spoilage and extend their shelf life.

Health of Household Members: Maintaining good hygiene in the kitchen contributes to the overall health and well-being of household members by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and other infections.

Positive Cooking Environment: A clean and organised kitchen is more inviting and conducive to cooking. It can also inspire creativity and enjoyment in meal preparation.

Role Modelling: Practicing good hygiene in the kitchen sets a positive example for other household members, especially children, who can learn important habits and skills for safe food handling and preparation.

Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to hygiene practices in the home kitchen ensures compliance with food safety regulations and standards, which are essential for public health and safety.

In summary, good hygiene in the home kitchen is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses, maintaining food freshness, promoting the health of household members, creating a positive cooking environment, and complying with food safety regulations.

Hot drink lovers, Just Spices has you (or your drinks) covered

Just Spices make a promise to home cooks all over the UK: They say they can help change the way you cook. 

How do they do this? By offering home cooks like you and us at That's Food and Drink a delicious range of spice blends, gift sets, starter packs and for those who are strapped for time (it happens to the best of us!) some organic pasta sauces and organic ready meals that you can cook in three minutes.

However, what That's Food and Drink is bringing to your attention is another absolutely beautiful idea from Just Spices, is Coffee Kiss which is perfectly delicious when mixed into coffee, sprinkled over a frothy cappuccino or added to a cosy cup of hot chocolate.

When you visit their website https://www.justspices.co.uk you'll most likely spend at least an hour checking out everything from spice for your oats, sandwich seasoning, vegetable seasoning, ground meat seasoning, herb dip seasoning, avocado topping and much more besides.  

Your Mum can be a home Barista this Mother's Day, but with a bit of a twister, thanks to Sweet Freedom

Sweet Freedom has a fantastic offer for all you home baristas and your mothers for Mother's Day, or Mothering Sunday. 

Their Barista Coffee Bundle will be a fantastic and very welcome gift for all the coffee loving mums out there! 

As well as the bundle they sell them individually in 250ml premium glass bottles or 1 litre plastic bottles. The coffee syrups are also fantastic in hot choc, frappes and matcha.

There's a special new limited edition Barista Bundle, only 10 available, Sweet Freedom.

It contains no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners

All the ingredients are natural, the sweetness only comes from apple and carob.

No potassium sorbate or citric acid (which many existing coffee syrups contain, incidentally)

Nut free… even HAZELNUT! And vegan friendly.

And the HAZELNUT has a very prestigious Great Taste Award.

Flavours are Vanilla, Hazelnut and Caramel. 

https://sweetfreedom.co.uk/collections/barista-collection/products/new-barista-bundle

The usual price is £30.00 but by using the above link you'll be able to make your purchase for a very friendly £19.99. (But shhhh! Your mom doesn't need to know that!)

That's Health: Cultivate Wellness: Grow Your Own Medicinal Garden

That's Health: Cultivate Wellness: Grow Your Own Medicinal Garden: In today's fast-paced, over-excited world, where stress and ailments often take centrestage, the idea of cultivating one's own medic...

That's Gardening: Cultivating Green: Sustainable Gardening Practices...

That's Gardening: Cultivating Green: Sustainable Gardening Practices...: As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to escalate, many individuals are looking for ways to minimise th...

Molecular Gastronomy: Playing with Science in the Kitchen

In recent years, there has been a culinary revolution brewing in kitchens around the world. 

It's a movement that blurs the lines between science and cooking, transforming traditional dishes into innovative creations that tantalize not only the taste buds but also the imagination. 

This culinary phenomenon is known as molecular gastronomy, a discipline that explores the science behind food and uses unconventional techniques to create extraordinary dining experiences. 

Let's delve into this captivating world where chefs are like mad scientists, experimenting with ingredients, textures, and flavors to push the boundaries of gastronomy.

The Science Behind Molecular Gastronomy:

At its core, molecular gastronomy is about understanding the chemical and physical processes that occur during cooking and how they can be manipulated to achieve specific culinary outcomes. It draws upon principles from physics, chemistry, and even biology to dissect the intricacies of food and cooking. From the precise temperatures required for sous vide cooking to the emulsification of fats in sauces, every aspect of cooking is scrutinized and optimized to enhance flavors, textures, and presentations.

Experimental Techniques:

What sets molecular gastronomy apart from traditional cooking is its repertoire of experimental techniques. These techniques include spherification, gelification, foams, and encapsulation, among others. Spherification, for example, involves transforming liquid ingredients into spheres with a thin membrane, creating bursts of flavor when bitten into. Gelification allows chefs to turn liquids into gels or jellies, opening up endless possibilities for playful presentations. Foams add lightness and texture to dishes, while encapsulation involves trapping liquids inside edible membranes, creating delightful flavor explosions.

Creative Applications:

In the hands of skilled chefs, molecular gastronomy transcends mere culinary experimentation and becomes a form of edible art. Dishes are transformed into visually stunning creations that challenge our preconceptions of food. Imagine a deconstructed dessert featuring spheres of fruit juice, a cloud of aromatic foam, and delicate sugar sculptures. Or a savory dish where every component is meticulously crafted to deliver a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Molecular gastronomy allows chefs to unleash their creativity and imagination, resulting in dining experiences that are as visually captivating as they are delicious.

Challenges and Criticisms:

Despite its allure, molecular gastronomy has not been without its critics. Some argue that it prioritizes style over substance, focusing more on spectacle than on the fundamental pleasures of eating. Others raise concerns about the use of synthetic additives and chemicals in the pursuit of culinary innovation. Additionally, the specialized equipment and ingredients required for molecular gastronomy can be prohibitively expensive, limiting its accessibility to home cooks and smaller restaurants.

The Future of Molecular Gastronomy:

Despite these challenges, molecular gastronomy continues to evolve and captivate food enthusiasts around the world. Chefs are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, experimenting with new techniques and ingredients to create ever more inventive dishes. As technology advances and our understanding of food science deepens, the potential for culinary innovation seems limitless. Whether you're a professional chef or an adventurous home cook, molecular gastronomy offers a thrilling journey into the intersection of science and gastronomy, where the only limit is your imagination.

Molecular gastronomy represents a revolution in the culinary world, where chefs are like modern-day alchemists, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary creations through the power of science and imagination. 

While it may not be without its controversies, there's no denying the excitement and creativity it brings to the kitchen. So next time you're in the mood for a culinary adventure, why not don your lab coat and experiment with some molecular gastronomy techniques? Who knows what delicious discoveries await!