Celebrate Sourdough September with Matthews Cotswold Flour: Join the Super Sourdough Club

September's here, and that means one thing for bread enthusiasts across the UK: it's time to celebrate Sourdough September! 

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just beginning your journey into the world of sourdough, there's no better way to dive into the doughy delights of this ancient bread-making tradition than by joining the Super Sourdough Club with Matthews Cotswold Flour.

Why Sourdough?

Sourdough is more than just a loaf; it's a labour of love. This bread, with its signature tangy flavour and rustic crust, has been cherished for centuries. Unlike commercially produced bread, sourdough is made using a natural fermentation process, relying on wild yeast and bacteria to leaven the dough. This not only gives sourdough its distinct taste but also makes it easier to digest, with many people finding it gentler on their stomachs compared to other breads.

In recent years, sourdough has seen a resurgence in popularity, with home bakers embracing the slow, mindful process of creating their own starter, nurturing it, and watching it rise. There's something deeply satisfying about pulling a freshly baked, golden-brown loaf out of the oven, knowing that you've created it from scratch.

Join the Super Sourdough Club

Matthews Cotswold Flour, a family-run mill with over 100 years of heritage, is at the heart of this sourdough revival. Their commitment to quality and tradition has made them a trusted name among bakers, both amateur and professional. This September, they're inviting you to take your sourdough skills to the next level by joining the Super Sourdough Club.

The Super Sourdough Club is more than just a community of like-minded bakers—it's a treasure trove of resources, tips, and inspiration. When you join the club, you'll gain access to exclusive content, including:

Step-by-Step Guides: Whether you're starting from scratch or refining your technique, these detailed guides will help you at every stage of your sourdough journey.

Expert Tips: Learn the secrets of the perfect crumb, how to achieve that coveted open structure, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Recipe Ideas: From classic sourdough to inventive variations, discover new ways to enjoy your homemade bread.

Exclusive Discounts: Members receive special offers on Matthews Cotswold Flour products, so you can stock up on the finest ingredients for your bakes.

Why Choose Matthews Cotswold Flour?

When it comes to sourdough, the quality of your flour matters. Matthews Cotswold Flour is renowned for its range of organic and traditional flours, milled from carefully sourced grains. Their flours are perfect for sourdough baking, providing the strength and flavour needed to produce outstanding loaves.

Sourdough September is the perfect time to start your sourdough journey or to refine your existing skills. By joining the Super Sourdough Club, you'll be part of a vibrant community of bakers who share your passion. Plus, with Matthews Cotswold Flour as your baking partner, you can be confident that you're using the best ingredients to create bread that not only tastes fantastic but also carries on a time-honoured tradition.

So, dust off your apron, feed your starter, and get ready to bake your way through Sourdough September. Join the Super Sourdough Club today and discover the joy of sourdough with Matthews Cotswold Flour. Happy baking!

https://cotswoldflour.com

The Importance of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements During Winter

As the colder, darker days of winter approach, maintaining good health becomes a challenge.

Reduced sunlight, colder temperatures, and limited availability of fresh produce can negatively impact our overall well-being. 

This is where vitamin and mineral supplements play a crucial role in supporting our health during the winter months.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

One of the most significant concerns during winter is the lack of sunlight, which directly affects our vitamin D levels. Known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is primarily synthesised when our skin is exposed to sunlight. 

However, during the winter months, the reduced daylight hours and weaker sun make it difficult for many of us to obtain sufficient vitamin D naturally.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as it aids in the absorption of calcium. It also supports the immune system, helping to ward off common winter illnesses like colds and flu. Studies have shown that a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease. 

Therefore, taking a vitamin D supplement during winter is highly recommended, especially for those who spend most of their time indoors or live in areas with limited sunlight.

The Role of Vitamin C and Zinc in Immunity

Winter is notorious for the spike in colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. To bolster your immune system, vitamin C and zinc are particularly important.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off infections. While it is found in citrus fruits and vegetables, the decreased availability of fresh produce in winter can make it challenging to get enough vitamin C through diet alone. Supplementing with vitamin C can help ensure your immune system remains robust throughout the season.

Similarly, zinc plays a critical role in immune function, promoting the growth and function of immune cells. Zinc deficiency has been linked to increased vulnerability to infections, making it an important mineral to consider during winter. While zinc is present in foods like meat, shellfish, and legumes, a supplement may be necessary for those with dietary restrictions or limited access to these foods.

The Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is another mineral that should not be overlooked in winter. It plays a vital role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and energy production. During winter, when energy levels often dip, magnesium supplements can help maintain energy and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Moreover, magnesium is known for its calming properties, which can be particularly beneficial during the darker months when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter blues are more common. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake can help improve mood and promote better sleep, both of which are crucial for maintaining mental health during winter.

Iron: Combating Fatigue

Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Low iron levels can lead to anaemia, a condition characterised by fatigue, weakness, and a general lack of energy. With the reduced daylight hours and colder weather, many people find themselves feeling more lethargic in winter. Supplementing with iron, particularly for those at risk of deficiency (such as women of childbearing age), can help combat this winter fatigue and keep energy levels stable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as winter approaches, the importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamins and minerals cannot be overstated. The combination of reduced sunlight, limited availability of fresh produce, and the increased risk of illness makes it essential to consider supplementing your diet with key vitamins and minerals. 

Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and iron are particularly important during the winter months to support immune function, energy levels, and overall well-being. By proactively addressing these nutritional needs, you can help ensure that your body remains resilient and healthy throughout the colder, darker days of winter.

Councils turn footpaths and pavements into obstacle courses for people using mobility scooters...

A ghostly investigation

Sometimes we take time off from blogging about food, drink and Christmas gifting ideas. 

This is a part of what we do in our leisure time.

Understanding Gastroparesis: Raising Awareness During Gastroparesis Awareness Month

August marks Gastroparesis Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on a condition that often goes unnoticed despite its significant impact on those who live with it. Gastroparesis, derived from the Greek words gastro (stomach) and paresis (partial paralysis), refers to a chronic digestive disorder where the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is slowed down or stopped, even though there is no blockage. 

This condition can lead to severe discomfort and can significantly impair the quality of life.

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition that disrupts the normal motility of the stomach muscles. Under normal circumstances, strong muscular contractions propel food through the digestive tract. However, in individuals with gastroparesis, these contractions are weakened or dysfunctional, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than it should. This delay in gastric emptying can lead to a host of symptoms, including:

Nausea and vomiting: Patients often experience persistent nausea, leading to frequent vomiting, which can be debilitating.

Bloating and fullness: Even after consuming a small amount of food, patients may feel uncomfortably full or bloated.

Abdominal pain: The sensation of pain or discomfort in the stomach is common, contributing to the overall distress.

Malnutrition: Due to difficulties in eating and retaining nutrients, individuals with gastroparesis are at risk of malnutrition and unintended weight loss.

Fluctuating blood sugar levels: Particularly in those with diabetes, delayed gastric emptying can cause erratic blood sugar levels, complicating management.

The Importance of Awareness

Gastroparesis Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the public and healthcare professionals about this challenging condition. Despite its prevalence, gastroparesis is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary suffering.

One of the key challenges faced by those with gastroparesis is the lack of a cure. Current treatments focus primarily on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life. These may include dietary modifications, medications to stimulate stomach motility, and in severe cases, surgical interventions.

Supporting Those with Gastroparesis

Living with gastroparesis can be isolating, as the symptoms often interfere with daily activities and social interactions. Raising awareness can foster greater understanding and support for those affected. Here are some ways to contribute:

Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the condition and share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community. Understanding the challenges faced by those with gastroparesis can lead to more compassionate and supportive environments.

Advocate for Better Treatment Options: Support research and advocacy efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments and ultimately a cure. Joining patient advocacy groups or supporting relevant charities can make a difference.

Encourage Early Diagnosis: Gastroparesis can be difficult to diagnose due to its overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. Encouraging people to seek medical advice for persistent digestive issues can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management.

Support Affected Individuals: Whether it’s offering a listening ear, helping with meal preparation, or being flexible with social plans, small gestures of support can greatly improve the day-to-day lives of those living with gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month is not just about understanding a medical condition; it’s about recognising the daily battles faced by those living with it. By increasing awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can help improve the lives of individuals with gastroparesis and contribute to the ongoing search for better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.

Let’s use this month to make a difference by spreading knowledge, offering support, and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard. Together, we can create a world where living with gastroparesis is more manageable and less isolating.

https://aboutgastroparesis.org/living-with-gastroparesis/gastroparesis-awareness-month/#:~:text=August%20is%20Gastroparesis%20Awareness%20Month.

There's a friend of this blog Ellie Dyson who suffers from gastroparesis and who is appealing for help to raise funds for an operation that, it is hoped, can help her. Please donate what you can. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/gastric-pacemaker-to-help-me-live-my-life

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Introducing the Latest Addition to Palace Culture's Award-Winning Range: Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze

Palace Culture, renowned for its innovative and flavourful plant-based cheezes, has once again delighted taste buds with its latest creation: Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze. 

This new 120g offering joins an already impressive line-up of award-winning plant-based cheezes, including the much-loved Kimcheeze and the distinctive Mouldy Goaty, each available at Waitrose stores nationwide from 15th August. Priced at £5.95, these delicious cheezes are a must-try for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

A Symphony of Flavours: Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze

The new Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze is a testament to Palace Culture’s commitment to creating bold, gourmet flavours using only the finest plant-based ingredients. 

This creamy, spreadable cheeze combines the delicate, aromatic taste of chives with the subtle sweetness of shallots, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavour profile. Whether spread on crackers, used as a dip, or incorporated into your favourite recipes, this cheeze offers a rich and satisfying experience that rivals traditional dairy products.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Award-Winning Range

Palace Culture has consistently set the standard for high-quality, artisanal plant-based cheezes, and the Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze is no exception. Joining the ranks of the Kimcheeze, with its unique blend of fermented kimchi and creamy cheeze, and the Mouldy Goaty, known for its tangy, goat’s cheese-inspired flavour, this new addition is sure to become a firm favourite among fans of the brand.

Kimcheeze (120g): A delightful fusion of spicy, tangy kimchi with smooth, creamy cheeze, offering an umami-packed punch that elevates any dish.

Mouldy Goaty (120g): This plant-based cheeze captures the essence of traditional goat’s cheese, with a mould-ripened rind and a distinctive, earthy flavour.

Each cheeze in the range is handcrafted with care, using sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring that you can indulge in these gourmet delights with a clear conscience.

Available Nationwide at Waitrose

Starting 15th August, the full range of Palace Culture’s plant-based cheezes, including the new Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze, will be available at Waitrose stores across the UK. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply looking to reduce your dairy intake, these cheezes offer an unparalleled taste experience that doesn’t compromise on quality or flavour.

At an RRP of £5.95 for 120g, these cheezes are an affordable luxury that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Perfect for creating a sophisticated cheeseboard, enhancing your favourite recipes, or simply enjoying as a snack, Palace Culture’s cheezes are a versatile and delicious addition to any kitchen.

Palace Culture continues to lead the way in the plant-based food revolution, and the new Chives & Shallots Cream Cheeze is a worthy addition to their award-winning range. With its rich, creamy texture and delightful blend of flavours, this cheeze is set to become a staple for plant-based food lovers everywhere.

So, whether you’re planning a cosy night in, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for a tasty treat, be sure to pick up a pack (or two) of Palace Culture’s latest creation from your local Waitrose. Your taste buds will thank you!

https://www.palaceculture.co.uk

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