Lomi - It's the future of food waste management, for all our kitchens

Say goodbye to food waste rotting nastily in your kitchen!

Lomi, the innovative kitchen countertop food recycler, is making a genuine transformation the way households, like yours and ours, manages organic waste, making composting not just easy, but seamless and eco-friendly, too. And dashed good fun, too!

It's been carefully and skillfully designed to fit in any kitchen, be it big or small. Lomi offers you a convenient and extremely clean solution for managing your food scraps. 

With a simple push of a button, your leftovers, whether they are peelings, fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and organic waste are transformed overnight into a nutrient-rich natural fertiliser, called Lomi Earth. 

In just 24 hours, Lomi converts what was once waste into something that's a fantastic, natural resource that you can use for your garden, your houseplants, or your green waste bin.

The eco-mission is clear. We must eliminate 4.5 million tonnes of waste from the global waste stream by 2028. Lomi is right at the forefront of this effort, turning what would have once been waste into a very valuable resource, all while helping you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and the waste your produce.

With Lomi, composting is now genuinely accessible to everyone, regardless of any space constraints or weather conditions. No more dealing with insects that swarm out of your garden composter and bite you and you'll be able to bid farewell to the unpleasant odours, too.

Why? Because Lomi handles it all quietly and efficiently while you sleep, leaving you with significantly less waste week-on week. Lomi can reduce your household waste by 50% and reduces food scraps by a very impressive 80%.

Also, if your council operates a food scraps service with a tiny plastic bin that keeps being blown into the road and run over by cars, then the Lomi means you can deal with your own food scraps with no messy, smelly little bin! And also keep any compost your create for your own benefit!

So, What Sets Lomi Apart?

You Get Year-Round Convenience: Lomi makes composting possible all year round. Some garden composters can't work during cold, winter weather.

Compact Design: Its sleek, compact build fits seamlessly into any kitchen setup. And it looks good, too.

Eco-Friendly Impact: By diverting 100 kgs of food waste from landfills and avoiding 8 kgs of methane emissions with every 100 cycles, Lomi is the only electric appliance with a net positive impact on the environment. Which is good to know.

Energy Efficient: Lomi uses only 60 kWh of energy per 100 cycles. That's even  less energy  than leading star-approved fridge/freezers.

Sustainability Commitment: Lomi is carbon neutral upon delivery, with 100% of its manufacturing emissions offset.

Already, in excess of 200,000 households have integrated Lomi into their daily routines, dramatically reducing their environmental footprints. And it's not just food scraps, Lomi can even handle compostable packaging, making it a versatile tool in the fight against waste.

How Lomi Works:

Fill: Add food scraps, coffee grounds, and even compostable products like Pela cases.

Transform: With the push of a button, Lomi breaks down waste into nutrient-rich Lomi Earth, a natural fertiliser.

Reclaim: Use the Lomi Earth in your garden, plants, or add it to your green bin.

For those looking to make a difference, Lomi offers an easy and impactful way for you to contribute to climate. Despite being powered by electricity, Lomi users see an average reduction of 169 kg CO2e in their carbon footprints each year.

Join the movement towards a cleaner, greener future. Lomi is available for £399 through eu.Lomi.com 

And That's Food and Drink thinks that the Lomi will make a superb Christmas present for the environmentally aware gardeners in your life, so we will be sharing this with our sister site, That's Christmas. 

Exploring Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend: A New Era for Cheese Lovers

Yesterday afternoon I was making a shopping trip to our nearest Morrisons supermarket. 

It was the usual day-to-day type of shopping list, lard,cooking oil, strong white bread flour, yeast and the like.

But I then saw something that I decided to add to our shopping basket. A block of Smug dairy and oat milk blended cheese. It tastes absolutely delicious (as it happens, on a cheese sandwich made with the strong white bread flour we bought!) so I decided to write this blogpost about Smug.

In a world where dietary choices are becoming more varied and inclusive, innovation in the food industry continues to surprise and delight us. 

One of the most exciting recent developments in the dairy world is the rise of blended cheeses, combining the creamy richness of traditional dairy with plant-based alternatives. 

Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend is a prime example of this delicious evolution, offering something fresh and unique for cheese lovers who want the best of both worlds.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Smug’s dairy and oat milk cheese blend and why it’s making waves among those seeking a balance between indulgence and conscious eating.

1. What Is Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend?

Smug has developed a cheese that blends traditional dairy with oat milk, creating a product that delivers the creamy texture and richness associated with classic cheeses, but with a twist. By incorporating oat milk, Smug’s cheese blend provides a lighter, plant-forward alternative without compromising on the indulgence of dairy. This fusion of dairy and oats offers a modern, versatile option that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

2. Why Oat Milk?

Oat milk has been taking the food world by storm, largely due to its environmental benefits and creamy consistency. Compared to other plant-based milks like almond or soya, oat milk is more sustainable, requiring less water to produce and typically creating less strain on the environment. Oat milk is also naturally free of common allergens, such as nuts and soy, making it a more inclusive choice for those with dietary restrictions. It also tastes pretty good, too!

When incorporated into a cheese blend, oat milk brings a subtle sweetness and light texture, complementing the creaminess of dairy while also softening its richness. The result is a cheese that is easier on the stomach for those who may have minor lactose sensitivities but still want to enjoy the pleasures of cheese.

3. The Flavour Profile

One of the standout features of Smug’s dairy and oat milk blend is its sophisticated flavour profile. The cheese maintains the familiar tang of traditional dairy, but with a mellow finish thanks to the oat milk. 

It’s smooth, slightly nutty, and has a delicate sweetness that makes it highly versatile for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re adding it to a sandwich, melting it over pasta, or simply enjoying it on a cracker, the cheese delivers a satisfying and well-rounded flavour.

For those who enjoy a more refined cheeseboard, Smug’s blend pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet accompaniments, such as caramelised onions, figs, or even a drizzle of honey.

4. Health Benefits

Beyond the delicious taste, Smug’s dairy and oat milk blend offers some health advantages. Oat milk is high in fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, by incorporating oat milk, the cheese blend is slightly lower in fat and calories than traditional cheeses, making it a lighter option for those looking to indulge more mindfully.

For individuals who are not fully lactose intolerant but experience discomfort with high-lactose products, the combination of dairy and oat milk can offer a more digestible option, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of dairy without as much heaviness.

5. A More Sustainable Choice

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for consumers, and Smug’s oat milk and dairy cheese blend is a step in the right direction. By blending dairy with a plant-based alternative, Smug helps reduce the environmental impact typically associated with cheese production, particularly in terms of water use and greenhouse gas emissions.

While fully plant-based cheeses are undoubtedly a great choice for those seeking to minimise their environmental footprint, Smug’s cheese blend offers a thoughtful middle ground for people who still enjoy dairy but are looking to make more sustainable choices in their diet.

6. How to Enjoy Smug’s Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend

Smug’s innovative cheese blend is incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to any kitchen. Here are a few ideas for how to use it:

Melt it: This cheese blend melts beautifully, making it a great option for pizza, grilled sandwiches, or over pasta dishes like mac and cheese.

Cheeseboards: Add Smug’s cheese to your next cheeseboard for a modern twist. Pair it with nuts, fruits, and oat biscuits for a delicious mix of textures and flavours.

Salads: Crumble it over a fresh salad for a light, creamy addition that won’t overpower your greens.

Baking: Use it in savoury tarts, quiches, or pies to add richness without the heaviness of a full dairy filling.

7. Where to Find It

Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend is available in select supermarkets and speciality food stores. As the demand for innovative cheese alternatives grows, we’re likely to see more variations of this product become widely available.

A New Age for Cheese Lovers

Smug’s dairy and oat milk cheese blend represents a new era for cheese lovers who are seeking both indulgence and mindfulness in their eating habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your dairy intake, experiment with plant-based products, or simply try something new, this blend is a delicious way to explore a more balanced approach to cheese. It’s not just a product for vegans or lactose-intolerant individuals; it’s for anyone who enjoys the art of cheese and appreciates thoughtful, sustainable innovation.

This Christmas, why not give your cheeseboard a modern twist with Smug Dairy and Oat Milk Cheese Blend? Your guests will want to know where you got it! 

Smug also make Salted Blended oat & Dairy butter and a Spreadable Blended oat & Dairy butter version, too.

It's available in Morrisons, Tescos and other stores.

https://smugdairy.com/products

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Shropshire Blue Cheese. Not as Shropshire as You Might Think, But Still Blue at Heart

Shropshire Blue Cheese, a rich and distinctive blue-veined cheese, holds a unique place in British cheese-making heritage. 

Despite its name, this bold and creamy delicacy doesn’t originate from Shropshire but has gained its reputation thanks to the county’s renowned cheesemakers. 

Its vibrant orange colour, contrasting with its blue veins, makes it instantly recognisable on cheese boards across the country. 

The story of Shropshire Blue is not as ancient as some other British cheeses, but it is a fascinating one filled with tradition, innovation, and a touch of international influence.

The Origins: From Scotland to Shropshire

Unlike many of the UK’s heritage cheeses, Shropshire Blue’s history dates back only to the 1970s. It was first created by cheesemaker Dennis Biggins at the Castle Stuart Dairy in Inverness, Scotland, not in Shropshire. 

Biggins was experimenting with blending the blue-veined style of Stilton cheese with the bright orange colouring of Red Leicester. His aim was to produce a cheese that would combine the depth of flavour associated with traditional blue cheeses and the visual appeal of an orange cheese. His creation was initially called "Inverness-shire Blue."

However, it wasn’t until the cheese moved production to Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, regions known for Stilton, that the name “Shropshire Blue” was adopted. This was more a marketing decision than one based on geographic accuracy. The name added an English heritage touch, likely to appeal to a broader audience who already associated the Midlands and Shropshire with quality cheese production.

The Rise in Popularity

Though initially produced outside of Shropshire, local dairies in the Midlands, including Shropshire, soon adopted and refined the recipe. Over time, Shropshire Blue gained a loyal following, both for its striking appearance and its unique taste. The cheese’s golden-orange hue comes from the addition of annatto, a natural colouring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, which has long been used in British cheesemaking, particularly in cheeses like Red Leicester.

By the late 1980s, Shropshire Blue was being produced by several renowned dairies, including Colston Bassett and Cropwell Bishop, two producers also known for their award-winning Stiltons. The cheese’s deep, savoury flavour, slightly tangy notes, and creamy texture made it a favourite among blue cheese lovers. The name may still have caused some confusion, but its quality spoke for itself.

Shropshire Blue Cheese Today

Today, Shropshire Blue is regarded as one of the finest blue cheeses in the UK. It has garnered numerous awards and accolades and is often featured alongside Stilton on cheese boards both at home and abroad. Many cheese connoisseurs appreciate its balance of strong, blue flavours without the sharpness that sometimes accompanies more mature blue cheeses.

Despite its relatively recent origins, Shropshire Blue has earned a place in Britain’s cheesemaking tradition. While it may not be steeped in centuries-old history like Stilton or Cheddar, its story reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of British cheesemakers, who continue to innovate while respecting their craft.

A Modern British Classic

Though Shropshire Blue Cheese started as an experiment in Scotland and gained fame through Midlands dairies, it now stands proudly as a British classic. Whether served as part of a traditional ploughman’s lunch, crumbled into a salad, or enjoyed with a glass of red wine, it offers a taste of British cheesemaking at its finest. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the earthy tang of its blue veins, makes it a cheese that’s hard to forget.

In a world where heritage and innovation often collide, Shropshire Blue stands as a reminder that sometimes, new traditions can become as beloved as the old.

It's certainly a popular cheese on the Christmas cheeseboards and we will be featuring it on ours, although side-by-side with its older cousins, Blue Stilton and White Stilton! Actually, I think I feel a feature on White Stilton forming in the back of my mind!

Make your very own easy-peasy Italian-Mexican-Indian-British tortilla wrap in minutes!

You too can make your very own easy-peasy Italian-Mexican-Indian-British tortilla wrap in minutes! And I'm going to tell you how.

First, take a tortilla wrap and oil it with ghee, butter or vegetable margarine, olive oil, or rapeseed oil. In fact Borderfield's British Rapeseed oils are excellent for this. Especially their delicious spray oils. Trust me. You won't know how you coped before you buy Borderfields!

Spread it with humus or a similar paste.

Next spread a thin level of tomato puree or tomato sauce over it.

Then shred ham, chicken, any other type of cooked meat that takes your fancy, or a vegetarian alternative. Squeaky Bean products are ideal.

Next add a good layer of grated or sliced cheese dairy or otherwise, it really is up to you.

Sprinkle with cumin, turmeric, a little bit of salt, a good deal of pepper (ground black is awesome!) and some Italian seasoning.

Roll it up tightly and then microwave it for two to three minutes.

It'll be piping hot, as they say, so whatever you do, don't burn your mouth on it! 

You are then the owner of an Italian-Mexican-Indian-British feast on a plate. Enjoy it!

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

https://borderfields.co.uk

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It's Crunch Time! Introducing New Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread from Bonne Maman

Peanut butter lovers have something new to try from Bonne Maman can enjoy the new Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread, which is a delicious blend of toasted peanuts with subtle hints of vanilla and cocoa butter – made with high quality natural ingredients and absolutely no palm oil at all.

Rich and creamy with fantastic bursts of crunchy pieces of peanut, Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread is perfect for lifting your morning when you can simply spread it onto warm toast or making a delicious, indulgent afternoon snack when added to a slice of cake or a chunk of banana bread.

The fifth addition to the brand's range of sophisticated spreads, including award-winning Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, Crunchy Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, Caramelised Apple Spread plus Chocolate & Orange Spread, Bonne Maman Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread is available from late October in Waitrose and Morrisons stores nationwide at £2.90rrp per 230g jar. Further distribution expected from January 2025.

I feel this will make an ideal Christmas gift as it would make a fantastic stocking filler along with the other members of the Bonne Maman range of delicious spreads.

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Celebrating British Food Fortnight 2024: A Feast for the Nation

Each year, as autumn sets in, Britain’s finest homegrown produce takes centre stage with the much-anticipated British Food Fortnight. This annual celebration, which takes place from 21st September to 6th October 2024, is an opportunity to showcase the richness of British agriculture, support local farmers, and bring communities together through the joy of fresh, seasonal food.

What is British Food Fortnight?

British Food Fortnight is the nation’s largest celebration of British food and drink, established to encourage the consumption of locally-sourced produce and to promote the benefits of eating seasonally. 

Founded in 2002 by Love British Food, it has since become a national movement that involves schools, communities, chefs, and retailers in a shared mission to highlight the importance of supporting Britain’s food and farming industry.

Many churches and some schools have special church services or school assemblies at this time of year called Harvest Festivals which help mark this very important part of the British farming calendar. 

Why Celebrate British Foods?

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the origins of our food, and for good reason. Locally-sourced British food offers many advantages:

Freshness and Flavour: British produce, from apples to artisan cheeses, is fresher and more flavourful when it’s sourced locally. With shorter supply chains, food can reach our plates sooner, retaining its peak freshness.

Sustainability: By choosing British produce, consumers reduce food miles, helping to lower carbon emissions. Supporting local farming also encourages sustainable agricultural practices, essential for the environment.

Economic Support: Every purchase of British food supports the backbone of the nation’s economy – our farmers. Buying British keeps money within local economies, sustaining livelihoods and ensuring the long-term viability of agriculture.

Cultural Identity: British food traditions are rich and diverse, from Cornish pasties and Cumberland sausages to Scottish salmon and Welsh lamb. British Food Fortnight gives us a chance to celebrate the regional diversity of our culinary heritage.

2024’s Highlights and Events

This year’s British Food Fortnight is packed with events across the UK, offering something for everyone. From farmers' markets to food festivals, there are endless opportunities to sample the best of Britain’s bounty. Here are some of the highlights to look out for:

Farmers' Markets: Towns and cities across the UK will be hosting farmers' markets, where local producers sell their wares directly to the public. These markets are a fantastic way to support local farms and try new and exciting products, from freshly harvested vegetables to handmade chutneys.

School and Community Competitions: British Food Fortnight is a key part of the school calendar, with children across the country taking part in food-growing projects, cooking competitions, and lessons about where food comes from. Many communities will also be organising their own local events, from bake-offs to farm visits.

Restaurant and Pub Menus: Many restaurants, pubs, and cafés will be embracing the season by offering special British Food Fortnight menus. These dishes showcase the best of British ingredients, with chefs putting modern twists on classic recipes.

Public Tastings and Cooking Demonstrations: Food festivals, such as those in York and Bristol, will be hosting tastings and cooking demonstrations by top chefs. This is a fantastic way to learn new recipes, gain cooking inspiration, and discover the flavours of the season.

How You Can Get Involved

You don’t have to attend a formal event to enjoy British Food Fortnight. Here are some simple ways you can participate and enjoy the best of British food:

Shop Local: Head to your nearest farm shop or farmers' market and stock up on fresh, locally-produced ingredients. Look out for the Red Tractor label, which guarantees that the food is British and meets strict welfare standards.

Eat Seasonally: Autumn is a wonderful time for British produce, with root vegetables, game meats, and orchard fruits at their peak. Try incorporating seasonal ingredients into your meals, from hearty stews to comforting apple crumbles.

Support British Drinks: It’s not just food that deserves celebration – British vineyards, cider makers, and breweries are also producing some of the finest beverages. Raise a glass to British drinks by trying local wines, ales, and ciders.

Cook Up a Feast: Invite family and friends for a British-inspired meal, showcasing local ingredients. Whether it’s a Sunday roast with all the trimmings or a simple ploughman’s lunch, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table to celebrate the flavours of home.

A Time to Celebrate and Reflect

British Food Fortnight 2024 isn’t just a time to indulge in delicious food; it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting British agriculture. In a world where the environmental and economic pressures on farming are greater than ever, buying British helps ensure a sustainable future for our countryside and food producers.

As we savour the tastes of the season, let’s also remember that every purchase of British food is an investment in our farmers, our environment, and our shared cultural heritage. Whether you’re tucking into a traditional British dish or experimenting with new flavours, there’s no better time to enjoy the fruits of the nation’s labour. Happy British Food Fortnight!

https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/british-food-fortnight-2024