Herbamare Herb Salt, three delicious reasons to season fresh

An original recipe from celebrated herbalist Alfred Vogel, Herbamare Herb Sea Salt is a delicious alternative to sea and table salt, infused with fresh, organic herbs and vegetables. It is packed with so much flavour that you naturally use less salt on your food and in your seasoning.

Providing no fewer than 13 fresh, organic herbs and vegryables, each perfect little pot is produced traditionally in Colmar, France, a region well known for its rich agriculture. 

Delivered within hours of harvest from the surrounding areas, each type of fresh produce is carefully chopped, mixed with sea salt and left to mature in barrels for up to a full year.

These mixtures are then dried slowly at controlled low temperatures in ovens for in excess of12 hours, ensuring the flavours and aromas of the herbs and vegetables blend harmoniously with the salt crystals. Once dried, all the mixtures are combined to create the distinctive and delicious Herbamare Herb Sea Salt.

What makes it so tasty? 100% natural sea salt, kelp, and organically grown celery leaves, leek, cress (water and garden), onion, chive, parsley, lovage, garlic, basil, marjoram, rosemary and thyme.

Like your seasoning hotter? Then you can turn up the heat with Herbamare Spicy Sea Salt. Infused with 16 fresh, organic herbs, vegetables and spices, including chilli, red pepper and black seaweed, this fiery addition to the Herbamare range provides a warming sea salt alternative.

And for those following a low sodium diet, there’s Herbamare Herb Low Salt. With 99.9% less sodium than regular table salt, Herbamare Low Salt contains potassium chloride, a salt substitute, as well as 14 fresh herbs, spices and vegetables that enhance flavour in a way that’s quite different from standard low sodium salt substitutes.

All three Herbamare Salts can be used as condiments and during cooking, are free from artificial flavours and preservatives, MSG and GMO, and are vegan and gluten-free. They cost from £3.25 for 125g and are available from www.avogel.co.uk and health stores nationwide.

We can confirm that these Herb Sea Salts are absolutely delicious and are a great addition to vegan dishes, so will be an asset to anyone trying out vegan cooking for Veganuary.

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Exploring Veganuary: A Guide for First-Timers

As the New Year begins, many people embrace new challenges and healthier habits. One increasingly popular trend is Veganuary—a month-long pledge to adopt a vegan lifestyle. 

If you’re considering giving Veganuary a go, especially as a first-timer, you’re in for an exciting and rewarding experience. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this journey.

What is Veganuary?

Veganuary is a global movement encouraging people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. It’s not just about diet; it also involves exploring alternatives to animal-derived products in all aspects of life. Whether you’re motivated by health, environmental concerns, or animal welfare, Veganuary offers a chance to experiment and learn.

Step 1: Start with a Positive Mindset

Approach Veganuary with curiosity and openness. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. Treat it as an opportunity to discover new foods, habits, and ideas rather than a strict challenge.

Step 2: Plan Your Meals

One of the best ways to ensure success is by planning your meals in advance. Explore vegan recipes online or invest in a beginner-friendly vegan cookbook. Here are some meal ideas to get you started:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, and fresh fruit.

Lunch: A hearty lentil soup or a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables.

Dinner: Vegan pasta with a creamy cashew sauce or a vegetable stir-fry with tofu.

Snacks: Hummus with carrot sticks, mixed nuts, or dairy-free dark chocolate.

Drinks: You can obtain wines, beers and soft drinks that are vegan friendly.

Step 3: Stock Your Pantry

Having a well-stocked pantry makes vegan cooking easier. Key staples include:

Grains: Rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta (check for egg-free varieties).

Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds.

Plant-based milk: Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.

Spices and condiments: Nutritional yeast, soy sauce, tahini, and a variety of herbs and spices.

Step 4: Explore Substitutes

If you’re worried about missing your favourite dishes, fear not! There are vegan alternatives for almost everything:

Dairy: Swap cow’s milk for plant-based milk and try vegan cheese options.

Meat: Experiment with tofu, tempeh, seitan, or store-bought meat substitutes.

Eggs: Use flaxseeds or chia seeds as egg replacements in baking.

Step 5: Dine Out and Socialise

Many restaurants now offer vegan options, making dining out easier than ever. Check menus in advance or use apps like HappyCow to find vegan-friendly spots. When socialising, let your friends and family know about your Veganuary commitment—they may even join you!

Step 6: Educate Yourself

Understanding the reasons behind veganism can strengthen your resolve. Watch documentaries like Cowspiracy or The Game Changers, or read books like How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger. Learning about the impact of veganism on health, the environment, and animals can be incredibly motivating.

Step 7: Be Kind to Yourself

It’s okay if you slip up—Veganuary is about trying, not being perfect. Use any challenges as learning opportunities and keep moving forward.

Benefits of Veganuary

By participating in Veganuary, you’re likely to experience a range of benefits:

Health: A plant-based diet can improve digestion, boost energy levels, and support heart health.

Environment: Reducing animal product consumption lowers your carbon footprint and conserves resources.

Compassion: Avoiding animal products aligns with ethical considerations for animal welfare.

Beyond January

If you enjoy Veganuary, consider extending some of its principles beyond January. Even small changes, like having one vegan meal a day, can make a big difference over time.

Embarking on Veganuary is a fantastic way to start the year with a fresh perspective. With a little preparation and an open mind, you’ll find it’s not only achievable but also enjoyable. Who knows? You might just discover a new way of living that resonates with you long after January ends. Happy Veganuary!

That's Food and Drink will publish a series of posts for Veganuary, so please do keep us in mind for news, updates and recipes.

https://veganuary.com

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The Pros and Cons of the Too Good To Go App

In recent years, food waste has become a significant environmental and ethical concern.

Enter Too Good To Go, an app designed to combat this issue by connecting users with businesses offering discounted surplus food. 

While the app has gained a lot of attention for its innovative approach to reducing food waste, it’s not without its challenges.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using the Too Good To Go app, which was founded in Denmark and now operates throughout Europe, the UK and the USA.

The Pros

1. Reducing Food Waste

At its core, Too Good To Go is a sustainability champion. By purchasing surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away, users contribute to reducing food waste, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Affordable Meals

For budget-conscious consumers, the app is a potential goldmine. Many businesses offer “Magic Bags” filled with food at significantly reduced prices, often costing less than half the original price. This makes it an excellent option for students, families, and anyone looking to save money.

3. Supporting Local Businesses

The app provides an additional revenue stream for restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores, helping them recoup some of their losses from unsold food. It’s also a way for customers to discover and support local businesses they might not have visited otherwise.

4. Element of Surprise

For adventurous eaters, the unpredictability of what’s in a Magic Bag can be exciting. It’s like opening a mystery box, with the added bonus of delicious food. 

The app is user-friendly, with clear instructions and an easy booking process. Users can filter by location and pick-up times, making it simple to find options that fit their schedule.

The Cons

1. Limited Control Over Contents

While the mystery aspect can be fun, it’s not ideal for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. You don’t know what you’re getting until you pick it up, which can lead to wasted food if it’s not to your taste or fits your needs.

2. Inconsistent Quality and Quantity

The quality and quantity of the food in Magic Bags can vary greatly. Some users report receiving excellent value, while others feel short-changed with items that are stale, mouldly, nearing their expiration date, well beyond expiration date the or not worth the price.

3. Limited Availability

Magic Bags often sell out quickly, especially from popular businesses. This can be frustrating for users who miss out despite checking the app regularly.

4. Environmental Impact of Pick-Ups

While the app aims to reduce waste, the environmental benefits can be offset if users drive long distances to collect their orders. The carbon emissions from transportation could undermine the app’s sustainability goals.

5. Short Shelf Life

Since the food is surplus, it often needs to be consumed quickly. This might not be convenient for users who don’t have immediate plans to eat or store the items properly.

Final Thoughts

Too Good To Go is a fantastic initiative for those looking to save money, support local businesses, and reduce their environmental footprint. However, it’s not without its challenges, especially for those with specific dietary needs or expectations of consistency.

If you’re willing to embrace a bit of unpredictability and act quickly to secure a Magic Bag, the app can be a rewarding experience. Ultimately, it’s a small step towards tackling the larger issue of food waste—one meal at a time.

Have you tried Too Good To Go? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!