Gluten free cooking with the Groovy Food Company: Using Coconut Flour in Place of Wheat Flour: A Guide for Bakers and Cooks

Groovy Food Company, the UKs top baking and cooking ingredients brand offers a huge range of products designed to support organic and nutritious cooking without compromising on taste or texture. 

This applies also to its Coconut Sugar and Coconut Flour - both of which are naturally gluten free and perfect for gluten free baking. 

Coconut flour has gained popularity as a gluten-free, high-fibre alternative to traditional wheat flour.

 Whether you’re following a specific diet, looking for a healthier option, or simply experimenting in the kitchen, coconut flour offers a unique texture and flavour to baked goods and other recipes. 

However, it behaves quite differently from wheat flour, so it’s important to understand how to use it effectively.

What Is Coconut Flour?

Coconut flour is made from dried, ground coconut meat. It has a naturally mild coconut flavour and a fine, powdery texture. Unlike wheat flour, it contains no gluten and is exceptionally high in fibre, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

Key Benefits of Coconut Flour

Gluten-free – Ideal for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

High in fibre – Helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer.

Low in carbohydrates – A suitable choice for keto and low-carb diets.

Rich in protein and healthy fats – Supports balanced nutrition.

How to Substitute Coconut Flour for Wheat Flour

Coconut flour is highly absorbent, meaning it soaks up much more liquid than wheat flour. A direct one-to-one substitution won’t work, so adjustments are necessary.

Basic Substitution Guide

Use less coconut flour – Replace wheat flour with ¼ to ⅓ cup of coconut flour for every 1 cup of wheat flour.

Increase liquids – Add extra eggs, milk, or water to prevent dryness. A good rule is to add one extra egg per ¼ cup of coconut flour.

Expect a denser texture – Coconut flour does not rise like wheat flour, so baked goods may turn out heavier and more compact.

Tips for Baking with Coconut Flour

Combine with other flours – To improve texture, mix coconut flour with almond flour, tapioca flour, or oat flour.

Use more eggs – Since coconut flour lacks gluten, eggs help bind ingredients together and add moisture.

Let the batter rest – This allows the coconut flour to absorb liquid fully before baking.

Expect shorter baking times – Coconut flour bakes faster than wheat flour, so keep an eye on your oven.

Best Recipes for Coconut Flour

Coconut flour works best in recipes that are naturally dense and moist. Try it in:

Pancakes and waffles – Fluffy and slightly sweet, perfect with honey or fruit.

Muffins and cakes – Works well with bananas, pumpkin, and chocolate.

Biscuits and scones – Produces a crumbly, tender texture.

Thickening soups and sauces – Adds richness without the need for traditional flour.

Conclusion

Coconut flour is a fantastic alternative to wheat flour, offering health benefits and versatility in cooking. However, because of its absorbent nature and lack of gluten, it requires careful adjustments to recipes. With a bit of practice and experimentation, you can create delicious, nutritious baked goods and dishes using coconut flour.

To learn more visit https://groovyfood.co.uk

Recovering from the Dreaded Flu: Best Foods and Supplements to Boost Healing

Flu season can be brutal, and if you’ve been struck down by one of the nasty bugs going around, you’re probably looking for ways to recover as quickly as possible. 

While rest and hydration are important, the right foods and supplements can help your body bounce back faster. Here’s a guide to the best nutritional support for flu recovery.

Flu Recovery Superfoods

1. Bone Broth

A time-honoured remedy, bone broth is rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids that support gut health, boost immunity, and help keep you hydrated. It’s also gentle on the stomach, making it ideal when you have little appetite.

2. Garlic

Garlic has potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains allicin, which has been shown to enhance the immune response. Add fresh garlic to soups, teas, or honey for extra flu-fighting benefits.

3. Ginger

Ginger helps ease nausea, soothes sore throats, and reduces inflammation. Enjoy it in a warm tea with honey and lemon to ease congestion and promote healing.

4. Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, which helps reduce the duration of colds and flu. Their antioxidant properties also support the immune system in fighting off infection.

5. Honey

A natural antibacterial and antiviral food, honey soothes sore throats, suppresses coughs, and provides energy. Raw honey is particularly effective, and a spoonful before bed can help ease nighttime coughing.

6. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Combine it with black pepper to enhance absorption and add it to warm milk or soups for an immune-boosting tonic.

7. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants that support immune function and help reduce inflammation caused by illness.

8. Bananas

Easy to digest and full of potassium, bananas help replenish electrolytes lost due to fever, vomiting, or sweating. They also provide natural energy to keep you going as you recover.

9. Yoghurt & Fermented Foods

Probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi help restore gut health, which plays a major role in overall immunity. Choose natural yoghurt with live cultures for the best effect.

10. Oily Fish

Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support lung function – essential for flu recovery.

Top Supplements for Flu Recovery

1. Vitamin C

This well-known immune booster helps reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. High-dose vitamin C supplementation (1000mg daily) can provide extra support when recovering.

2. Vitamin D

Often overlooked, vitamin D plays a vital role in immune function. If you’re stuck indoors recovering, supplementing with vitamin D3 can help strengthen your immune response.

3. Zinc

Zinc is essential for immune function and can help shorten the duration of flu symptoms when taken early. It also supports tissue repair, which is important when your body is fighting off infection.

4. Elderberry

Elderberry extract has antiviral properties and has been shown to help reduce the severity and length of flu symptoms. Elderberry syrup or capsules can be taken as a natural flu remedy.

5. Echinacea

A herbal remedy often used to prevent colds and flu, echinacea can also help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery when taken at the first signs of illness.

6. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC helps break down mucus, making it easier to clear congestion, and supports lung health. It also boosts glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that aids recovery.

7. Probiotics

Since flu viruses can disrupt gut health, probiotics help restore balance and strengthen the immune system, making them a great addition to your recovery plan.

8. Magnesium

Magnesium supports muscle relaxation and helps improve sleep, which is crucial for healing. It also reduces stress levels, which can further support immune function.

Additional Recovery Tips

Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths to prevent dehydration and flush out toxins.

Get Plenty of Rest – Your body needs extra sleep to fight off the virus, so don’t be afraid to take naps and prioritise rest.

Use a Humidifier – Keeping the air moist can help ease congestion and soothe irritated sinuses.

Try Steam Inhalation – A bowl of hot water with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can provide relief from nasal congestion.

Avoid Sugar & Processed Foods – Sugar can weaken the immune system, so focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods instead.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from the flu can be a slow process, but with the right foods and supplements, you can give your body the best chance of a speedy recovery. Prioritise rest, stay hydrated, and nourish yourself with immune-boosting ingredients to get back on your feet as soon as possible.

What are your go-to remedies when battling the flu? Let us know in the comments below!

Supermarkets act on lobster cruelty - but major brands still allow suffering

From boiling alive to freezing and live dismemberment, outdated methods of killing crabs and lobsters are being rejected by major supermarkets like Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s. 

But while some retailers are taking action, others are lagging behind, allowing cruel practices to continue.

Some supermarkets step up, others fail to act

Since decapod crustaceans - including seafood favourites lobsters, crabs and prawns - were legally recognised as sentient beings back in 2022, supermarkets and seafood producers have faced growing pressure to improve welfare standards.

The Snapshot Report 2024, released today by animal welfare organisation Crustacean Compassion, reveals while some retailers and suppliers are making significant improvements, others are failing to ban cruel practices like boiling animals alive, tearing them apart whilst they are alive and freezing them whilt they are conscious.

Growing momentum for better welfare

Dr. Ben Sturgeon, who is the CEO of Crustacean Compassion, welcomed the progress but warned some companies are still failing to act.

Said Dr. Sturgeon: “There's been some progress in the welfare policies and processes of organisations since our first report in 2022. We've seen some companies really striding ahead, and for the first time seafood processors have overtaken retailers on their overall scores. 

"The best companies are proving that cruelty is outdated—but too many are still looking the other way. Crabs, lobsters, and prawns feel pain, yet they are still being boiled alive, mutilated, and stored in cruel conditions. The message is clear: companies must adapt or lose consumer trust”.

This is reflected in recent polls by YouGov (2025). All sections of the public shows strong support for enhanced protections for decapod crustaceans, with 71% backing a duty of care for owners, 75% supporting humane slaughter methods, and 70% supporting regulated humane transport and slaughter standards.

Who’s leading the way and who’s falling behind?

This year’s report highlights the fact that leading supermarkets like Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco are making some genuine progress, introducing higher welfare policies and insisting on humane stunning before slaughter for at least some parts of their supply chain.

“There are some shining examples, Marks & Spencer, and seafood processors Young’s Seafood have demonstrated that with the right focus, leadership and attention, huge progress can take place. 

"But many others are languishing behind and it’s disappointing to see some food producers and supermarkets are making no, or very little progress when others are clearly demonstrating that improvement is possible. 

"Particularly in relation to poor practices in capture and storage, as well as the mutilation of live animals. I suspect most people think these practices are already banned and on hearing this report today, people would expect all supermarkets and food producers to phase them out as quickly as they can."

Key highlights:

Marks & Spencer and Young’s Seafood lead with strong commitments to humane stunning and slaughter.

More than two-thirds of companies have improved their scores since 2023, including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Morrisons, Co-op, Lidl, and processors The Blue Sea Food Company and Whitby Seafoods.

Sadly, ALDI, Amazon, ASDA and Iceland remain among the worst performers, failing to act on welfare concerns.

Dr. Sturgeon added: “Consumers expect humane treatment of all animals in the food chain. Companies refusing to improve risk losing public trust and, ultimately, their place in shopping baskets. According to our recent survey (Apino 2024), 87.1% of respondents believe supermarkets should be responsible for upholding the highest animal welfare standards for all sentient animals.”

Marks & Spencer: welfare leaders

Marks & Spencer continues to set the standard in decapod welfare, showing consistent improvements since the initiative began in 2022. Led by Aquaculture & Fisheries Manager Linda Wood, the company is widely recognized for its proactive approach on higher welfare practices in seafood.

Linda Wood says: “We have the highest animal welfare standards in the industry and for us ensuring these standards is the right thing to do and part of the exceptional quality that sets M&S apart. This year, we’ve seen amazing collaboration with multiple partners finding new innovations to improve the welfare standards for all decapod crustaceans caught and farmed for M&S. The engagement we’ve had from our supply chain in a relatively short space of time is really encouraging. We have achieved a lot but there is much more to do, and we require the continued collaboration of the whole industry to be successful.”

What needs to change?

Crustacean Compassion is calling for urgent industry-wide commitments:

Ban barbaric practices: End live boiling, live posting, and claw clipping.

Ensure humane stunning: No animal should suffer prolonged deaths.

Increase transparency: Supermarkets must report on welfare policies.

Stop selling live crabs and lobsters: Most leading retailers have already banned this - others must follow.

Time for action

Dr. Sturgeon concluded: “The Snapshot Report shows that positive change is happening - but it’s not fast enough. Some companies are proving higher welfare standards are possible - so there are no excuses for those still failing to act. The seafood industry must evolve and leave cruelty behind. We are keen to support companies to help them make the improvements and have been working with many in the report already.

"Our challenge to the food industry today is to do more to create a better sea to plate story for lobsters, crabs and prawns. Step up and demonstrate that you are an industry that respects people, animals and the planet”

Feeling Stressed About Rising Food Prices and Increasing Bills? 30 Ways to Mitigate Costs

The cost of living continues to rise, with food prices and household bills taking a significant toll on many people’s budgets. 

If you’re feeling stressed about making ends meet, you’re not alone. 

However, there are plenty of practical ways to ease the strain and stretch your money further. 

Here are 30 strategies to help you cope with rising costs and keep your finances under control.

1. Plan Your Meals

A weekly meal plan prevents impulse purchases and ensures you use what you have efficiently.

2. Write a Shopping List – and Stick to It

Avoid distractions in the supermarket by following a well-thought-out list based on your meal plan.

3. Buy in Bulk (When Sensible)

Staples like rice, pasta, and tinned goods are often cheaper in larger quantities. Share bulk purchases with family or friends if storage space is an issue.

4. Switch to Own Brands

Supermarket own-label products are often just as good as branded versions but cost significantly less.

5. Make the Most of Discounts and Cashback Offers

Use loyalty cards, cashback apps, and vouchers to maximise savings on your regular purchases.

6. Reduce Food Waste

Use leftovers creatively, store perishables properly, and freeze excess food to avoid unnecessary waste.

7. Batch Cook and Freeze Meals

Cooking in bulk saves time, reduces energy use, and ensures you always have a meal ready instead of opting for expensive takeaways.

8. Shop at Budget Supermarkets

Chains like Aldi, Lidl, and local markets often have lower prices than premium supermarkets.

9. Try ‘Yellow Sticker’ Shopping

Look out for reduced-price food towards the end of the day in supermarkets—these are often perfectly fine to eat.

10. Use Frozen and Tinned Alternatives

Frozen vegetables, fruit, and fish are often cheaper and last longer than fresh options, reducing waste.

11. Compare Prices Online

Use supermarket comparison websites to find the best deals before heading out to shop.

12. Grow Your Own Food

Even a small herb garden on a windowsill can cut costs. If you have outdoor space, consider growing vegetables like potatoes, lettuce, or tomatoes.

13. Cook from Scratch More Often

Pre-packaged meals and ready-made sauces are often more expensive than homemade versions. Cooking from scratch can save money and be healthier.

14. Embrace Meat-Free Meals

Meat can be costly, so try incorporating more plant-based meals using lentils, beans, and chickpeas.

15. Use Cheaper Protein Sources

Eggs, tinned fish, tofu, and legumes offer excellent protein at a fraction of the cost of meat.

16. Avoid Buying Bottled Drinks

Tap water is free—invest in a reusable bottle to cut down on unnecessary expenses.

17. Make Your Own Coffee and Lunches

Daily takeaway coffees and shop-bought lunches quickly add up. Preparing your own at home is a simple way to save.

18. Take Advantage of Community Resources

Food banks, community kitchens, and “pay-what-you-can” cafes can help those in need of extra support.

19. Reduce Your Energy Usage in the Kitchen

Use a slow cooker, air fryer, or microwave instead of the oven, and always cook with lids on pots to conserve heat.

20. Adjust Your Thermostat

Lowering your heating by just one degree can make a noticeable difference to your energy bill.

21. Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

LED bulbs use less electricity and last longer, reducing costs over time.

22. Turn Off Standby Appliances

Unplugging electronics when not in use can cut down on wasted electricity.

23. Wash Clothes on a Cooler Setting

Most laundry can be cleaned effectively at 30°C, using less energy than hotter washes.

24. Dry Clothes Naturally

Using a clothesline or drying rack instead of a tumble dryer saves on electricity.

25. Insulate Your Home

Draught excluders, thermal curtains, and door seals help retain heat and lower heating bills.

26. Car Share or Use Public Transport

Cut down on petrol costs by carpooling or using buses and trains when possible.

27. Review Your Subscriptions

Cancel or downgrade unnecessary streaming services, magazine subscriptions, or gym memberships.

28. Find Free Entertainment

Many museums, parks, and local events offer free or low-cost entertainment options.

29. Shop Second-Hand

Charity shops, online marketplaces, and car boot sales are great places to find clothes, furniture, and household items at a fraction of the cost.

30. Create a Budget and Stick to It

Tracking your spending helps you understand where your money goes and identify areas where you can cut back.

Final Thoughts

While rising food prices and increasing bills can feel overwhelming, there are plenty of ways to reduce costs and manage your household budget more effectively. Small changes can add up to significant savings over time. By taking control of your spending, you can reduce financial stress and feel more secure.

Do you have any cost-saving tips that work for you? Share them in the comments below!

TrueStart Coffee x Divine Chocolate Mother’s Day Decadent Duo!

Two of the key food groups, chocolate and coffee, have joined forces to make this Mothering Sunday aka Mother's Day, the best one in many years. 

Because this Mother’s Day, fellow B-Corps, TrueStart Coffee and Divine Chocolate have collaborated to produce a special limited-edition bundle, uniting the best things in life - coffee and chocolate. 

Featuring TrueStart’s Super Blend Coffee and Divine’s decadent Dessert Bars, it is the ultimate decadent duo to keep mum sweet this Mother’s Day!

To place your orders for your Mother and/or the mother figures in your life, please visit the TrueStart website here:- https://www.truestartcoffee.com/products/truestart-x-divine-mothers-day-bundle

The Link Between Stress and High Blood Sugar Levels

Stress is a normal and sometimes unavoidable part of our life, but prolonged or chronic stress can have serious effects on your health. 

One of the lesser-known consequences of stress is its impact on blood sugar levels. While many associate high blood sugar with diet and diabetes, stress can also play a significant role in elevating glucose levels. 

Understanding this link can help individuals manage both their stress and their blood sugar levels more effectively.

How Stress Affects Blood Sugar

When you experience stress, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological, your body activates its fight-or-flight response. As a result this triggers the release of stress hormones, primarily cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body for immediate action.

One of the key ways your body responds to stress is by releasing glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream to provide a quick source of energy. This was useful for our ancestors who needed to escape from predators or fight for survival. However, in modern life, stress is often psychological (work pressure, financial worries, relationship problems), and the excess glucose released is often not always used up through physical activity.

The Role of Cortisol and Adrenaline

Cortisol: This hormone increases glucose production in the liver and reduces the effectiveness of insulin, meaning sugar remains in the bloodstream for longer.

Adrenaline: It temporarily boosts blood sugar levels to provide quick energy but can also lead to glucose spikes.

Over time, chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar effectively.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While stress can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to stress-induced high blood sugar:

People who have diabetes – Stress can make it harder to control blood glucose levels, leading to complications.

Individuals with prediabetes – Stress can push blood sugar levels into a dangerous range, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

Those with high-pressure jobs or chronic anxiety – Constant stress exposure can lead to long-term glucose imbalances.

Signs That Stress Is Affecting Your Blood Sugar

Frequent sugar cravings – Stress hormones can make you crave sugary foods, which cause further blood sugar spikes.

Fatigue and brain fog – High blood sugar levels can leave you feeling sluggish and mentally drained.

Increased thirst and urination – A common sign of elevated blood sugar.

Mood swings and irritability – Fluctuating glucose levels can impact mood stability.

How to Manage Stress to Control Blood Sugar

Reducing stress is essential for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing exercises – Helps reduce cortisol levels.

Meditation and mindfulness – Lowers stress and improves emotional regulation.

Yoga and gentle stretching – Reduces stress hormones and improves insulin sensitivity.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Exercise helps use up excess glucose and improves insulin function. Walking, swimming, cycling, or even dancing can be effective ways to lower stress and manage blood sugar.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Choose low-GI (glycaemic index) foods to prevent sugar spikes.

Eat a mix of protein, fibre, and healthy fats to stabilise blood sugar levels.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can increase cortisol levels.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep increases stress hormones and insulin resistance. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps the body flush out excess sugar and supports overall metabolic health.

6. Seek Support

If stress feels overwhelming, consider speaking to a counsellor or joining a support group. Talking through worries can significantly reduce stress levels.

Points to consider

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but managing it effectively can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. By adopting relaxation techniques, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and prioritising sleep, you can improve both your stress response and your blood sugar control. 

If you find yourself struggling with consistently high blood sugar due to stress, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

HECK! of a good way to eat well and healthily

Introducing HECK!’s new Minted Lamb Burgers & Chorizo-Style 97% Pork Sausages for summer BBQs. 

Feeding a hungry BBQ crowd who have a wide variety of dietary issues doesn’t have to be a problem any longer. 

Because HECK!’s sausage and burger range is big and varied enough to feed everyone, whether they are meat lovers, veggie, flexi, vegan, healthy or gluten/dairy-free. 

NEW for 2025, they’re firing up our tastebuds with MINTED LAMB BURGERS made with 100% British lamb, lightly seasoned and with a hint of mint. 

They’ve also added a banging new banger - CHORIZO-STYLE 97% PORK SAUSAGES – a smoky, paprika-spiked sausage full of Spanish flavour that’s perfect for tapas too. Both coming to Tesco at the end of this month.

HECK! is justifiably famed for combining flavour creations with nutrition to deliver high-protein, nutritious, balanced meals. They use only British meat across their range and everything is gluten-free, so if you’re Coeliac, gluten-intolerant or just want to cut your gluten intake, tuck in! 

BURGERS 

The next best thing to a homemade burger. There are no unnecessary ingredients or fillers, just good, British meat, herbs, spices and seasoning. 

NEW Minted Lamb Burgers (2 burgers/320g/£4/Tesco) – 100% British lamb mince, lightly seasoned and with a hint of mint. 

Chicken Italia Burgers  – the HECK! classic – juicy basil, tomato and mozzarella (250g/2 burgers/£3/Amazon Fresh, Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose) 

Steak & Butter Burgers (2 burgers/320g/£4/Tesco) – lean, succulent, flavoursome - made with prime steak mince and rich, creamy butter, seasoned with salt and pepper 

SAUSAGES 

HECK!’s award-winning, classic pork sausages – a mighty meaty BBQ winner. 

NEW Chorizo-Style 97% Pork Sausages – a smoky sausage full of Spanish flavour. British pork shoulder, paprika, spices and seasoning (400g/£3/Tesco). 

97% Pork Sausages (400g/£3/all major supermarkets). 

97% Pork Chipolatas (10 pack/£3/Tesco, Co-Op). 

LOW FAT 

HECK!’s favourite chicken sausages – low fat, gluten-free, high protein, low sugars. 

Chicken Italia Chipolatas - basil/tomato/mozzarella (300g/£3/all major supermarkets). 

Simply Chicken Chipolatas - lightly seasoned chicken, that’s it! (300g/£3/Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Amazon Fresh). 

Spring Chicken Chipolatas - spring onion, chilli, ginger (300g/£3/Sainsbury’s, Asda). 

Chicken Italia Burgers (low fat, high protein, gluten-free) – juicy basil, tomato and mozzarella (250g/2 burgers/£3/Amazon Fresh, Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose). 

VEGGIE AND VEGAN 

Meat-free Chipolatas (400g/£3/Tesco, Asda, Morrisons) - soy free and made from pea protein makes these veggie chipolatas high protein and a tasty source of fibre too. 

DAIRY FREE 

Minted Lamb Burgers 

Simply Chicken Chipolatas 

Spring Chicken Chipolatas 

97% Pork Sausages 

97% Pork Chipolatas 

NEW Chorizo-Style 97% Pork Sausages 

Meat-free Chipolatas 

Exciting News for Perry Lovers! Sandford Orchards Launches New Limited Edition Perry

Devonshire's Sandford Orchards is pleased to be able to announce the launch of its new limited edition 2024 Vintage Perry (ABV 7.5%) which will be available in 750ml bottles from Sandford Orchards and select retailers as well as to guests at the exclusive Deer Park Country House, Weston. 

Says Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards: “I planted a small perry orchard on a friend's farm 15 years ago and completely forgot about it. 

"This autumn Tom picked up the phone and asked what we were going to do with all these pears? Nothing for a decade and a half - then a trailer load!  As with cider apples, perry pears are grown only for the amazing drink they produce - they are essentially inedible. 

"But if you do the job well, the results are sublime. Perry is traditionally naturally sweeter than cider, and this bottling is wonderfully rich, aromatic and delicious. I put these pears together with those grown with some more friends of ours at the sublime Deer Park country house - we help manage their gorgeous orchard, including some rows of Brandy and Blakeney Red perry pears.”

Barny continues: “Perry pears are trickier customers than predictable cider apples, a pear ripens from the centre so harvest timing is even more critical, and pressing must be very gentle and careful. We've made small batch perries over the years, but this is easily the one we are most proud of. We are delighted with the results of our efforts and hoping that our customers will love it too. 

"It's lighter and more aromatic than our session ciders and much more akin to our fine Katjas. At 7.5% ABV, it's not designed to be glugged by the pint, but enjoyed in place of a glass of wine. ”

Sandford Orchards 2024 Vintage Perry (ABV 7.5%, 750ml bottles, RRP £7.00) is crafted from Blakeney Red, Green Horse, Brandy and Gin pears. It is a delicate floral perry that is crisp, fragrant and fresh with ripe pear, citrus acidity and a subtle tropical nose. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, creamy pasta or grilled fish.

www.sandfordorchards.co.uk

Make Mothering Sunday Special at Bistrot Pierre

Image courtesy Bistrot Pierre

Bistrot Pierre is helping families celebrate the most important people in their life with a day of indulgence on Sunday 30th March.

Taking bookings now in their ten locations across the UK, Bistrot Pierre is indulging guests with a three-course set menu for lunch and dinner on Mother’s Day for just £26.95 per person.

The classic Sunday Roast is on the menu, as well as timeless French choices like Beouf Bourguignon and Steak Frites alongside a selection of starters and desserts – from chicken liver parfait and calamari to Crème Brûlée and a blackberry cheesecake.

Club Bistrot Pierre members can also treat mum to a complimentary Kir Royal on the special Sunday – salut!

Nick White, Bistrot Pierre’s CEO said: “The relaxed and welcoming vibes at Bistrot Pierre’s locations make it a perfect setting for all ages and we’re looking forward to helping diners celebrate the important people in their lives.”

Families can also start the celebrations early by treating mum to a breakfast treat. Bistrot Pierre’s morning menu features dishes like a traditional English breakfast, croissant French toast with mixed berries and crème fraîche, avocado on toast as well as pastries and lighter options.

Additionally, the restaurants offer the option of treating mum to an Afternoon Tea for Two in the week leading up to and after Mother’s Day, as well as on Saturday 29th March, which is bookable now in all locations.

People can also give the gift of dining at Bistrot Pierre’s restaurants with a gift voucher available to purchase online. Customers can bestow an Afternoon Tea for Two, a voucher for an indulgent six course Soirée Gastronomique event, or a cash voucher to spend how they like.

With multiple outlets across the UK, Bistrot Pierre offers great-value French-style dishes, freshly prepared by its chefs on site, in stylish, relaxing environments. 

Follow its social media pages and visit www.bistrotpierre.co.uk for more information or to book a table for Mother’s Day celebrations.

Turner & George: Butchery done right

Founded in 2010, Turner and George is an independent  butcher who sell their ethically reared meat both online, as well as over the counter at their shop on St John Street in North London. 

Increasing demand has seen Turner & George expand their London reach meaning they now have a butcher's counter at both Greensmith’s Deli in Lower Marsh and Gladwell’s Deli in Camberwell. 

The brainchild of former work colleagues and now friends, Richard Turner and James George, Turner & George is the butcher of choice for restaurants, chefs  and food enthusiasts alike.  

A perfect pairing, Turner is an acclaimed chef and the man behind mega meaty restaurants such as Pitt Cue, Hawksmoor and Foxlow and also established the legendary Meatopia Festival here in the UK. George is a man who knows and loves his trade having been a butcher for over 20 years.

Both have a genuine understanding of the importance of meat welfare and skill of butchery, meaning all their meat is hand cut and dry aged at their shop in Islington. 

Richard and James pride themselves on personally knowing each and everyone of their suppliers and are safe in the knowledge that all their meat has been raised naturally, and lived the best possible life free from growth promoters, hormones and cruelty.

With Beef being the star of the show, Turner & George  showcase  a variety of breeds from a range of farms across the UK. Their Lamb is mostly sourced  within Yorkshire and Essex, where they are provided with carcasses of native-breed and grass-fed lamb reared outdoors on pasture and then dry-aged (by them) for up to 14 days. 

All Pork comes from native-breed animals reared outdoors on small British farms and again dry-aged in house for a minimum of 10 days and hand cut to order. Their chickens are from Warwickshire, where the birds live a truly free-range life. Slow grown in smaller groups, with free access to large grassy areas and banks they are supplemented with a diet of natural whole maize, natural whole oats and apples for further enrichment.

Beyond the UK, Turner & George also champion Galician and Basque steak. Sourced from the lush pastures of northern Spain both embody centuries of tradition and craftsmanship and offer unparalleled tenderness and rich marbling. Galician steak is renowned for its distinctive depth of flavour and comes from mature cows aged over eight years, delivering a  beefy taste that's both bold and complex. 

Meanwhile, the Basque steak celebrates the region's passion for grilling, delivering a robust and smoky character.

At the core of Turner & George is their partnership with Grassroots Farming - a group of farmers throughout the UK who ensure their farms and landscape aren't damaged or depleted by modern agricultural practices. 

Instead Grassroots Farming focuses on creating farming practices that continually restores the environment - a step beyond sustainability that is a long term solution which embraces the biodiversity of farming to ensure an entirely renewable ecosystem.

Ruminant livestock, such as cows and sheep who are designed to eat plants thrive on a diverse  diet obtained just from the land, this subsequently benefits the structure of the soil. 

There is a strong and growing belief that the newly formed terroir on these Grassroots Farms  is contributing to the texture and flavour of the meat produced; you are what you eat.

It is these farming practices that Turner & George fully support and have inspired their ‘Grassroots’ meat boxes in the hope that over time, all their meat can be sourced this way. 

A timeless butcher where the quality of ingredients, and service is paramount, Turner & George believe in the longevity of butchery. 

Whether delivered directly to your door, or personally handpicked in their shop or at one of their meat counters  - customers are always safe in the knowledge that what is available, is the best it can be. In a world that often moves too fast, Turner & George are the custodians of butchery who put craftsmanship and ethics first -  because doing it right is a long game. 

https://www.turnerandgeorge.co.uk/