Yaskawa Europe and Fizyr Leverage Partnership to Deliver Hygienic Handling Solutions for the Food and Life Sciences Industries

Fizyr, providing the world’s most capable vision AI, and Yaskawa Europe, one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the fields of drive technology, industrial automation and robotics, announce a new automated hygienic handling solution for the food and life sciences industries. 

The solution comes on the heels of Fizyr and Yaskawa announcing an expanded partnership, including a non-exclusive go-to-market strategy for Europe. 

The hygienic handling solution utilizes Yaskawa’s new HD-series robots, Fizyr PANOPTICTM vision AI, a binpick food cell from Van Wees Waalwijk, and programming support from Alpha Robotica.

“Hygienic applications such as food picking and laboratory automation have very high standards for cleanliness and accuracy,” said Ken Fleming, CEO of Fizyr. 

“Yaskawa’s new HD series of robots exceed those standards, achieving an IP69K rating, to ensure cleanliness and consumer safety. But what makes these solutions truly unparalleled is each partner leveraging its expertise; when we each focus on the pieces we do best, we can create magic.”

The initial installation is for a salad production company, where two HD7 robots place pieces of raw peppers and bags of salad dressing in bowls of lettuce. Fizyr PANOPTICTM accurately determines the position of the objects and the correct placement position. Designed for mobility, the machine can be wheeled to the correct place on the production line. 

With all necessary components included, operation is as simple as connecting it to the power supply and compressed air and choosing the program. The machine is equipped with a turntable and accommodates four crates of ingredients for the salads allowing the line to continue running during a crate change.

“This hygienic automation solution is an excellent example of the potential we saw when engaging in a cooperation agreement with Fizyr,” said Pär Tornemo, Senior Vice President Robotics Division of Yaskawa Europe. “Their advanced computer vision and deep expertise unlocks the possibilities of robotic automation for limitless applications around the globe. We expect this is the first of many.”

See a video of the salad kitting solution in action on LinkedIn or email info@fizyr.com to request more 

Fizyr provides the most capable vision AI for high-variance automation. Fizyr PANOPTICTM is the smartest, fastest and most effective vision available, maximizing robotic capabilities. Compatible with all major robotics systems on the market, Fizyr PANOPTICTM enables robots to see, perceive, account for variances, learn and perform more successfully than any other robotic vision. Fizyr partners with top integrators to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and performance. https://fizyr.com

https://www.yaskawa.eu.com

“Miracle” Honey for Hay Fever Goes Viral as UK Suffers Worst Pollen Season Yet - Latin Honey Shop

Shoppers Pay Up to £200 for Jar of Rare Mexican Honey with Natural Anti-Allergy Effect

As Britain battles one of the worst grass pollen hay fever seasons in recent years, a rare raw honey from the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico has gone viral, with desperate hay fever sufferers hailing it as a “miracle cure” and paying up to £200 per jar for it at auction after stock ran out.

The honey in question? Raw Organic Red Gumbo Limbo Honey, imported exclusively by the Latin Honey Shop, a boutique London-based brand known for its rare, certified organic,  medicinal honeys.

Unlike the debunked myth around local honey for hay fever, which doesn’t work because bees don’t feed on grass pollen, this exotic Mexican honey appears to have a natural anti-allergy, antihistamine-like effect. It’s produced by bees that feed on the red gumbo limbo tree (Bursera simaruba), long used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties.

“Every year we get customers telling us this is the only thing that works for their hay fever,” said a spokesperson for the Latin Honey Shop. “It doesn’t just soothe symptoms — people are reporting full relief within days.”

Earlier this month, demand exploded after multiple TikTok influencers, including @iKaiser19, posted viral reviews praising the honey’s hay fever relief powers. His 2023 video alone has racked up over 1.3 million views Watch: https://www.tiktok.com/@ikaiser19/video/7239010011605634330. Dozens of creators have since joined in, flooding the platform with testimonials and creating a surge in demand as a search on TikTok for "Red Gumbo Limbo Honey" reveals.

Over 2000 jars of Red Gumbo Limbo Honey have been sold on TikTok alone, making it one of the most popular honeys there.

"I've been suffering from hay fever for the past 21yrs," wrote one verified buyer of this honey. "Since having this honey 1.5months I've been clear of any signs of fever."

With jars retailing for up to £20 including delivery, the limited seasonal stock typically sells out within days. In 2022, once supplies ran out, desperate buyers paid up to £200 a jar in auction.

The Latin Honey Shop first discovered the honey in 2016 and has since made small yearly batches available to UK and international customers. It is harvested once every year by traditional beekeepers in remote parts of Mexico and is never heat-treated or blended, preserving its medicinal-grade quality.

As hay fever allergy sufferers continue to seek relief in a season where traditional remedies are falling short, this rare raw honey has become one of the most talked-about natural alternatives of 2025.

Importer: Latin Honey Shop (https://latinhoneyshop.com)

Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3-Year Cultural Celebration

The Stirling Highland Games, one of central Scotland’s most looked forward to events, has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn, reaffirming the brewer’s commitment to championing Scottish culture.

The partnership marks a significant endorsement for the Stirling Highland Games, a historic and much-loved annual event that showcases traditional Highland sporting competitions, music, dance, and Scottish heritage. Innis & Gunn’s support will not only enhance the experience for eventgoers but will further elevate SHG’s standing among Scotland’s top cultural events.

"We’re excited to have Innis & Gunn on board," said Matt McGrandles, President of Stirling Highland Games. "Their support is a ringing endorsement of the hard work that goes into making our event a premier cultural celebration. To be backed by such an iconic Scottish brand is a proud moment for us."

The partnership sees Innis & Gunn become the official beer partner of the Games, with a premium selection from the brewery’s award-winning range available to all visitors over the next three years. From their signature Lager Beer to the much-loved Original and seasonal limited editions, Innis & Gunn beers will be served up alongside world-class Highland athleticism and entertainment, offering the perfect way to soak up the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

For Innis & Gunn is proudly Brewed by Scotland, and the collaboration is a natural extension of their support of Scottish cultural events. The Stirling Highland Games now joins an impressive roster of prestigious events supported by the brewery, including The Royal Highland Show, The Edinburgh Fringe, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Celtic Connections, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and many more.

Innis & Gunn Founder Dougal Sharp added, “The Stirling Highland Games has that rare mix of heritage and energy that makes it feel genuinely special. It’s a day where you see the best of Scotland on show, with brilliant events and fantastic local food, drink and community spirit. That’s exactly the kind of environment Innis & Gunn is proud to be part of.

"We’re bringing the full Innis & Gunn line-up to the Games, from our signature Lager Beer to small-batch favourites, and helping create a proper experience in the food and drink village. Whether you're here for the athletics, the music, or a great pint in the sunshine, this is what a Scottish summer should feel like.

We’re proud to be supporting the Games for the next three years and can’t wait to get going.”

The partnership promises to enhance the SHG experience for attendees, introducing a curated drinks offering that celebrates the very best of Scottish brewing. With an improved bar set-up and an expanded beer selection, visitors can look forward to sipping on expertly crafted brews while enjoying the new food and drinks area that is part of the larger Traders Village, hosting up to 60 Scottish traders.

While the improved bar experience is set to be a highlight, Innis & Gunn’s focus remains firmly on championing Scottish tradition. By supporting the SHG, the brewery reinforces its ongoing mission to uplift and preserve Scotland’s cultural fabric, one event at a time.

This long-term commitment underlines Innis & Gunn’s belief in building strong ties with communities across the country and recognising the power of heritage-driven events to bring people together.

The Stirling Highland Games, held annually each August, has long been a cornerstone of cultural celebration in the region. It offers a rich mix of athletics, heavyweights, Highland dancing, piping performances, and food and drink experiences – drawing visitors from across Scotland and beyond.

With Innis & Gunn’s support, organisers Ceangail believe the event is poised for its most vibrant chapter yet.

“This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to create a more engaging, premium experience for visitors to Stirling. But more than that, it shows the value of what we do here in Stirling – and how events like the Stirling Highland Games help keep Scottish traditions alive in a modern, welcoming way.”

As the countdown begins to this year’s Games on Saturday 16th August, excitement is already building around the new Innis & Gunn partnership. With quality beer, proud heritage, and community spirit at its core, this is a collaboration that celebrates everything great about Scotland.

https://www.ceangail.org

Why It's Better to Use Turmeric Powder in Food and Drink Rather Than Tablets or Capsules

Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional cooking and medicine, particularly in South Asian cultures. 

In recent years, it has become a staple in health and wellness trends across the globe. 

While supplements in tablet or capsule form are widely available and often marketed as a convenient way to harness turmeric’s benefits, incorporating turmeric powder into your daily diet through food and drink may actually be the superior choice. Here's why.

1. Better Bioavailability with Food

One of the main concerns with turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, is bioavailability — in other words, how well your body can absorb and use it. Curcumin is notoriously difficult to absorb on its own. However, when consumed with certain foods, particularly those containing fats and black pepper, its absorption is significantly increased.

Adding turmeric powder to curries, soups, teas, or golden milk, especially with a pinch of black pepper and a source of fat like coconut milk, creates the perfect environment for curcumin to do its work. Supplements don’t always contain these co-factors unless they're specially formulated, and even then, they may not be as effective as food-based intake.

2. Whole Food Synergy

Turmeric powder contains more than just curcumin. It includes a range of other beneficial compounds such as turmerones, which also contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When you consume turmeric as part of a meal, you’re getting the full spectrum of its natural components working together — a phenomenon known as “whole food synergy.”

In contrast, many supplements isolate curcumin alone, missing out on these additional benefits.

3. Aromatic and Culinary Delight

Let’s not forget — turmeric is a spice! Its earthy, warm flavour and vibrant golden hue can elevate the colour and taste of a wide variety of dishes. From classic curries and lentil dahls to trendy turmeric lattes and smoothies, the culinary possibilities are endless. Taking a pill with a glass of water simply doesn’t offer the same pleasure or creativity in the kitchen.

4. More Economical and Sustainable

Buying turmeric powder in bulk is often far more cost-effective than purchasing high-strength supplements. A little goes a long way, especially if you’re cooking regularly. Plus, choosing powder over plastic-packaged capsules helps reduce waste and is a more environmentally friendly option.

5. Avoiding Additives and Fillers

Many commercial turmeric supplements contain binders, preservatives, or fillers — ingredients that don’t contribute to your wellbeing. When you buy pure turmeric powder, especially organic varieties, you know exactly what you're getting: ground turmeric root, and nothing more.

6. Supports a Healthy Relationship with Food

Using turmeric in cooking encourages a more mindful and holistic approach to health. It allows you to enjoy nourishing meals, connect with cultural traditions, and take pleasure in the act of preparing food — something a supplement can’t replicate.

While turmeric capsules may have a place in certain therapeutic contexts or for individuals with specific medical needs, for most people, using turmeric powder in food and drink is the better route. Not only is it more bioavailable when consumed with the right ingredients, but it’s also tastier, more versatile, cost-effective, and aligned with a whole-foods approach to wellness.

So, the next time you’re tempted to pop a turmeric pill, why not whip up a warming cup of golden milk or add a spoonful of turmeric to your favourite stew?

Wasps: Why These Buzzing Insects Are Friends, Not Foes, to Vegetable and Fruit Gardeners

When we think of wasps, if we do, the immediate reaction for many gardeners is wariness, if not outright dislike. 

Their aggressive buzz and painful sting often make wasps seem like garden villains, uninvited guests spoiling a perfect summer’s day. 

But if you look a little closer, wasps are actually valuable allies for gardeners and play an important role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.

Natural Pest Controllers

One of the best reasons to appreciate wasps is their voracious appetite for common garden pests. Many species of wasps are carnivorous hunters or parasitoids, meaning they hunt or lay eggs in other insects. They feed on aphids, caterpillars, flies, and other soft-bodied pests that damage your plants. This natural pest control can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, making your garden more eco-friendly.

For example, paper wasps and solitary wasps hunt caterpillars and aphids to feed their larvae. By keeping pest populations in check, wasps help your vegetables, fruits, and flowers thrive.

Pollination Partners

Although bees get most of the credit, wasps also contribute to pollination. They visit flowers to feed on nectar, inadvertently transferring pollen from one bloom to another. Some plants even rely heavily on wasps for pollination, particularly certain orchids and fig trees.

Encouraging a diverse insect population, including wasps, means your garden benefits from more effective pollination, resulting in healthier plants and better yields.

Indicators of a Balanced Garden

Wasps are part of a complex garden ecosystem. Their presence often indicates a balanced environment with a healthy variety of insects and plants. If wasps are flourishing, it usually means your garden is thriving and supporting wildlife.

Wasp-Friendly Plants to Grow

If you want to encourage wasps in your garden, plant species that provide nectar and shelter for them:

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Its umbrella-shaped flowers attract many beneficial wasps.

Dill (Anethum graveolens): Another umbelliferous plant loved by parasitic wasps.

Marigold (Tagetes): Bright flowers that attract predatory insects, including wasps.

Angelica: A tall, nectar-rich plant that supports many beneficial insects.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Offers nectar and shelter.

Hollyhock: Large flowers visited by pollinating wasps.

Goldenrod: Late summer nectar source to support wasps before winter.

Planting these near vegetable beds or fruit trees can encourage wasps to stick around and help protect your crops.

Tips to Encourage Beneficial Insects

Creating a welcoming environment for wasps and other helpful insects will improve your garden’s health overall:

Avoid pesticides: Chemicals harm beneficial insects alongside pests.

Provide water: A shallow dish with stones and water helps insects stay hydrated.

Create insect shelters: Leave some bare soil, build a bug hotel, or keep some dead wood to provide nesting sites.

Grow a diversity of plants: Different flowering plants attract a wider range of beneficial insects throughout the growing season.

Allow some ‘weeds’: Plants like nettles and dandelions are important early food sources for many insects.

How to Coexist with Wasps Safely

While wasps can sting, they usually do so only in defence. By respecting their space and avoiding swatting or disturbing nests, gardeners can coexist peacefully with wasps. Some simple tips include:

Avoid wearing bright colours or strong perfumes, which attract wasps.

Cover food and sugary drinks when eating outdoors.

Plant wasp-friendly flowers like fennel, dill, and marigold away from eating areas to distract them.

Next time you see a wasp buzzing around your garden, remember that they’re not there to spoil your day but to help keep your garden healthy. As natural pest controllers, pollinators, and ecosystem indicators, wasps deserve a little appreciation. 

By planting wasp-friendly flowers and creating a welcoming habitat, you can encourage these buzzing allies to protect and pollinate your garden all season long.

Squirrels – The Menace of the Garden: How to Protect Your Fruit and Veg Patch

If you’ve ever lovingly tended to your fruit trees or nurtured your veg patch only to find it raided overnight, you might already know the furry culprit: the squirrel. 

With their cute faces and bushy tails, they seem harmless, but don’t be fooled. Squirrels are one of the most frustrating pests for British gardeners, capable of undoing months of hard work in a single afternoon.

Here’s a look at why squirrels are such a nuisance in the garden and, more importantly, how to keep them at bay.

Why Squirrels Are a Problem for Gardeners

1. They Love Fruit and Veg Just as Much as You Do

Squirrels are especially fond of apples, plums, tomatoes, strawberries, courgettes, and sweetcorn. They don’t always eat the whole thing either – often they’ll nibble, decide they’ve had enough, and move on, leaving a trail of destruction behind them.

2. They Dig – Constantly

Squirrels bury food for later, meaning freshly planted beds can get churned up by their incessant digging. Bulbs, seedlings, and freshly raked compost are frequent targets.

3. They Strip Bark and Snap Branches

Grey squirrels are notorious for stripping bark from young trees, which can stunt growth or even kill the tree. Their climbing and jumping can also break delicate branches or dislodge ripening fruit.

4. They Raid Bird Feeders and Nest Boxes

While not directly harming your plants, squirrels often dominate feeders and nesting spaces intended for garden birds, disrupting your local wildlife ecosystem.

How to Deter Squirrels From Your Garden

Though it’s nearly impossible to eradicate squirrels completely (especially in urban and suburban areas), there are several effective strategies to make your garden far less inviting to them.

1. Use Physical Barriers

Fruit cages can help protect crops like berries and brassicas.

Netting placed over raised beds or containers can reduce access.

Wrap tree trunks in metal collars to stop squirrels climbing.

Use chicken wire over freshly planted areas to discourage digging.

2. Scent-Based Deterrents

Sprinkle chilli flakes, pepper, or garlic powder around plants. These irritate squirrels’ sensitive noses.

Commercial repellents (such as those with capsaicin) are available and can be sprayed around high-risk areas.

3. Motion-Activated Devices

Install motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellers to startle squirrels and encourage them to move elsewhere.

4. Remove Temptation

Clear up fallen fruit and nuts daily.

Harvest ripe produce promptly.

Don’t feed squirrels (no matter how cute they look!).

5. Keep Trees Trimmed

Prune branches that overhang fences or roofs to prevent squirrels from using them as launchpads into your garden.

6. Secure Compost Bins and Feeders

Compost heaps attract squirrels with food scraps – use a sealed compost bin and opt for squirrel-proof bird feeders to reduce incentives.

A Note on Humane Practices

In the UK, grey squirrels are classed as an invasive species and it is illegal to release them back into the wild once caught. However, for most home gardeners, prevention and deterrent are more practical than trapping or culling. Focus on humane and non-lethal methods that protect your plants without harming wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Sharing your garden with wildlife is part of the joy of growing your own food – but when squirrels become destructive, it’s time to act. With a little persistence, a few clever deterrents, and a dash of ingenuity, you can keep your fruit and veg safe from those bushy-tailed bandits.

Happy gardening – and may your harvest remain squirrel-free!

Why Does Water from a Plastic Kettle Taste Different to Water from a Metal One? The Science Behind the Sip

If you’ve ever brewed a cuppa and found it tasted a little… off, you’re not alone. Many people claim that water boiled in a plastic kettle doesn’t taste as nice as water boiled in a metal kettle, and this isn’t just snobbery or imagination. There’s real science behind the phenomenon.

Here’s a look into what might be going on in your kettle.

1. The Problem of Plastic Leaching

Plastic kettles are typically made from polypropylene or BPA-free plastics. While these materials are generally considered safe, heating them repeatedly—especially to boiling point—can cause trace chemicals to leach into the water.

Some of the common compounds include:

Phenols (like BPA substitutes)

Styrene monomers

Other manufacturing residues

Even in tiny amounts, these substances can alter the taste of the water. Your body might not notice it immediately, but your tongue certainly can. Many describe the taste as chemical, plasticky, or stale.

2. Off-Gassing and New Kettle Smell

Brand-new plastic kettles often emit a distinct "new plastic" smell when first used. This comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used during manufacturing. These compounds are released (or "off-gassed") when the kettle is heated for the first few times.

This is why instructions often suggest boiling and discarding water several times before use. Even so, some kettles may retain that taint for weeks or longer.

3. The Inert Nature of Metal

Metal kettles, usually made of stainless steel, or sometimes copper, have a distinct advantage: they are chemically inert at high temperatures. This means:

No leaching of unwanted chemicals

No absorption of flavours over time

Easy to keep clean with no porous surfaces

Stainless steel doesn’t hold onto the taste of previous boils or absorb anything from the water, which results in cleaner-tasting water, ideal for tea and coffee purists.

4. Mineral and Limescale Interactions

Plastic kettles often have heating elements hidden beneath the base. In contrast, metal kettles (especially stovetop models) use exposed metal heating. This may influence how limescale and minerals accumulate, particularly in hard water areas.

Some studies suggest that mineral deposits may form differently on plastic versus metal, subtly influencing mouthfeel and flavour.

5. Sensory Psychology and Perception

There’s also a psychological angle: we often associate plastic with cheapness or artificiality, and metal with tradition and purity. These expectations can colour our sensory experience, particularly with taste and smell.

In blind tests, people may still prefer metal-boiled water, but the difference is often more pronounced when the participants know the source.

Conclusion: Is It All in the Kettle?

Not entirely. While personal preference plays a role, science supports the idea that plastic kettles can affect the taste of boiled water through leaching compounds, off-gassing, and minor chemical interactions. Metal kettles, especially stainless steel ones, tend to offer a cleaner, more neutral brew.

So, if you’re serious about your tea or coffee, or just don’t like that odd aftertaste, switching to a metal kettle could be a small change that makes a big difference.

Top Tip: Want the best of both worlds? Try a glass kettle with stainless steel elements, you’ll get taste neutrality, no plastic taint, and a good view of your boil.

Stay Safe in the Heat – The Hidden Dangers of Dehydration for People, the Elderly and Pets

As temperatures soar during the summer months, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly dehydration can set in. 

While we often associate hydration with simply feeling thirsty, the effects of dehydration can be far more serious, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and pets.

Whether you're planning a summer stroll, working outdoors, looking after elderly relatives, or caring for a furry friend, staying hydrated in hot weather is not just good advice, it's potentially life-saving.

Why Hydration Is So Important

Water makes up a large part of our body and is essential for nearly every bodily function. It regulates temperature, supports the brain and organs, lubricates joints, and aids digestion. During hot weather, we lose more water than usual through sweat, and if we don’t replace it quickly, dehydration can occur.

Dehydration in Adults and Children

For most healthy adults, signs of dehydration can come on gradually:

Dry mouth

Headaches

Dizziness or light-headedness

Dark-coloured urine

Tiredness or confusion

Children can become dehydrated even faster, especially when active outdoors. Always ensure they have regular water breaks and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can worsen dehydration.

The Elderly: A High-Risk Group

Older adults are particularly vulnerable for several reasons:

Reduced thirst response – they may not feel thirsty even when they need fluids

Medication side effects – certain medications can increase fluid loss

Health conditions – dementia, diabetes, or mobility issues can make it harder to drink regularly

Warning signs in the elderly include confusion, lethargy, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and even fainting. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to hospitalisation and worsen existing conditions.

Top Tips:

Offer water frequently, even if they say they’re not thirsty

Include high-water content foods like watermelon, cucumbers, or yoghurt

Keep their environment cool and shaded

Dehydration and Your Pets

Dogs, cats and other animals can suffer just as much—if not more—from dehydration.

Common signs in pets include:

Lethargy or weakness

Dry nose and gums

Panting or excessive drooling

Loss of appetite

Sunken eyes or skin that doesn't quickly spring back when gently pulled

How to Help Your Pets Stay Safe:

Ensure clean, fresh water is available at all times

Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11am to 3pm)

Never leave animals in parked cars, even with the windows open

Provide shaded areas outdoors and consider using pet-safe cooling mats

Staying Safe in Hot Weather

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer:

Drink water regularly throughout the day

Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further

Wear loose, light-coloured clothing

Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest times

Dehydration is more than just being a bit parched, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly in hot weather. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure that everyone in your household—from toddlers to grandparents to pets—stays safe, healthy and cool this summer.

Stay hydrated, stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly.

Jazz Up Your Summer Salads: Fresh Ideas for Bold, Beautiful Bowls

Summer is the absolutely perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing, and vibrant meals. 

And nothing fits the bill better than a crisp, colourful salad. 

But let’s face it: not all salads are created equal. If your lettuce leaves are starting to look a little limp with boredom, it’s time to jazz things up. Here’s how to turn your summer salads from side dish to showstopper.

Start with Stunning Greens

Ditch the iceberg and experiment with a mix of textures and flavours. Try:

Rocket and watercress for peppery zest

Lollo rosso or oak leaf lettuce for colour and crunch

Baby spinach or kale for a nutritional boost

Top tip: Mix at least two types of greens for visual appeal and a better bite.

Add Sweet and Savoury Surprises

Fruit in salad? Absolutely. The sweet-savoury combo can be magical:

Strawberries + balsamic vinegar + goat’s cheese

Mango + avocado + lime juice

Watermelon + feta + mint

Bonus: Try roasted peaches or grilled pineapple for a caramelised touch.

Say Yes to Cheese

Cheese brings richness and complexity:

Crumbled feta for saltiness

Shaved parmesan for a nutty note

Burrata or mozzarella for creamy indulgence

Try tossing your cheese in after dressing the salad to keep it fresh and firm.

Crunch It Up

Great salads have texture. Add crunch with:

Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts)

Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)

Homemade croutons or crispy chickpeas

Pro tip: Toast seeds or nuts in a dry pan for extra flavour.

Go Beyond the Basics

Go wild with toppings and mix-ins:

Pickled red onions

Roasted vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, sweet potatoes)

Grains like quinoa, bulgur or pearl barley

Hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken for protein

Salads are a great way to use up leftovers or get creative with your pantry.

Dress to Impress

The dressing makes or breaks the salad. Skip the shop-bought stuff and make your own:

Classic vinaigrette: 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar, plus mustard and seasoning. Also, consider using organic cider vinegar .

Creamy tahini dressing: tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and a touch of honey

Zesty yoghurt dressing: Greek yoghurt, cucumber, mint, lemon juice

Tip: Dress just before serving to keep things crisp.

Serve It in Style

Presentation matters! Try:

Layering ingredients in a glass bowl

Serving on a wooden platter for rustic charm

Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs (think basil, chives, coriander)

Also, consider using organic cider vinegar 

A salad doesn’t have to be a soggy afterthought. With a few smart swaps and bold additions, it can become the star of your summer table. So next time you’re prepping for a picnic, barbecue or light supper, jazz up your salad and let the flavours sing.

That's Business: Get Your Business Ready for Prime Day

That's Business: Get Your Business Ready for Prime Day: Prime Day is one of the biggest retail events of the year, and it’s not just for Amazon itself.  It's an absolutely golden opportunity f...