Why You Should Run Regular Disability Audits for Your Food, Drink or Retail Premises

Is your business truly accessible to everyone? It’s easy to assume that a step-free entrance or a single disabled toilet is enough, but genuine inclusivity goes far deeper. That’s where regular disability audits come in.

Why this blogpost? My wife and I have found a new, very small pub, which doesn't have a toilet with disabled access, the toilets being up a steep flight of stairs.

Whether you run a café, pub, restaurant, shop or market stall, taking a proactive approach to accessibility isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal, commercial, and ethical must.

What Is a Disability Audit?

A disability audit is a thorough assessment of how accessible your premises and services are to disabled customers, staff, and visitors. It examines everything from physical access and signage to staff training and online services.

Importantly, a disability audit should be an ongoing process, not a one-off box-ticking exercise.

Why You Need to Conduct Them Regularly

1. Stay Legally Compliant

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are legally required to make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged. This includes access, layout, services, and communication methods. Regular audits help you spot issues before they become complaints—or legal challenges.

2. Accessibility Can Deteriorate

Buildings age, furniture gets rearranged, and maintenance slips through the cracks. A door that once opened smoothly may now stick. A handrail might be loose. A lift could be malfunctioning. Regular audits catch these issues early and prevent unintentional exclusion.

3. Needs and Expectations Evolve

Disability awareness and best practices are constantly developing. What was once considered acceptable might now fall short. Keeping up with current standards, such as installing hearing loops or offering neurodivergent-friendly spaces, ensures your venue doesn’t fall behind.

4. Improve Customer Experience

A well-executed audit leads to tangible improvements: clearer signage, accessible menus, easier navigation, trained staff. All of these enhance the customer journey—not just for disabled people, but for families, older guests, and anyone with temporary limitations (e.g. broken limbs or pushchairs).

5. Demonstrate Genuine Inclusivity

Customers are increasingly values-driven. Showing that you’ve gone beyond minimum compliance to create a welcoming space for all people earns loyalty, trust and positive word of mouth—online and off.

What Should a Disability Audit Cover?

A proper disability audit should look at:

Entrances and exits (are they step-free, clearly marked, automatic?)

Internal layout (can wheelchair users move freely? are aisles clutter-free?)

Toilets and changing facilities (are they truly accessible, not used for storage?)

Signage and lighting (is everything clearly visible and easy to understand?)

Menus and pricing displays (are there alternatives for blind or visually impaired people?)

Staff training (do staff know how to assist, communicate, and offer help without patronising?)

Emergency procedures (can disabled people evacuate safely?)

Online accessibility (is your website compatible with screen readers? Can people pre-book accessible seating or spaces?)

How to Get Started

Do an internal review using checklists available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission or local authorities.

Hire an accessibility consultant for a professional audit.

Involve disabled people, nothing beats real-life experience. Consider mystery shoppers with different accessibility needs.

Document and act on the findings, an audit only matters if you implement the recommended improvements.

Schedule regular follow-ups (at least once a year) and update your team accordingly.

Accessibility Is Good Business

Making your food, drink, or retail space more accessible isn’t just about ramps and regulations. It’s about showing that every customer matters. It’s about being part of a fairer society. And yes—it’s also about growing your reach. The spending power of disabled people and their households in the UK is over £274 billion a year, often referred to as the Purple Pound.

By running regular disability audits, you’re not just complying, you’re competing smarter, serving better, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Ready to take the next step?

Start your audit today—and let your customers know your business is working hard to be a place where access is a right, not a favour.

Why Water Bowls for Dogs at Cafés, Pubs and Shops Might Do More Harm Than Good

Keeping Pets Safe in Public Spaces.

It’s a common sight in dog-friendly cafés, pubs, and garden centres across the UK: a communal water bowl placed outside the entrance or tucked near a table, inviting thirsty dogs to take a drink. 

On the surface, it seems like a kind and considerate gesture for our four-legged friends, especially during the summer months. But while well-intentioned, shared water bowls in public places could pose hidden health risks to dogs.

The Danger of Shared Water Bowls

Dogs don’t just drink from bowls, they slobber, drool, and sometimes even dip their noses or tongues deep into the water. 

Unfortunately, this can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. When multiple dogs use the same water bowl, there's a real risk of cross-infection.

Canine Distemper: A Real and Rising Threat

One of the more serious infections that could potentially spread through shared water bowls is Canine distemper. This highly contagious viral disease affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Though vaccination has made it less common, outbreaks still occur in the UK, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.

Distemper is spread through aerosol droplets and saliva, making communal water bowls a potential vector. If an infected dog drinks from a bowl, then another dog laps up the same water shortly after, the virus could be transmitted.

Other Illnesses to Watch Out For

In addition to distemper, dogs can pick up other infectious diseases and parasites through communal water bowls, including:

Parvovirus – a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus.

Kennel cough – easily transmitted in places where dogs congregate.

Giardia – a parasite that can live in contaminated water and cause diarrhoea.

Leptospirosis – a bacterial infection spread through urine-contaminated water, which can also infect humans. 

Hygiene Concerns and Unmonitored Bowls

Many establishments leave bowls unattended for hours, without regular cleaning or refilling. Dirt, food crumbs, or even faecal matter from muddy paws can end up in the water, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Also, during hot weather, stagnant water can warm up quickly, another ideal breeding ground for harmful organisms.

What Responsible Establishments Can Do

Offer water on request: Instead of communal bowls, cafés and pubs could provide clean, fresh water in sanitised containers upon request.

Encourage owners to bring their own bowls: Foldable or travel bowls are widely available and easy to carry.

Use no-touch dispensers: Some dog parks and pet-friendly venues have started using dog-friendly fountains or push-pedal dispensers to limit contamination.

What Dog Owners Should Do

Always carry your own bowl and fresh water when out with your dog.

Avoid letting your dog drink from bowls in public spaces unless you’re confident they’re regularly cleaned.

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations, especially against distemper and parvovirus, are up-to-date.

We all want to create a welcoming environment for dogs and their humans. But when it comes to something as simple as a bowl of water, it’s vital to weigh good intentions against potential risks. 

By being aware of the dangers and taking simple precautions, we can keep our beloved pets safe while still enjoying dog-friendly days out.

Why this blogpost? My wife and I went out for a meal the other day and noticed that an establishment had a dog water bowl that looked absolutely filthy.

Rull Orchard Wins Sandford Orchards' Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards 2025 With Autumn Unwrapped Perry

Sandford Orchards has just announced that Rull Orchard has won their 2025 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards with their Autumn Unwrapped Perry (5.5% ABV). 

These unique awards, which offer aspiring cider makers the chance to win an invaluable package of vouchers, guidance and guaranteed listings in the on and off trade, are designed to support the future of cider in the UK.   

Claire Daniels from Rull Orchard told That's Food and Drink: “We're really over the moon to receive this award! It's wonderful to have our natural, full juice perry recognised by a panel of such acclaimed judges, and it's very exciting to be part of a growing appreciation for sustainably produced drinks that reflect our passion for nature and biodiversity. We're very much looking forward to collaborating with Barny and our future journey in creating and promoting cider and perry.”

Barny Butterfield, MD of Sandford Orchards and founder of the awards explains: "Rull Orchard is a worthy winner of these awards. Their Autumn Unwrapped Perry is technically sensational. Every judge on the day wished they could make a perry of this quality. If you are looking for flavour, character and style, you simply will not believe what Rull has landed here.”

Silvers were awarded to Canterbury Cider for its Celebration Cider (ABV 6%) and to Tippetts Cider for its Crow Cider (ABV 4.8%). The judges described Celebration Cider as a wonderful introduction to cider for the curious; brilliantly approachable, very smooth and well made. They felt that Crow Cider was a rich, easy drinking, balanced cider with delightful tannins and baked apple flavours.

The Breakthrough Cider Maker Award entrants were judged by industry experts including Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist, Tom Oliver, from Oliver's Cider and Perry and Mary Topp from New Forest Cider and The London Cider House.

Gabe Cook says: “I was particularly delighted it was a Perry that sealed the win for Rull. Clearly they are relishing blending their drinks and are determined to share the joy of cider and perry, far and wide. What an honour it was to taste through a wonderful selection of ciders and perries.”

Tom Oliver adds: “This was my favourite and hardest Breakthrough Cider Awards judging! The standard of liquids, packaging and storytelling was compelling from several makers. But in the end the result was unanimous. The perry was one of the finest anyone at the table had tasted in a long time and Rull Orchard's passion shined through their application.”

Mary Topp finishes: "I'm delighted by the success of all the winners in this year's Breakthrough Awards. The distinct regional flavours showcased by Tippetts and Canterbury's Silver awards were excellent examples of how English cider has evolved, proving there's truly a cider out there for every palate. For The London Cider House, involvement with the Breakthrough Awards is incredibly important. We're so proud to support initiatives that champion future leaders in cider."

Rull Orchard will receive a prize package that includes a £500 Vigo voucher, a £250 Murphy & Son voucher, a listing at their local Stable Pizza, a listing at The London Cider House, a Sandford Orchards collaboration limited edition cider and a visit by Sandford Orchards' cider makers to offer practical help and advice about set up. The two runners up will both receive a £200 voucher from Bag In Box Shop UK plus a £100 voucher from Murphy & Son. All three winners will receive a 12 month listing at Darts Farm, Devon and a 12 month listing on www.sandfordorchards.co.uk.

The Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards were launched by Sandford Orchards at the end of 2019 and aim to recognise and celebrate excellent quality whole juice ciders from around the UK. Sandford Orchards would like to thank Gabe Cook, Tom Oliver and Mary Topp for judging and Vigo, Murphy & Son, The Bag In Box Shop, The Stable, The London Cider House and Darts Farm for their support and prize donations.

To celebrate the awards, Sandford Orchards has created a fantastic Breakthrough Cider Maker Taster Case containing all the winning ciders, which is available from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, RRP £35.00.

For further information on the Sandford Orchards Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/cider-awards or follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and  Instagram.

Don’t Forget the Sunblock: Why It’s Essential for Picnics and BBQs

There’s something truly special about the great British picnic or summer BBQ. 

Whether you’re flipping burgers in the garden, lounging on a blanket in the park, or enjoying sausages by the seaside, there’s one thing that should be just as important as the food: sunblock.

Many of us remember to bring the potato salad, the disposable cutlery, even a spare umbrella just in case – but sunblock? That often gets left behind. Here’s why that’s a mistake.

1. UV Rays Don’t Take a Holiday

Even on cloudy or breezy days, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate the clouds and damage your skin. In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through cloud cover, meaning that cool, overcast day still poses a risk. Sitting in a garden chair all afternoon might not feel dangerous, but sun damage is often silent until the burn appears – and by then, it’s too late.

2. You’re Likely to Be Outside for Hours

Unlike a quick walk to the shops, BBQs and picnics typically last for several hours. This prolonged exposure dramatically increases your risk of sunburn and, more seriously, long-term skin damage. If you're eating, chatting, or dozing in the sun from noon ‘til early evening, that's a lot of unprotected time.

3. Sunburn Isn't Just Painful – It’s Dangerous

We often dismiss sunburn as a temporary nuisance, but the reality is far more serious. Repeated sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma – one of the deadliest forms. The British Skin Foundation reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, and the numbers are rising. Prevention is far easier than treatment.

4. You Sweat, You Swim, You Grill – You Need to Reapply

Summer activities are messy and sweaty. Whether you're cooking over hot coals, playing rounders, or simply sweating under the sun, sunblock can wear off. If you’re near water – even paddling pools or a seaside picnic – it’s doubly important to reapply every two hours, and immediately after swimming or heavy perspiration.

5. Children and Elderly Guests Are Especially Vulnerable

If your picnic or BBQ includes tiny tots, young children or older adults, sun protection becomes even more critical. Their skin is more sensitive to UV radiation, and they may not realise how long they’ve been exposed. Ensure everyone is protected with broad-spectrum sunblock (SPF 30 or higher), hats, and shade when possible.

6. Sunblock Doesn’t Just Protect – It Preserves the Fun

There’s nothing worse than waking up the day after a lovely BBQ to discover painful, peeling skin. Sunburn can ruin your weekend, leave you exhausted, and put a real dampener on future plans. Using sunblock means you’re free to enjoy the sunshine without paying for it later.

Quick Tips for Sun Safety at Your Next BBQ or Picnic:

Apply sunblock at least 15 minutes before going outside

Choose SPF 30 or higher, with UVA and UVB protection

Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or swimming

Bring hats, sunglasses, and seek shade when the sun is strongest (11am–3pm)

🧴Keep a spare bottle of sunblock in your picnic hamper or BBQ kit

In Conclusion

Sunshine, grilled food, and good company are what summer memories are made of – but don’t let them come with a side of sunburn. Pack the sunblock with as much care as the crisps and condiments, and you’ll ensure your picnic or BBQ is remembered for all the right reasons.

Stay safe, stay sun-smart – and pass the ketchup and the burger!

The Surprising Benefits of Drinking Beer – In Moderation

Beer has long been a popular beverage across the globe, especially in the UK where pub culture is an integral part of social life. 

While excessive consumption can certainly have negative effects, moderate beer drinking can actually offer several surprising health and lifestyle benefits. 

Here's a closer look at why enjoying a pint or two might not just be enjoyable – it could be good for you too.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Beer contains more nutrients than you might expect. A standard pint can include:

B vitamins such as B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, and folate

Minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus

Silicon, which is important for bone health

Unfiltered or craft beers tend to retain even more of these beneficial compounds than mass-produced lagers.

2. Good for the Brain (in Small Amounts)

Several studies have shown that light to moderate alcohol consumption, particularly beer and wine, may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Antioxidants such as xanthohumol, found in hops, are thought to have neuroprotective effects.

3. Heart Health Support

Moderate beer consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Beer can increase HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) and help prevent clot formation. Some researchers suggest beer drinkers may have a slightly reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to teetotallers, though moderation is key.

4. Boosts Bone Strength

Beer is a good source of dietary silicon, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. Studies suggest that moderate beer drinkers may have a higher bone mineral density, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis in later life.

5. Social and Mental Wellbeing

Let’s not forget the social benefits. Meeting friends for a pint can help reduce stress, build friendships, and create a sense of community. While beer shouldn’t be your only method of relaxation, sharing a drink in good company can lift your mood and support mental health.

6. Beer Can Aid Digestion

Certain styles of beer, particularly those high in hops such as IPAs, may stimulate gastric acid production, aiding digestion. The presence of soluble fibre in some beers (particularly darker brews) also helps with gut health and regularity.

The Key is Moderation

While beer offers some benefits, it's important to remember that:

Excessive consumption leads to liver damage, obesity, and addiction.

UK guidelines recommend no more than 14 units per week (about 6 pints of average-strength beer), spread over several days.

Non-drinkers shouldn’t feel pressured to start drinking for health reasons,– these benefits are modest and can be obtained through other means.

Last orders, sorry, thoughts

Beer, when enjoyed responsibly, can be more than just a refreshing drink. From nutrients and bone health to heart protection and social connection, a well-earned pint might just be doing you more good than you thought. 

So next time you raise your glass, do so with the knowledge that you might be toasting to your health.

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.