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The American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) and The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (CIBD) Announce Partnership

The American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC), a nonprofit professional association dedicated to scientific excellence in beer and other fermented beverages, and the Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (CIBD), a professional association providing gold-standard technical qualifications and support programmes for the global beverage industry, announce that there will be a special joint congress in 2026.

Established in 1886, CIBD is headquartered in London, England, with around 3,000 members spread across 90 countries. 

With headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A., ASBC brings nearly 100 years of history bringing uniformity to the brewing industry on a technical level with over 1,000 members across nearly 40 countries.

This collaboration brings together two of the brewing and distilling industry's most respected scientific organisations from August 17 to 19, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. The title of the congress is Global Brewing and Distilling Innovation – Shaping the Future Together.

“We are delighted to confirm a new partnership between ASBC and CIBD for our 2026 Congress in Seattle. By combining the recognised scientific strengths of both organisations, we are creating a unique collaborative platform for colleagues across the brewing and distilling sectors to connect, exchange insights and advance scientific excellence. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Seattle.” Professor Katherine Smart, ASBC President told That's Food and Drink.

Both ASBC and CIBD will offer sessions to increase attendee technical acumen and skills in brewing, fermentationand distilling. Raphael Grisoni, President of the CIBD, states “This exciting partnership brings together two of the world's leading organisations in brewing and distilling. 

Our combined reach will ensure the congress in Seattle will be a genuinely global event with brewers, distillers, suppliers, academics and students coming together for three days to showcase and discuss the great science and innovation taking place in the sector. It promises to be an event that will drive collaborations that will last for many years”.

Both ASBC and CIBD have a long history of hosting international events for the brewing, distilling and related industries—with recent collaboration on the 2024 World Brewing Congress, and are looking forward to this new opportunity. The 2026 meeting in Seattle aims to be equally as successful under their partnership.

Planning is underway for the 2026 meeting with abstract submissions opening shortly. For more information go to www.asbcnet.org/events/2026Meeting.

FACTFILE:-

The American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) was founded in 1934 to improve and bring uniformity to the brewing industry on a scientific level. Today, ASBC is a nonprofit, membership-based, professional association with a global community working toward scientific excellence in brewing and fermented beverages. Society members can be found on nearly every continent and in breweries of all sizes, working in the brewing and allied industries, as well as in government and academia. 

The society works to ensure high quality and safety standards, provide science-based solutions to industry-wide issues, evaluate raw materials for optimum performance, and foster professional development opportunities for brewing chemists worldwide. ASBC provides a variety of scientific resources to the brewing community, including the Journal of the ASBC, ASBC Methods of Analysis, Fishbone References, and multiple events and online education offerings, among others. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on ASBC, visit www.asbcnet.org.

The Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers, established in 1886, delivers technical qualifications and support programmes for the beverage industries that are recognised around the world. The qualification ladder starts at an introductory level and ends with the Institute’s highest qualification, Master Brewer and Master Distiller.

The CIBD’s qualifications and global community of experts and members enables individuals in the sector to learn, connect and thrive. The CIBD connects people with an international peer network to help them and their businesses to succeed in the competitive and challenging drinks market. To find out more, visit www.cibd.org.uk

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Is Fasting a Valid Lifestyle Choice or Just Another Fad?

Fasting has become one of the most talked-about health trends in recent years. 

From intermittent fasting apps to celebrity endorsements, it’s hard to avoid the conversation. 

But is fasting genuinely beneficial, or is it simply another passing fad in the wellness world? 

Let’s take a closer look at both sides of the debate.

The Case For Fasting

Many people who practise fasting describe it as a life-changing approach to health. There’s more than one way to do it, from intermittent fasting (16:8), where you eat during an eight-hour window and fast for sixteen, to alternate-day fasting, or even more extended fasts under medical supervision.

1. Improved Metabolic Health

Supporters argue that fasting helps regulate blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and encourage fat loss without necessarily reducing calorie intake. Some studies suggest it may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both key factors in long-term health.

2. Simplicity and Mindful Eating

Unlike complicated diets requiring strict meal plans or expensive supplements, fasting can simplify life. You eat less often, which may encourage more mindful food choices and less impulsive snacking.

3. Potential Longevity Benefits

Animal research and limited human trials suggest fasting could activate processes like autophagy, where the body clears out damaged cells. This has been linked to slowing aspects of ageing and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

The Case Against Fasting

Of course, fasting isn’t for everyone, and critics warn that it can carry risks and reinforce unhealthy attitudes toward food.

1. Not Suitable for All Lifestyles

Those with physically demanding jobs, chronic conditions, or certain medications may find fasting difficult or even unsafe. It can cause fatigue, dizziness, and poor concentration, especially when combined with caffeine or strenuous activity.

2. Risk of Disordered Eating

Some nutritionists caution that fasting can blur the line between structured eating and restrictive behaviour, potentially triggering disordered eating patterns. This is particularly concerning among young people or anyone with a history of body image issues.

3. Limited Long-Term Data

While short-term studies on intermittent fasting look promising, long-term research is still limited. We don’t yet know whether the metabolic benefits seen early on persist after years of following a fasting routine.

Finding a Balanced Approach

For many people, fasting works best when it’s flexible and personal. You might find that delaying breakfast, avoiding late-night snacking, or having an occasional light day can deliver the benefits without full-on restriction.

Health professionals generally agree that fasting should never replace a balanced, nutrient-rich diet — nor should it become an excuse to overeat during eating windows.

The Verdict

So, is fasting a valid lifestyle choice or a fad? The answer depends on how it’s approached.

Used thoughtfully and under proper guidance, fasting can be a sustainable way to manage weight, improve metabolic health, and reconnect with hunger cues. However, when used as a quick-fix or pushed to extremes, it risks becoming yet another wellness trend that fades as quickly as it arrived.

If you’re considering fasting, it’s wise to consult a GP or registered dietitian first — especially if you have underlying health conditions.

In summary: fasting can be both valuable and valid, but only when applied responsibly. Like many things in life, balance is key.

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Cooking with Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables – Fresh, Flavourful, and Budget-Friendly

Discover how cooking with seasonal fruits and vegetables brings flavour, freshness, and savings. Explore what’s in season in the UK and try easy recipes from That’s Food and Drink.

Intro: Taste the Seasons in Every Bite

Cooking with seasonal fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to make your meals more flavourful, sustainable, and affordable. 

Whether you’re shopping at your local greengrocer, a farm shop, or even growing your own, seasonal produce captures the true taste of Britain’s natural rhythm, and it can make a huge difference to your health and your wallet.

Why Cooking Seasonally Makes Sense

1. Superior Flavour:

Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness. A June strawberry from a Shropshire farm tastes far sweeter than an imported one in December. Likewise, a locally grown carrot in winter bursts with earthy sweetness that storage-heavy imports can’t match.

2. Better for Your Budget:

When crops are in abundance, prices naturally drop. That means a basket full of British apples or cabbages will cost far less than exotic imports, perfect for family meals or batch cooking.

3. Good for the Planet:

Eating what’s in season helps cut food miles and reduce carbon emissions. Plus, less refrigeration and packaging means a smaller environmental footprint.

What’s in Season in the UK?

Spring:

Enjoy tender asparagus, radishes, new potatoes, spinach, rhubarb, and early strawberries. Fresh, bright, and full of life.

Summer:

A feast of courgettes, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, soft berries, cherries, and stone fruits. Ideal for barbecues, salads, and desserts.

Autumn:

Cosy up with apples, pears, pumpkins, butternut squash, and root vegetables. Roast, bake, or stew for comforting warmth.

Winter:

Celebrate the sturdy greens, kale, cabbage, leeks, parsnips, and swedes. Perfect for soups, casseroles, and hearty Sunday roasts.

Easy Seasonal Recipes to Try at Home

Spring Green Risotto:

A creamy mix of peas, asparagus, and lemon zest for a light yet comforting dish.

Summer Berry Crumble:

Combine strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries under an oat crumble topping. Serve with clotted cream or vanilla custard.

Autumn Roast Tray Bake:

Toss chunks of carrot, parsnip, and squash with olive oil, rosemary, and a drizzle of honey.

Winter Vegetable Soup:

Simmer leeks, potatoes, and kale in vegetable stock, then blend smooth for a velvety winter warmer.

Smart Tips for Cooking Seasonally

Shop local: Support your community by buying from farm shops and markets.

Plan meals around availability: Use what’s freshest now, not what’s flown halfway round the world.

Preserve the harvest: Freeze berries, make chutneys, or pickle vegetables to enjoy all year round.

Mix & match: Combine seasonal veg with cupboard staples like grains, pasta, or pulses.

Learn about UK farm shops

https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2024/05/exploring-british-countryside-guide-to.html

Learn about preserving your own foods

https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2024/07/learning-from-our-grandparents-journey.html

Link “budget-friendly meals” to your one-pan meal series.

Budget friendly meals to ensure you use available produce wisely

https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2025/04/budget-one-pan-dinners-that-taste-like.html

Final Thoughts: Eat the Seasons, Live the Flavour

Cooking seasonally helps you reconnect with real food, fresh, local, and full of character. Every season brings something different to the table, so experiment, enjoy, and celebrate the best of British produce one meal at a time.