Citrus Sensation

In today’s culture the Orange can be overlooked as a common, readily available “pre-packaged” snack, but the Orange has a history deep in flavour and meaning. Originating in China, the Orange was once representative of opulence and wealth, Emperors and Kings revered them, children delighted at their presence in the Christmas stocking and Chefs the world over sought them for their most sumptuous meals. Even the neroli oil extracted from the skin of the Orange is considered one of the loveliest essential oils and is a popular scent for perfumers.

Today we value the Orange for its amazing health properties- we clamour for it’s Vitamin C rich juice to fight the winter bugs and pregnant ladies can find 18% of their RDI of folic acid in just one Orange.

Oranges are high in fiber and cell-repairing antioxidants as well as been a fantastic source of energy, B Vitamins and polyphenols which have shown to improve brain function and alertness.

The gentle acidity of the Orange has made it a popular ingredient in many kitchens- ideal for cooking Game birds, refreshing salads, sweet desserts, marmalades, sticky glazes and sauces with a zing.

Sweet Oranges and their counterparts (mandarins, lemons, grapefruit) are in season throughout winter.

The Mighty Mushroom.

From its humble beginnings as a ground dwelling fungi, the mushroom has been savoured for its gastronomical, medicinal and even hallucinogenic properties for centuries. The distinct Umami flavours and nutritional benefits make the mushroom a stand out contender in the Vegetable world.

This earth grown fungi derives its flavour from the soil and plants growing around it- imbuing distinct tastes in different varieties. White mushrooms tend to be young and less flavoursome, perfect for dishes requiring a more subtle flavour. The darker mushrooms are older and tend to carry a stronger “earthy” flavour, these varieties are usually the star of the dish they are being served in.

Whichever mushroom you choose, you will be rewarding yourself with a plethora of health benefits- no vegetable claims to have more nutritional value than the Mushroom: rich in antioxidants, low in calories with no fat or cholesterol, mushrooms are packed with B Vitamins and essential nutrients. Just 3 mushrooms a day gives you 20% of your daily requirement of the essential nutrients of Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Copper and Selenium. For an added bonus place your mushrooms in the sun for 15 mins to enrich them with Vitamin D.