News & Views

Across the globe, food lovers cherish regional specialties that have been perfected over centuries, celebrating their unique qualities deeply rooted in local traditions, climate, and craftsmanship. And just as the UK protects its iconic Cheddar cheese, Cornish pasties, and clotted cream, the world has a rich variety of foods granted protected status that each country prides over. But what is ‘protected status’, why does it matter, and which countries have the most protected foods?

As the UK transitions into the warmer months, from June through August, our gardens and markets are brimming with a vibrant array of fresh, seasonal produce. Embracing these summer delights not only enhances the flavour and freshness of your meals but also supports local agriculture and promotes sustainable eating practices.

In recent years, wild venison has seen a rise in popularity across the UK. Once considered a niche product, it is now increasingly valued by chefs, home cooks, and consumers alike. Its appeal lies not only in its rich flavour but also in its sustainable sourcing, nutritional benefits, and versatility in the kitchen. Keep reading to discover five key reasons why wild venison is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

The UK boasts a rich culinary heritage, with numerous food and drink products recognised for their unique qualities and traditional production methods. These products are granted protected status to preserve their authenticity and regional significance. Let’s explore what having protected status means and which British Foods have it.

Easter is not only a religious holiday celebrated by Christians worldwide, but it is also a time rich with culinary traditions. Many of the foods associated with Easter have deep-rooted history and symbolise various aspects of the religious celebration as well as the season of Spring. Let's explore the origins of some traditional Easter foods right now.

Springtime in the UK spans from March through to May – though sometimes it may not feel like it with the winter weather hanging around! However, what you can rely on each year is a delightful array of fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits across each month of the season. Embracing these seasonal delights not only enhances the flavour and freshness of your meals but also supports local agriculture and reduces environmental impact.

Pancake Day, known as Shrove Tuesday, is a significant event in Christian calendars, marking the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The term "Shrove" originates from the old English word "shriving," meaning to confess one's sins and receive absolution and historically on Shrove Tuesday Christians would attend confession to prepare spiritually for the season of Lent. But in more modern times, Pancake Day is celebrated with various customs including pancake tossing and community events.

Veganuary is a UK-based non-profit organization that encourages people worldwide to adopt a vegan lifestyle for the month of January. Founded in 2013 by Matthew Glover and Jane Land, their goal was to promote veganism as a fun, easy, and accessible lifestyle choice.

Christmas is a time of rich traditions, and for many the festive season wouldn’t be complete without the foods we all know and love. But do you know where these dishes come from? From Turkey to Christmas Pudding to Mince Pies, the history behind our Christmas staples is as fascinating as the flavours themselves. Let’s unwrap the origins of these right now.

You won’t Brie-lieve this terrible news - I Camembert it! Sorry, I promise those are the only cheese puns I will make in this article, because this to me is a serious topic. I am a big fan of cheese with my long-time favourite being the French staple cheese Brie, named for its French region of origin – Brie. However, recent news has come to light suggesting that the long-term production of Brie and Camembert is uncertain due to an ongoing issue – mould strain mutations.