Broccoli: Its Origins, Nutritional Power, and How to Grow It
History Broccoli originated in the Mediterranean region. An ancient Italian civilization called the Etruscans, who lived in what is now Tuscany and were considered to be brilliant horticulturists, developed this from a cabbage relative. By the 18th century, broccoli had become a common vegetable in northern Europe, and Italian immigrants brought it to North America […]
Organic farming in europe: benefits, methods, and impact
By embracing sustainable practices like organic farming, Europe is promoting a resilient and sustainable food system. Organic farming prioritizes natural methods and systems, utilizing organic fertilizers, crop rotation, and biological pest control. It aims to produce high-quality, healthy food while minimizing environmental harm and prioritizing animal welfare. With a growing population, diminishing resources, and climate […]
White beans with red onions, parsley & lemon
Cooking your own beans gives a much more unctuous result than using the canned type: they’re richer and have a better flavor as well. Be careful not to take them too far in the cooking, though… beans that are falling apart won’t work well with the wilting rocket. If you don’t like rockets, use baby […]
Leeks: A Versatile, Nutrient-Rich Crop with Surprising Benefits
History Leeks are thought to originate in Eurasia and North Africa. Possibly the Egyptians cultivated them first, painting their tombs with images of them because they liked them so much. During the ancient Roman and Greek eras, leeks were also popular. Leeks were considered a refined version of garlic and onions by the Romans. Leeks […]
Sustainable comfort: radiant floor heating explained
Radiant floor heating is a delightfully cozy way to efficiently and comfortably heat every room in your home or business. Not only does it feel great on our feet, but it is a wonderfully sustainable way to heat a home from the ground up. Today let’s talk more about this increasingly popular heating method and […]
Broad beans with lettuce, shallots & mint
SERVES 6 700g (1lb 9oz) broad beans (podded weight) 50g (1¾oz) unsalted butter 6 shallots, finely chopped 2 Little Gem lettuces sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper good squeeze of lemon juice leaves from 6 mint sprigs, torn Cook the broad beans in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain and run cold […]
Edamame (early soybeans)
History China has cultivated soybeans for millennia, where they are native. Although new evidence suggests that a number of domestications took place in East Asia (including Japan, Korea, and Northern China), some dating back 5,500 years. Originally used for medicinal purposes, the edamame was first documented in China around 200 BCE, according to researchers at […]
Unveiling the secrets of frantoio olives: a taste adventure in tuscany
Introducing the Frantoio Olive Tree A symbol of Italian excellence, this olive variety originates from Tuscany. Its Extra Virgin olive oil boasts high stability and exceptional quality, revered worldwide. While still relatively uncommon in Spain, Frantoio trees can be found across the globe, thriving even in Verticillium-affected areas. Join us on a journey to discover […]
Florentine zucchini
History A specific variety of zucchini called Florentine zucchini is popular in Italian cuisine, particularly in Tuscany. This variety is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in the Liguria region of Italy and later gained popularity in Tuscany. In Italian, “Lunga Fiorentino” means “Florentine long,” which suggests it was first popularized […]
Peach and raspberry galette
A galette or crostata-style that works for all seasons with so many fruits, no tart tins needed. Peach and raspberry are a lovely summery combo but you can use any other berries as well as nectarines, plums, pears, apples … SERVES 6-8 Takes 55 minutes, plus chilling 200g (7oz) plain (all-purpose) flour 50g (1 3/4 […]