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 […]
How to Grow, Harvest, and Enjoy the Health Benefits of Raspberries
History It is thought that raspberries originated in Asia Minor. The people of Troy (Turkey) appear to have gathered raspberries wild in Asia Minor in the 1st Century BC, and Roman agriculturist Palladius recorded it as domesticated in the 4th Century AD. It was written by Pliny the Elder in 45 AD that the Greeks […]
The bright benefits of passive solar design
If you’re like me, one of life’s little joys involves sitting in a sunny window with a good book and a cup of tea. The natural light and scenic views passive solar design creates just might be what you’re looking for. Not only does it provide aesthetically pleasing décor elements in a room, but its […]
Onions + caraway seeds + black olives
Preparation: 30 minutes Cooking: 30 minutes 1 pre-cooked shortcrust pastry tart shell 1 quiche filling recipe 4 medium onions 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds or fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried thyme 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 tablespoon of sugar 10 pitted black olives Salt, pepper Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Peel the onions, cut […]
Golden onions of Parma
History The Parma golden onions have a sweet, mild flavor, and are grown in the Parma region of Italy. It was in 1896 that golden onions were first introduced to Parma from Pavia. Onions grew well in the region due to its mild climate and fertile soil. The onions were cultivated using specific techniques by […]