Vinegar

Derived from the French word ‘vin aigre,’ (sour wine) the solution holds various uses and has been a beneficial item for thousands of years, used in cooking, as a preservative, medicine, and even wellness drink. Today, Vinegar is just as popular. What Is Vinegar? Vinegar is made up of either complex carbohydrates (barley, potatoes, rice) or simple sugars (apples, honey, grapes) and is fermented into an alcoholic product (using acetic acids). This acidic bacterium uses the alcohol and oxygen within the vinegar solution to create the memorable sour flavouring that vinegar holds. The process of fermentation can take weeks or even months to create high-quality natural vinegar (some can take up to 25 years). However, with industrialised methods, vinegar can be made and sold in bigger batches and in half the time (take note on any preservatives or additives that come alongside this). Have a look for vinegars in supermarkets, you can even take to buying vinegar online. Different Types of Vinegar Red Red vinegar refers to Red-Wine Vinegar and traditional Chinese Rice Vinegar. Red wine vinegar is made predominantly from fermented wine. It holds a tolerable fruity flavour, and can be used in marinades and vinaigrettes. Chinese rice vinegar is made from Chinese red rice yeast and is used in lots of seafood and salad dishes. It has a tart flavouring and tends to have a less acidic affect compared to other vinegars. Both vinegars leave a pink/red colouring on the food, and both come with some potential health benefits. Some of these include- improved digestion, blood pressure, blood clots, inflammation, blood sugar control, and a boost to the immune system. White White vinegar, or ‘distilled’ or ‘spirit’ vinegar, is a type of fermented vinegar that is made from ethanol. Fermentation of grain alcohol creates acetic acid, which is the main bacterium found in our day-to-day vinegars. After its souring, water is added to this mixture to create a 95 (water) to 5 (acetic acid) ratio. Unlike red vinegar, white vinegar is not usually used in cooking. Instead, it is used for all things cleaning: showers, taps, toilets, glass, counters, drains, and washing machines. You can use this vinegar alone in cleaning, or pair it with bicarbonate soda. The chemical reaction between vinegar and bicarbonate soda creates a fizzy mixture which is an easier blend of chemicals to clean with compared to thin vinegar liquid. Balsamic Vinegar Originating, and predominantly made in Italy, Balsamic vinegar is a brown concentrated vinegar made with unfermented grapes (skin, seeds, stems). The vinegar has a strong tart taste to it, and is a great flavour to add to bland dishes. Though it is known to be added to savoury dishes, when reduced, it turns into a sticky thick liquid which can be added to desserts such as ice cream. Apple Cider Apple Cider Vinegar is simply made from crushed fermented apples, sugar and yeast. Though sometimes it is used in salad dressings and vinaigrettes, it has also been used as a medicinal product throughout history. Over the last ten years it has become popular within the world of wellness, used to help with weight loss, heartburn, balancing cholesterol levels and can be used as a probiotic for good gut health. Linking to this, an interesting fact about apple cider vinegar is it is one of the only types that is completely unpasteurised. Cooking With Vinegar In the kitchen, vinegar can be a versatile ingredient. It can transform many meals by taking different affects to a wide range of dishes. Cooking vinegar can be used in sauces, desserts, marinades, vinaigrettes, and even cocktails. The unusual flavour can enhance sweetness and saltiness, and block out heat and fatty flavours. In baking, the acetic acid enhances texture, and can help rise baked goods. In order of pickling foods, we use distilled white vinegar, wine vinegar, cider vinegar, or malt vinegar for preservation. It all depends on your pickle tasting preference. They all range in PH acidity, hence why they all come with different flavours.

Many of us took this year’s Working From Home stint to reflect on what we really want and need in our homes. Many started DIY projects. Others moved to a house with a garden. And everyone was suddenly really conscious about what they had in their pantries, cupboards and freezers. The mass-hoarding that happened at the start of the first lockdown was difficult to navigate, but thankfully there are a lot of ways to store emergency food supplies that would have prevented any worry. Here we’ll give you a list of nutritious foods that are easy to store for a long time. Grains and Flours Storing Grains is easy. Grains like bulgur, brown rice, spelt and barley keep well for months in an airtight container and are a great base for most meals. They are also great additives to vegan or gluten-free diets as many grains do not contain gluten but do contain a whole host of other nutrients to enrich a diet with. Flours, made from grains or things like almonds or soy, also keep really well in a pantry. In a clean, airtight container, they will last for several months. Flour is great to have in stock at all times; those times you crave some late-night pancakes? With flour in your house, you can whip some up in minutes! (Dried) Fruit We all need plenty of fruit in our diets. It contains many healthy vitamins and minerals and fibres. One of the notorious disadvantages of fruit is how quickly fruit goes off, and it is generally not seen as a food great for storage. How wrong we all were. There are so many varieties of dried fruit nowadays, that you never again need to worry about not having fruit in your pantry. Why not stock up on some delicious dried banana chips or goji berries? They are great toppings for oatmeal, yoghurt, and desserts, contain tons of vitamins, and last for ages in your storage cupboard! Another option is to can your fruits. It is a relatively easy process that requires a pot for boiling water, a jar (repurposed sauce jars are great), and an acidic component such as vinegar. Once the fruit is canned, it lasts months. Herbs and Spices Having a good spice rack is like having a good boiler; they are sure to improve your life for years to come. A broad selection of spices in your kitchen allows for experimental cooking, discovering new recipes, or just upgrading your current meals. As spices are dried plants, they will last for ages when stored right. Any airtight container will do just fine. And the added bonus is that herbs and spices can make even the plainest food extraordinary. Oils and Vinegar Oils such as olive oil and coconut oil are great to use for cooking and other health and beauty uses, and last for a year or longer when stored right. Generally, oil should be stored in a closed container, and kept in a cool, dry place. This is why they make a great pantry food to stock up on when you can. Vinegar or apple cider vinegar is also great for storing for long periods of time. They also should be kept in a dark, dry place. The great thing about vinegars is that they can be used to prolong the life of other foods such as fruits (see the Fruit section) or vegetables, are great for cleaning and can be used for dressings and sauces. Beans Dried beans or canned beans are both great to add to your pantry. Canned or dried they have a long shelf life at room temperature, they are a great source of protein, contain a lot of other essential nutrients, and are very filling when put in a meal. When you have dried beans, just make sure to store them in a cool, dry place, as getting them wet will shorten their shelf-life. As an added benefit, dried beans are also incredibly cheap, and super versatile. Seeds Seeds are a pantry staple. Seeds can be kept for months in a dry and dark place, preferably in an airtight container. They are great little boosts of nutrients and make great toppings for desserts, smoothie bowls, or oatmeal. Pumpkin seeds are also a great nibble on their own. If you are thinking of using all of that lovely flour you now keep in storage for some home-made bread-baking, why not use sesame seeds or poppy seeds to give your bread some extra texture and flavour? Why Should You Start Storing Foods? It is oftentimes not only time-consuming to go to the grocery store, but it can also get quite expensive. Oftentimes, buying in bulk works out much cheaper than buying little amounts every time. If you have a healthy pantry with a nice variety of products, you will always have a base for a meal on hand. You could also start your meal-prepping journey at the same time as building a food-storage. Meal prepping often works out much cheaper per meal than cooking every evening and is much less time-consuming, leaving you with more time to enjoy the little things in life. If you feel inspired by our blogs, why not sign up to our newsletter here? We will soon announce our brand-new recipe blog with loads of healthy, wholesome recipes to help you use some of the products in these blogs.

As we saw during the onset of the pandemic, having a stocked pantry is not just something of a convenience, it can become quite essential at the drop of a hat. But of course, there are other advantages to food storage. The most enticing? The best pantry items last, on average, four months to a year without spoiling — meaning 1) you always have the building blocks of a health-conscious home-cooked meal and 2) you can say goodbye to impulsively ordering take-out because there’s nothing on-hand. If that sounds like something you’re into, here are the must-have items for a healthy, useful pantry that lasts. Pantry Essentials Nuts & Seeds Satisfying, wholesome and super for snacking, you don’t have to be a health nut (sorry — couldn’t resist) to enjoy this pantry staple. Eating more nuts has been linked to lower risk of obesity, according to a long-term study conducted by the online journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Nuts and seeds (think: chia, flax and sunflower) are good sources of fibre and essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. For sweet and savoury mixes, top a green salad with walnuts and raisins (or cranberries, if raisins make you sour) or add sliced almonds and hazelnuts to a chilled cup of yoghurt or chia seed pudding. Naturally gluten- and grain-free, they’re convenient snacks for those with common food allergies (sans nut allergies, of course). Keep unopened packages for six months past their best-by dates. Dried Fruits Unlike their more finicky counterparts, the vegetable, fruits can be processed in a way that savours their flavour for months at a time. Although fruits are typically high in a wonderful assortment of vitamins and nutrients, water is removed during the drying process — meaning the natural sugars in the fruit are concentrated. So keep your eyes peeled when munching on these delicious snacks, it’s easy to overconsume them! Add them sparingly to morning oats, midday salads or nighttime parfaits. Store them in a dry place for up to one year. Ready to stock up on nuts, seeds and fruit? Head here to browse our plentiful blends. Grains Grains truly make the basis of most meals. You have your grains of rice — Arborio rice for a Risotto, Basmati rice for coconut curry — and your “wild card” grains such as Couscous for a hearty Morrocan meal. Next, you have your grain legumes: beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts. These are true vegan stars, creating the bulk of many amazing recipes from soup to vegan burger patties. And the best part? When choosing whole grains such as these, they are hefty plant-based protein sources. For example, black beans contain more than seven grams of protein per half a cup! So rest assured you’ll have protein stock that lasts for months without spoiling. Simply keep your grains in airtight containers. Check out our full guide to storing grains here. Flours No kitchen is complete without proper baking supplies. And while you may not be ready to recreate grandmother’s classic recipes, you’ll do well with a few types of flour on-hand. The trick is knowing which ones. While all-purpose white flour is good for, well, all purposes, wheat flour can replace it for a healthier option in many recipes such as pizza dough, homemade roux, zucchini bread, muffins and much more. For sweet treats such as cookies, cakes and pancakes, head for the naturally sweet, almost Marzipan-Esque, almond flour. Gluten-free and low-carb, it’s a must-have pantry addition for those moments you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. For bread making, turn to buckwheat, chickpea or organic white cassava flour. Many people prefer the latter for grain-free baking. Also try vegan-friendly, low-fat and delicious polenta. Made from dried maize, it’s a good source of fibre, protein and iron and is the perfect side for any protein or savoury veggie dish (such as mushrooms). When stored in a cool, dry place, flour will keep for at least one year. Sound good? Browse our selection of flours here. Cereals Oats are an awesome way to get energy-loving carbohydrates in the morning to keep you going all day long. Opt for the larger oats for slower absorption in the bloodstream, meaning no sugar crash later on. Turn to the finer-milled variety for porridge and smoothie additions. For those days you don’t feel like cooking, pre-packaged cereal and Muesli are great options. As they are typically mixes of oats, wheat-based items, dried fruit and seeds, everything inside is non-perishable. An even better idea? Combining dried and puffed cereals with honey toasted oats, rye flakes, nuts and your favourite sweet additions to create homemade muesli or granola bars! These items are good up to one year in a pantry, presuming they’re stored in an air-tight container; otherwise, you’re looking at stale cereal which, to be frank, is a poor way to start the morning. Dive into the Wholefood Earth cereal & flake options here! Minerals & Salts Every recipe calls for a pinch of salt. In addition to everyday table salt, you’ll want to stock up on cousin, Himalayan pink salt, which boasts less sodium and more minerals. For true salt lovers? Try coarse sea salt for sweet treats that pack a punch. Now, salt isn’t just for making recipes come alive. It’s also for setting your self-care routine off just right. Turn to ultra-relaxing Epsom salt to ease sore muscles and Israeli Dead Sea salt to nourish and help heal itchy, dry skin in the bath. Ready to stock up? Check out the salt & mineral collection here. Tinned Foods Maybe there’ve been one too many post-apocalyptic movies, but no pantry looks complete without tins abound. From hearty soups to baked beans to canned veggies and fish, they certainly are convenient and last, well, indefinitely! The problem with tinned items? “Foods are sealed and preserved by pressure cooking them at a very high temperature,” according to BBC News online. “Like regular cooking, this destroys some of the nutrients,” they add. Not to mention — salt, sugar and fat are sometimes added to make them taste better. When possible, opt for fresh veg and meats you can store in the fridge. Extra Pantry Essentials Extra Essentials Coconut Milk: Unlike dairy milk, coconut milk often comes in a non-perishable tin can. Use it for curry, full-fat soups and even Paleo-friendly frostings on delicious homemade sweets. Vinegar: The tart liquid, such as distilled white or apple cider, lasts indefinitely. Use them for dressings, marinades, and cooking meats. Pickled Items: For an added bite, try kimchi, pickled beets, or sauerkraut. They keep indefinitely until opened, at which point you’ll want to store in the fridge. Peanut Butter: A universal favourite in the spread and a commonly seen item amongst healthy pantry staples. Sauce: Don't forget your condiments. Soy sauce is a go-to for extra flavour in healthy dishes. Oils: Coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and, for the millennials out there, avocado oil, are a great addition to a pantry. Apple Cider Vinegar: While it may not come up high on many ingredients lists, Apple Cider Vinegar has an extraordinary range of uses from baking fluffy cakes to relieving headaches. Now that you have a stocked pantry, you can create an assortment of affordable, healthy meals any day of the week — not to mention you’re prepared for the next time the supermarkets decide to clear out of real food for healthy eating! And may we add: bon appetit knowing you’re eating sustainably sourced, whole foods and none of the pre-packaged, frozen dinners. With a packed pantry like this, you’ll see how nutritious cooking can be convenient too. Did you hear the news? Wholefood Earth is launching a recipe blog filled with useful ideas for your perfectly stocked pantry. Get it straight to your inbox by signing up for our mailing list today!

Looking for a holistic lift to your self-care regime? Look no further than apple cider vinegar. We have just restocked our own apple cider vinegar, made right here in Kent! Not only will it benefit your health, but it could leave you with shiny hair, a fresh home and the whitest smile of your life… What is Apple Cider Vinegar? Vinegar dates back to at least 3000 BC, when it was used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Hippocrates used vinegar to manage wounds, and since then people have used it to treat all manner of maladies, from poison ivy to croup. Thanks to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, apple cider vinegar boasts plenty of nourishing benefits. Evidence suggests it may even help weight loss, reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. To reap the rewards, you’ll want to use raw, unpasteurised, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. This type comes with a substance called 'the mother', which is made up of health-boosting strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria. If you’d like to get in on the magic, check out our Apple Cider Vinegar Product Page. How is Apple Cider Vinegar Made? Creating apple cider vinegar is a three-step process. First the apples are crushed, and the juice extracted. Next, the juice is fermented from either airborne yeasts or, in commercial production added yeast, which turns the liquid into apple cider. The last step, a second round of fermentation, converts the alcohol into vinegar. What is Apple Cider Vinegar used for? Stocking a pantry with apple cider vinegar is a great way to look after yourself this spring. And as you'll discover, there are a number of ways to enjoy its benefits… Human Consumption Eat it: One of the simplest ways to consume apple cider vinegar is to cook with it. Popularly used in vinaigrette salad dressing, it can also be used to pep up soups, sauces and marinades. Drink it: Want the benefits pronto? Whip up a quick tonic by diluting 15ml of apple cider vinegar in 500ml of water. If you can’t handle the taste (it’s certainly unique) try turning it into a tea by combing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of lemon, one tablespoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a mug of warm water. Sore throat? Chuck in a tablespoon of honey to soothe your throat while the apple cider vinegar fights any bacteria. Preserve with it: Just like other vinegars, apple cider vinegar makes an excellent preservative by making the food more acidic and killing any food-ruining bacteria. Domestic Use of Apple Cider Vinegar Clean your home: Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including bacteria. So, if you're keen to move away from harsh cleaning products, its antibacterial properties make apple cider vinegar a great choice. Create an all-purpose cleaner by combining two cups of water with one cup of apple cider vinegar. This concoction can be used to clean your kitchen and bathroom, make your windows sparkle and, if combined with baking soda, even clean your drains. While the smell of vinegar lingers, it will fade as it dries. Not keen? Add a few drops of essential oil to make your blend fragrant. Wash fruit and vegetables: Remove unwanted pesticide residue on your fresh produce by washing it with a mix of water and apple cider vinegar. While it’s not known if this removes more pesticides than just water, washing food in vinegar does help remove bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Make your hair shiny: Remove product build-up and add shine to your hair with an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Mix one-part apple cider vinegar with one-part water, then pour over your hair. Leave it for a few minutes and then wash out with water. And don’t panic - the fish and chip smell will quickly fade. Use as a facial toner: Some people have success using apple cider vinegar as a facial toner to help combat acne. Dilute one-part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, even more if you have sensitive skin. Apply this mixture to freshly washed skin, before applying moisturiser. Natural deodorant: Applying diluted apple cider vinegar is used by some people as a homemade alternative to deodorant. You might want to experiment with this one at home first! Remove teeth stains: Pesky stain ruining your smile? Try mixing two parts apple cider vinegar with one-part baking soda to create a natural tooth-whitening paste. Apply to your teeth and then rinse with water. Be careful and avoid long-term use, due to its acidity it may encourage enamel decay. Bizarre uses of Apple Cider Vinegar Discourage fleas: Does Fido want in on the action? Not a problem. Spray one-part vinegar and one-part water on your pet’s fur and allow the mixture to saturate the hair. While it won't get rid of a current flea problem, it's said to discourage one as fleas don't like the smell or taste of vinegar (who knew they were picky eaters). Trap fruit flies: Fleas might turn their nose up at it, but fruit flies go mad for the stuff! So, if you’ve got an infestation, set out a cup of the vinegar with a squirt of dish soap (so any pesky flies sink). Boil a perfect egg: If your poached eggs are misshapen, bedraggled disappointments, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the water. When exposed to acidic liquid, the whites’ firm up quicker which means they'll retain their shape better. Bake fluffy cakes: If your cakes would make Mary Berry wince, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar to the batter. The acid in the vinegar reacts with the baking soda in the mixture and produces carbon dioxide, these little gas bubbles help the cake rise as it bakes. Relieve a headache: Anecdotally, a compress made from a cold washcloth dipped in apple cider vinegar is said to ease headaches.