Artichoke Hearts - Cooks & Co - 390g

Cooking is a creative, every day activity that can be a great way for you to unwind. It can be a prodigious source of finding your independence and imagination. It can be therapeutic and a lovely way to express yourself. Cooking can also be incredibly inconvenient. When you have finished a busy day at work, or had a chaotic weekend, perhaps one of the last things you want to do, is cook a hearty meal from scratch. In saying this, here are some hints and tips on some essential pantry staples to allow any, and every cooking journey in your kitchen to be convenient, stress free, and easy. The history of canned foods During the eighteen hundreds tin-coated canned products were introduced as an alternative to bottles. The multifunctional, robust cans were quickly a hit in the British Royal Navy, as the food supplied lasted many months and could be moved in great quantities. They also became popular in New York, USA to sell meats, fish and fruits in local markets. However, the trend didn’t pass on until the late eighteenth hundreds when Gail Bordon invented the highly acclaimed condensed milk. During the second world war, home canning, and preserving food in jars became extremely popular. The concept became a patriotic idea through communities and was heavily suggested by the government for conserving food during rationing periods. The start of vegetables in cans only grew to more and more types of food. Benefits of canned food Through history, canned food was prevalent and although it is not talked about lots today, we can understand why it is a brilliant invention. Keeping pantry staples or essential staples at hand is highly convenient in meal prepping and unexpected cooking, as they are ready to use there and then. Using organic canned goods is even better. Take organic canned vegetables for example. You know exactly where they have come from, you know they have less additives, unlike marketed large supermarket cans that have higher amounts of sugar and salt included. Organic tinned veggies are a healthier option packed full of nutrients, and the vegetables in jars are simply sitting there ready for you when you need them. Tinned beans Beans are a versatile ingredient, not only because they can be used in many meals, but because there are so many different types (black beans, baked beans, pinto beans, black-eyed peas, adzuki beans, cannellini beans, borlotti beans, fava beans, Edamame, chickpeas, great northern beans, cranberry beans, navy beans, kidney beans, lima beans, mung beans, soy beans) to choose from. They are rich in protein and fibre; they have become common in vegetarian and vegan diets also, as they are a suitable and tasty protein substitute to meats and fish. Beans are nutritious and incredibly fulfilling when eating them. Some classic recipes including beans are- stews, casseroles, curries, soups, and chillis. These are great family recipes as they are bulky, simple, and can be batched cooked for further meals throughout the week. Tinned pulses On the other end of the bean spectrum are pulses. Pulses are the dried equivalent to tinned beans. Some examples of pulses are lentils, chickpeas, peas, and haricot beans. In cooking, pulses are easy to prepare as they don’t take long to cook. The versatile ingredient comes in different textures and tastes and can be used in hot meals such as stews, as well as cold meals like salads. They are easily digestible, so they are a safe option for anyone who suffers with any gastrointestinal issues. Pulses include a high amount of soluble fibre which is great for helping to lower your cholesterol levels and protect your heart from any future issues. Alongside beans, pulses are rich in protein and are very satisfying in a meal. They contain heaps of vitamins and minerals that help keep your digestive system up to scratch. Tinned tomatoes Now, if you don’t already have some sort of tinned tomatoes in your kitchen or pantry, I urge you to get some immediately! Tinned tomatoes are the biggest staple ingredient. They are the base of so many recipes, that having them in your home will save you time and money. I promise you! You can use tinned tomatoes in pastas, curries, chillis, pizzas, a bolognese, shakshuka’s, tomato soups, dahls, butter beans, basically any sauce you like. You can even have tomatoes on toast! Tomatoes have a great watery consistency and rich taste for sauces, which is why it is a great base for many recipes. It naturally thickens on its own, unlike many roux’s, so it is ideal for sauces on the go. Alongside this, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants (lycopene), potassium, folate (vitamin B) and vitamin C. The fruit/vegetable boosts your immune system and helps with lowering inflammation in many parts of the body. Similar to many other plants, tomatoes contain phytonutrients which protect the food from threats such as small bugs, fungi, and basic germs. However, there are many other options available to buy for recipes, if tinned tomatoes do not suit you personally. Tomato Juice- With no seeds or skin included, it can be great for soups and cocktails. Tomato Concentrate- A paste where the big amounts of tomato water are subtracted, so the tomato substance can be spread thickly or used in sauces for a full amount of flavour. Tomato Passata- A thicker and larger amount of sauce derived from pureed tomatoes. It is predominantly used in sauces. Jackfruit Originating from the largest tree fruit globally, Jackfruit is a tropical fruit grown in South America, Asia and Africa. Jack fruit is related to the fig and mulberry family. Under the thick rind, the edible parts of a jack fruit are the yellow flesh and seeds. You can eat Jackfruit raw or cooked, it all depends on the cuisine. Interestingly, the fruit can either have a sweet or savoury flavour, it all depends on how ripe it is. When unripe, Jackfruit is great in curries and stews. It is a great alternative for meat and fish, but it doesn’t contain as much protein as actual meat products. It is, however, still a countless substitute for pulled meat because it has a stringy texture, imitating barbeque meats such as pork or chicken. When buying savoury jackfruit, always look for labels with ‘unripe’ or ‘brine’ on it, so you know it is the right type. When jackfruit is ripe, it is a great sweet snack on its own, or with sweet dishes. To name a few- Granola, smoothies, sorbet, yoghurt, cakes, and muffins. Sweet Jackfruit has a tropical taste, similar to mangos or pineapples. This comparable flavour should be helpful when looking for recipes to add the fruit to. Conveniently, Jackfruit is mostly sold as cut up chunks in cans and jars, or sold peeled and whole. Tinned jackfruit is another great ingredient to add to your pantry as it can be added to lots of dishes. As for Jackfruits health benefits, one of its main profits is how low its sugar count is. The product has an overall low glycaemic index which means it can help lower cholesterol levels. This, on top of the inclusion of vitamin C, means it is great for people with (and to prevent people getting) diabetes type two. These nutrients help prevent inflammation, and oxidative stress levels. Alike most fruits, it contains fibre and potassium, which works with the digestive system. Unusually, Jackfruit contains large amounts of potassium, which can be toxic for chronic kidney disease suffers. Note: Anyone with kidney issues, birch pollen, or latex allergies should not intake the fruit as there have been studies with cross reactions. Banana Blossom With a clue in the name, the banana blossom is a flower that comes from the same tree as the banana fruit. This flower walks hand-in-hand with jackfruit as it has very similar benefits and uses. It is a great alternative for meat and fish, as it also has a stringy texture inside the flower (when cooked). The inside of the flower can be used in curries and stews as it is softer and chunkier. The florets, on the other hand are harder and chewier, and tend to be used in salads, stir-fries, or even served with dips. The florets have been compared to the taste of an artichoke. The inside of the flower has a neutral flavour and can conveniently be seasoned to taste however you would like. Both parts of the flower can be eaten raw, and can be found in many oriental shops, sold as tinned banana blossom or canned. Again, alike most fruits, it contains fibre and potassium, which works with the digestive system. The Banana blossom is rich in nutrients and minerals that work towards lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It contains Vitamins A, C, and E, which support bone and joint health. The anti-inflammation properties help with and prevent further joint pain and promotes quicker healing. Peppers A versatile ingredient that comes in many different sizes, and spice levels are peppers. The colourful fruit/vegetable appears with plenty of nutritional value and can liven up most savoury dishes. Bell Peppers Also known as sweet peppers, bell peppers are a type of pepper with no spice. The fruit comes in the colours yellow, red, green, and orange. They can be eaten raw- a great packed lunch snack, nibbles with a dip, or a fresh crunch in a salad. They have a slight sweet flavouring, but are very low in calories, therefore, making them a great food for a balanced diet. When cooking, tinned peppers are very adaptable. They can be steamed, fried, grilled, boiled and baked; you can even chuck them in the microwave or air fryer. Bell peppers texture changes when they are cooked, they slightly lose their crunch, but they are still packed with great flavour. Alike many other vegetables Peppers have quite a neutral flavour, so you can season them to your liking. Chili Peppers On the other side of the pepper family comes the spiced pepper. Chilis, though similar in texture have a different shape and size. Whilst bell peppers are wide and plumpy, chili peppers tend to be longer and thinner. (This is the easiest way to tell them apart before eating them) These pungent peppers are added to many dishes for their spice and heat additives. The products are particularly popular amongst countries such as India, Thailand, Bolivia, South America and even parts of Africa, where spice are used in everyday recipes. All peppers combined have some great health benefits. Bell peppers are rich in lots of antioxidant vitamins, protecting you from future heart issues and accompanying your immune system whilst it fights off bacteria. Chili peppers have unique benefits that solely come from the spices. From improving the metabolism to helping promote red blood cell growth, chili peppers are a great ingredient to add to your pantry.

The landscape of the British school canteen is about to change. Following a recent report from BBC, the UK government has announced a significant crackdown on the quality of food served to our children. High-sugar snacks and deep-fried products are being phased out in an urgent bid to tackle the rising rates of childhood obesity and improve the nation’s long-term health. At Whole Food Earth, we believe this shift is more than just a policy change—it is a vital step toward reclaiming the nutritional integrity of the food our children eat every day. What is Changing on the School Menu? The new guidelines are designed to strip away the "empty calories" that have become staples in many school dinners. The key changes include: A Ban on High-Sugar Drinks: Removing sugary sodas and juice drinks that spike blood glucose levels. Limiting Deep-Fried Foods: Restricting items like chips and battered products to no more than twice a week. Reduced Sugar Content: A concerted effort to lower the sugar levels in puddings and snacks served during the school day. While these measures are a positive start, they highlight a larger conversation we’ve been having in the Whole Food Earth community: the need to move away from Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) and back to the "Bioavailable Pantry." Why the "Deep-Fried" Era is Ending For decades, convenience has dictated the school menu. Deep-fat frying is fast and cheap, but it often relies on highly refined seed oils that are prone to oxidation and inflammation. When combined with high-sugar snacks, it creates a "craveability" cycle that contributes to childhood obesity and dental decay. By removing these industrial shortcuts, the government is acknowledging what we have always championed: children need real, whole ingredients to thrive. When we replace a deep-fried nugget with a slow-release grain or a sugary drink with pure hydration, we aren't just "cutting calories"—we are providing the body with the building blocks it needs for cognitive focus and steady energy. From School Canteen to Home Kitchen: Bridging the Gap The government’s initiative is a great baseline, but the real "food revolution" happens in our own pantries. If schools are cutting out the junk, how can we as parents and caregivers reinforce these habits at home? 1. Swap Synthetic Sweeteners for Whole Fruits Instead of processed desserts, use nature’s own sweeteners. Our Organic Date Paste or Lucuma Powder offers a low-GI alternative for home baking, providing sweetness alongside essential fibre and minerals. 2. Move Away from Refined Oils If the goal is to avoid the "deep-fryer" trap, look toward healthy fats. Roasting vegetables or proteins in stable fats or using Organic Rapeseed Oil provides flavour without the inflammatory profile of industrial oils. 3. Embrace Nutrient-Dense Staples The best way to fight obesity is to ensure meals are satiating. Incorporating high-protein, high-fibre staples like Quinoa, Red Lentils, or Organic Oats ensures that children stay fuller for longer, reducing the urge to reach for high-sugar snacks between meals. The Whole Food Earth Perspective: Food as an Insurance Policy The Sky News report is a wake-up call for the UK's food system. However, we shouldn't wait for government legislation to improve our children’s health. By choosing single-ingredient, non-UPF staples, you are creating a "nutritional insurance policy" for your family. Whether it’s a teaspoon of Green Kale Powder powder in a morning smoothie or a batch of home-baked snacks made with Wholemeal Spelt Flour, every small change helps move the needle away from industrial processing and back toward the earth. Are you ready to join the revolution? Explore our Stock & Prep range to find the organic staples you need to build a high-integrity kitchen that goes far beyond the school canteen.

We’ve been conditioned to shop in a very specific, and frankly stressful, way. We wait until the fridge is empty, dash to a giant supermarket, and wander the aisles under fluorescent lights, picking up small, plastic-wrapped portions of food that barely last the week. It’s a "tacky" cycle of convenience that often leads to food waste and a reliance on Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF). At Whole Food Earth, we want to introduce you to a better way: the Perpetual Pantry. By stocking your kitchen with high-integrity, shelf-stable ingredients, you aren’t just "prepping"—you’re ensuring that your family always has access to high nutritional density and honest, Non-UPF fuel, no matter how busy life gets. The Foundations of an Easy-to-Store Kitchen The secret to a resilient kitchen is choosing "dry" goods that offer a long shelf life without the need for industrial preservatives. Here are the staples every clean-label pantry should have in abundance. 1. The Ancient Grains: Oats, Rice, and Millet Grains are the ultimate "store and forget" food. When kept in a cool, dark place in airtight containers, they can maintain their integrity for a year or more. Organic Jumbo Porridge Oats: Unlike processed instant sachets, jumbo oats are a whole-food powerhouse. They are a gut health hero, providing the slow-release energy and beta-glucan fibre your body needs. Organic Long Grain White Rice: A versatile base for any meal. It’s naturally gluten-free and far superior to "quick-cook" pouches that are often coated in industrial oils. Organic Millet: A forgotten gem of the British pantry. It’s easy to store, quick to cook, and offers a unique mineral profile that adds nutritional density to your weekly rotation. 2. The Protein Powerhouses: Dried Chickpeas and Lentils Don't clutter your cupboards with heavy tins filled with "tacky" salt brines and firming agents. Dried Chickpeas: These are a masterclass in value. They take up half the space of tinned versions and, once soaked and boiled, offer a much better texture for Spinach Chickpea Salads or homemade hummus. Red Split Lentils: These are the ultimate "emergency" food because they require no soaking. They cook in 20 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute Lentil Stew with Potatoes. 3. The Nutrient Boosters: Seeds and Powders Just because a food is "shelf-stable" doesn't mean it should be bland. Pumpkin and Black Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats. They stay fresh for months and can be used to add a gourmet, nutty crunch to any Non-UPF meal. Superfood Powders (Maca, Baobab, Cacao): These are the ultimate "space-savers." A single bag of Organic Baobab provides weeks of Vitamin C and prebiotic fibre without the need for a fridge full of fruit. How to Store for Maximum Integrity To keep your clean-label pantry at its peak, follow the "Golden Rules" of storage: Airtight is Essential: Once you open our bulk bags, transfer the contents to glass jars or airtight containers. This prevents moisture from getting in and preserves the aromatic oils in your seeds and spices. Cool and Dark: Heat and light are the enemies of nutritional density. Store your oils (like Pumpkin Seed Oil) and seeds away from the oven or direct sunlight. Label Your Lids: It’s easy to forget when you bought that 5kg bag of oats. A simple piece of masking tape with the date ensures you’re always using the freshest stock first. Why a Well-Stocked Pantry is Better for You A kitchen full of Easy-to-Store Foods is a kitchen that is "Non-UPF by default." When you have the raw ingredients on hand, you aren't tempted by "tacky" takeaways or processed ready-meals. You are in control of the salt, the fat, and the quality of the grain. The Kent Warehouse Advantage: Building a "Perpetual Pantry" shouldn't break the bank. Join The Club—our private UK wholesale community—to source your bulk staples at prices up to 55% off. We’re a small, independent team based in Kent, who want to make pantry staples more affordable for everyone.