Organic Sea Salted Fudge Dairy Free - 300g - Devon Cottage

Raisins. Those small but tasty fruits that are full of sweet and juicy flavour, in fact, one could describe them as nature’s very own candy! They are featured in many traditional British baking recipes, but can also be used in savoury dishes, along with being a quick and healthy snack. But what even are they and are raisins any good for you? And what’s the difference between raisins and sultanas? Well, we have the answers for you right here in this very article. Read on raisin fans! How Are Raisins Made? Raisins are in fact dried grapes. The grapes can be dried either by the sun or by a mechanical process, which results in what we call, raisins. These dried fruits are produced and eaten all over the world. The drying process affects the shape, sizes, colours, and flavours. You may wonder why it is then that raisins don’t actually taste like grapes, considering most dried fruits still taste like their fresh counterparts. This is possibly because the drying process concentrates the sugar content in the fruit. As grapes ripen there is also a flavour progression. Raisins probably came to exist entirely by accident. It is said they were likely discovered in prehistoric times when some grapes were accidentally left out and dried in the sun. Some curious growers decided to try the wrinkled fruit and enjoyed the sweetness of them - What a tasty mishap! Guess everything happens for a raisin 😉 Different Types of Raisins There are many different varieties of raisins out there, but here are some of the most popular and well known types, and the differences between them - Raisins The most famous guys on this list are the standard raisin. They are a type of grape that has been dried for around three weeks. As the grapes dry the begin to darken in colour, which is what gives raisins their dark brown colour. Raisins are generally made from the Thompson Seedless variety. However, in Australia, raisins are made exclusively from larger grape varieties including Muscat, Lexia, and Waltham Cross. Standard raisins are typically larger than sultanas and currants, they are dark in colour, have a soft texture, a sweet flavour. Sultanas Sultanas are made from green seedless grapes, usually the Thompson Seedless variety. Unlike raisins, sultanas are usually coated in an oil-based solution prior to drying to speed up the process. For this reason, they are often lighter in colour than raisins and currants. Sultanas are typically smaller than raisins and are sweeter, juicer and lighter in colour than both raisins and currants. Currants Currants, also referred to as “Zante currants,” are tiny, dried grapes. Despite their name, currants are actually made by drying a variety of small, seedless grapes called Black Corinth and Carina. Currants, much like raisins, are dried for up to three weeks. Because of their small size, they have a sweet, tangy, and intense flavour and add texture and sweetness to both sweet and savoury dishes. Health Benefits of Raisins So now we know what they are, are raisins actually good for you? Well good news for the raisin lovers, there are actually many health benefits to be had by including them in your diet. Firstly, raisins contain higher levels of antioxidants in comparison to other dried fruits. The process in which they are dried also helps to preserves these antioxidants, more so than in fresh grapes. Raisins contain iron, which may aid in cardiovascular health. They’re also a good source of potassium, copper, manganese, and vitamin b6. Raisins have a good amount of calcium, which benefits bone health, and they contain the mineral, boron. Boron helps in maintaining good bone and joint health, can improve wound healing, and may improve cognitive performance. Raisins are also a rich source of soluble fibre, which helps the digestive system and can reduces stomach problems. They also contain tartaric acid. which may have anti-inflammatory properties, can improve intestinal function, and aid in regulating the balance of bacteria in your gut.

Mid-January can make us feel all a bit lost, but it’s time to get back to routine! Now the festive period is done and dusted, it’s time to get back into the flow of things. Which might mean focusing on healthy eating, keeping active, reducing alcohol intake, embarking on your New Year’s Resolutions! All this in mind, we thought we would recommend our January Detox Range! Featuring: Clipper Teas – Detox/Nettle/Dandelion These Herbal Teas can be great for Bloating, Indigestion, Water Retention, Soothing for your tummy after an indulgent Christmas. 3 cups a day in between meals.https://wholefoodearth.com/pages/search-results-page?q=tea&page=2 Together Vitamin D –This Sunshine Vitamin is harder to come by at this time of year, so supplementing in the wintery months is vital. Vitamin D is amazing for your energy levels, bone health, low mood, teeth, hair, skin and nails. Overall Vitality and certainly puts a spring into your step! This product is Vegan Friendly too! (Please consult with your GP/Health Care Professional if unsure or on any Medication) https://wholefoodearth.com/products/together-health-vegan-vitamin-d3-food-supplement-30-capsules Willy’s Kombucha Kombucha is fabulous for your digestion. The Apple Cider Vinegar version is a power packed Detox Drink, rich in natural probiotics. Customers say they feel energised and invigorated with improved digestion. Also great for Colds, Sore Throats, Hair Skin and Nails, Tummy Upset and so much more! The Apple Cider Vinegar Edition comes in three flavours: Apple, Blackcurrant and Raspberry and Introducing Willy’s Ginger Beer – Alcohol Free! Ginger is great for Nausea, Sickness, Stomach Discomfort and Indigestion. (Please consult with your GP/Health Care Professional if unsure or suffer with any Medical Conditions)|https://wholefoodearth.com/products/willys-ginger-kombucha-beer-250ml Donat Water Donat is back in stock! High in demand, this Magnesium Water is magical. Not only great for Indigestion, Heart Burn, Constipation you name it! It is also great for those suffering with Muscle Cramps, Restless Leg Syndrome, Stiffness, Muscle Spasms, Aches and Pains, Low Mood & Stress, Energy levels and may even help you sleep! Magnesium is an adaptogen and adapts to what your body needs. Drink daily for optimum efficiency. https://wholefoodearth.com/products/donat-mg-magnesium-water Wholefood Earth Soya Mince/Chunks A lot of us look to reduce processed and rich foods in the New Year. By swapping meat for plant-based meat alternatives, you will be reducing your fat and cholesterol intake and increasing protein and fibre. Two nutrients vital for helping you feel full, energised, for muscle recovery and overall health. Why not try our Soya Mince in your Bolognese, Cottage Pies, Chilli etc and the Chunks in Stir Fries, Casseroles, Curries, Salads and more! Simply rehydrate in boiled water for 15 mins to an hour depending on the texture you like and mix into your cooking! Super healthy, Versatile, Low Fat, High Protein…Yay! https://wholefoodearth.com/pages/search-results-page?q=soya+mince Pop into our Ramsgate store to see the full range or shop online!

The best way to make your diet healthier is to cook more at home, and that’s always easier with a well stocked pantry. Whether you’re making elaborate meals or just quick snacks, having an array of whole foods at your disposal is overwhelmingly beneficial. Not only does cooking at home save money, but by opting for whole foods you can avoid all of those nasty additives that are far too dominant in ready meals. In this article we’ll go over some of the best whole foods to keep at hand in your kitchen, how to use them and most importantly their health benefits. 1. Rice, which one to pick and how to cook it perfectly.There are countless varieties of rice out there, so for now we’ll just cover some of our top picks, and some useful tips. The first thing to decide when cooking with rice is whether you want to use long, medium or short grain. Short grain rice (as the name suggests) is smaller than its counterparts, with a starchier texture, like sushi rice for example. Long grain rice, like basmati, on the other hand is longer, thinner and fluffier, making it a good all rounder. Finally medium grain rice fits in between the two, it has the size and shape of long grain rice, but with the texture of short grain rice, making it ideal for savoury creamy recipes like risotto. However, if you’re looking for the healthiest whole food option above all else, your best bet is to go for either long grain brown rice or wild rice. Both brown and wild rice are packed full of fibre, protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals, while also having low to middling glycaemic indexes, making both of them a great source of slow burning energy. Two top tips to cook rice perfectly every time. - It is always best to thoroughly wash your rice before you cook it, not just to remove any unwanted debris but also to remove excess starch. Excess starch is often what gives rice an unpleasant sludge-like texture which can derail an entire meal. - Different ratios of water to rice can drastically alter the texture of your rice, for example when cooking white rice, a ratio of 2:1 (liquid to rice) will produce a softer rice, whereas a ratio of 1:1 will produce a tougher chewier final result. 2. Quinoa, an amazing superfood.Quinoa is an incredible superfood that definitely deserves a place in your pantry, mainly because of its status as a complete protein. The term complete protein refers to a food that contains all 9 amino acids that humans can’t produce on their own. Outside of animal products, complete proteins can be quite hard to come by, making quinoa especially useful for those on plant based or vegan diets. As well as being protein-dense, quinoa is a great source of iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and fibre. How to cook with quinoa.Quinoa is best used as an alternative to rice or couscous, and it is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply add quinoa to a pan with water, bring it to a boil and then simmer for around 15 minutes before draining, then fluff with a fork and enjoy. If you’re stumped and looking for a good place to start, we recommend this easy quinoa and bean salad, packed full of nutrients and great on a hot summer’s day. 3. Nuts, perfect for snacking, baking and cooking.Each nut is different, with their own uses, flavours and all important health benefits, and while we can’t cover all of them here, here are some of our favourites. - Almonds are packed full of healthy fats, protein, fibre and vitamins, making them one of the best nuts to incorporate into your diet. Whether you’re baking with them, using them to make flour or butter, or just snacking on them straight from the bag, they are truly incredible. - Walnuts are an amazing source of omega 3 fatty acids, in particular alpha linoleic acid, which is incredibly important in reducing inflammation and could even lower the risk of heart disease. Walnuts are incredibly versatile and work perfectly in salads, breakfasts, sauces, and of course in baking. - Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of antioxidants you can come by, but they also contain the vital nutrient, selenium. Selenium is crucial for countless bodily functions, including thyroid function and support of the immune system. Brazil nuts can make for a great snack, but they really shine when used in baking, or as a means to really boost the nutritional content of a meal. 4. Seeds, a quick and easy way to make a meal even healthier.Much like nuts, there are obviously too many types of seeds to cover here, so we’ll go through a couple of our best picks. - Pumpkin seeds contain a wide range of antioxidants that make them a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy heart and a good immune system. Raw or roasted, pumpkin seeds can be a delicious snack on their own, or work amazingly as a healthy salad topper. - Sunflower seeds, like walnuts, contain an abundance of fatty acids, in particular the fatty acid linoleic acid. On top of their healthy fat content, sunflower seeds are also rich in protein, magnesium and zinc, making them a great all-rounder. Just like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds work as a snack, in baking or as an ingredient in healthy savoury meals. Why you should stock your pantry with whole foods.These whole food staples we’ve mentioned above are just the start, there are so many more that deserve a place in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for herbs, spices, proteins or fruits, by stocking up on whole foods, you can really give your cooking a significant healthy boost. Not only do whole foods contain far more nutrients than processed foods, they are also the best way to avoid harmful ingredients, while also keeping your bank account healthy at the same time. So don’t hesitate to jump into the world of Whole Foods, you’ll notice the difference in no time.