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The Great Christmas Bake Off … Festive Fails and How to Salvage Them

Get ready to transform your kitchen oops into culinary oohs with our holiday special! Whether your treats come out too tough, too burnt, or too bizarre, we've got jolly fixes to turn disaster into delight this holiday season.

Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year when love is most definitely in the air. On 14th February people in the UK send over 25 million Valentine’s cards to their sweethearts. But why do we celebrate this date and what is the significance of sending Valentine’s cards?

Understanding COP26

You have probably heard a lot about COP26, which is being held in our neighbouring city of Glasgow. Whilst the headlines are compelling, what does it all really mean?

Take on the Veganuary challenge

Have you been wanting to move to a plant-based diet? Perhaps you’d like to give veganism a try but don’t know where to begin? Well, January is the perfect time to dip your toe in the water. This is when the annual Veganuary campaign takes place. Each year, as part Veganuary encourages people to give the vegan diet a try for the 31 days of January. Here at Real Foods we’re keen supporters of Veganuary. We have plenty of tips and handy hints to get you started if you’re planning on trying vegan. But first, let’s take a brief look at the history of veganism and where it all began.

Plant based diets on a budget

Eating well on a tight budget can be tricky, but here’s our hints and tips for making your cash stretch a little further while still getting tasty, healthy food.

Includes information about blogs, budgeting, sprouting and bulk buying along with links to great recipes and special offers.

How can you improve your gut health

As Hippocrates’ said, “all disease begins in the gut”. Despite this, ten years ago most people would never have thought that the gut had so much influence over our day to day wellbeing. Given the explosion in research surrounding this fascinating system, it’s no wonder that interest in getting a healthy gut has grown. A complex subject, you may find yourself wondering how can you improve your gut health.

Christmas baking for festive inspiration

As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is a joyous celebration when we exchange gifts and enjoy good food with loved ones. Preparing a festive feast can take up a lot of time and energy though. That’s why it can really help to get a head start on your Christmas baking so read on and discover more about some of the well known seasonal staples and more festive food ideas.

Celebrating 40 years of our Tollcross store

This year we celebrate 40 years of our Tollcross store. Opened 5 years after our Broughton Street store, and 7 years after our original store on Morrison Street, the Tollcross store bought wholefoods to the Meadows and beyond!

A Plant Based Christmas that Benefit the Planet

Christmas dinner is traditionally associated with roast turkey and all the trimmings. But have you ever considered going plant-based for your festive meal? There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian Christmas recipe ideas which will not only benefit your health but also the environment. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why you should consider a plant-based Christmas feast this year.

Sleep solutions for a better night's rest

Sleep is absolutely crucial for good health, yet many of us struggle to get enough rest. Whether it’s difficulty getting off to sleep, or waking up in the night, a lack of good quality repose can leave us feeling exhausted the next day. In fact, sleep deficiency has been associated with chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

Our quick introduction to fermenting

If you’ve always wondered about fermented foods and the potential of making your own, we are here to let you know that not only do fermented foods provide many health benefits, but with a little experimentation you can make them easily at home too!

Organic Wines

Organic wines are delicious, but have other important qualities too. Read on to discover the difference between biodynamic, vegetarian, vegan and low/no sulphur organic wines.

Who's Who of Wholefoods Almonds

Did you know almonds have one of the highest levels of protein content of any nut? If you want to know more about this very popular relative of the peach and true who of the who's in the wholefoods world, read on!

Who's Who of Wholefoods Sunflower Seed Kernels

All the flavour without the shells, sunflower seed kernels are a powerhouse of nutrition and you're much mistaken if you thought they were just the preserve of parrots. Read on and find out why this little seed earns it's big place in the who's who of wholefoods.

Who's Who of Wholefoods Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a creamy-colored, buttery legume also known by several other names, including Bengal gram, garbanzo bean and Egyptian pea. Find out why this humble pale-coloured pulse makes it into our who's who of wholefoods.

Who's Who of Wholefoods Dried Apricots

There's a Turkish proverb "bundan iyisi Sam'da kayisi" which translates roughly as "the only thing better than this is an apricot from Damascus", meaning, it doesn't get any better than this. If you'd like to know why there's nothing better than an apricot, read on to find out why this wholefood makes our who's who.

Who's Who of Wholefoods Chia Seeds

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about where chia seeds are concerned? As one of the most nutrient dense and versatile wholefoods, chia seeds are definitely a who's who in the world of wholefoods. Read on to find out more.

Who's Who of Wholefoods Pumpkin Seeds

A very rich supply of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, as well as a good source of iron, zinc, and copper, pumpkin seeds are certainly a good wholefood to include in your diet. Read on to find out more about this wholesome who's who of the wholefood world.

Plant Based Living

For decades the Real Foods family has been advocating the benefits of plant-based living. Now there is more and more evidence that we would all be better for making our meals plant-based. Not only would we and our families be healthier, but we would be doing the planet a favour as well, helping to preserve our wonderful world for future generations.

Is it really better to buy organic

Organic foods and products are becoming increasingly popular with shoppers for a variety of reasons. They are viewed as better for our health, better for the planet and more considerate of animals and wildlife. In fact, the UK’s organic market is now worth an astonishing £3.1 billion. Each day in the UK, shoppers spend almost £8.5 million on organic products, ranging from fresh fruit and veg to
organic drinks and health and beauty items.

However, some argue that organic foods are too expensive, particularly for households on a budget. And the extra effort required to source them can be quite time consuming. So, is it really worth buying organic foods and products? Let’s take a closer look at the issue.

How Healthy Eating Can Help Mental Health

Most of us have experienced some degree of stress and anxiety in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And with the UK now facing a cost of living crisis, there is plenty to feel anxious about. Stress is a natural thing to experience and can even help to focus our minds and make us more productive. But uncontrolled stress and anxiety can have a debilitating effect on the body. Here, Real Foods takes a look at why healthy eating can be good for mental health.

Gut Bacteria and Gut Dysbiosis

The bacteria in our gut can have a profound affect on our general health and sense of well being. Have a read on our brief post about gut bacteria and gut dysbiosis.

Discover Easier Vegan Living with Everything You Need in Our Shops

Living as a vegan means avoiding the use of animals for food or any other purpose. There are lots of reasons that people may choose to follow a vegan diet, including respecting animals, reducing their impact on the environment and wanting to have a healthy and nutritious diet. Read on if you'd like to find out more about how we can help you find the products you need to follow a vegan diet.

Blue Zone Lifestyle Living Like the World's Healthiest People

Embracing the Blue Zone lifestyle can transform your approach to health and longevity. Imagine living in a world where reaching the age of 100 isn't just possible but common. This isn't a fantasy; it's a reality in the Blue Zones, regions known for their exceptional longevity and vitality. Whether it’s the sunny beaches of Okinawa, Japan, or the peaceful hills of Sardinia, Italy, these spots are like hidden treasure maps to living a long and vibrant life.

A guide to managing coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition which affects 1 in 100 people in the UK. When individuals with coeliac disease consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) their immune system launches an attack on its own tissues. This leads to damage to the small intestine and, as a result, nutrients from food cannot be properly absorbed.

Spice up your Valentine's day with some Natural Aphrodisiacs

Valentine’s day is sure to be a bust for many of us. How can those who are tired of seeing their loving partners face day in and day out spice things up? The answer is natural aphrodisiacs!

Vegan food ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a time of great celebration when families gather to enjoy delicious food together. From spring rolls and dumplings to longevity noodles, food is a key part of the festivities and various dishes hold special significance. As we usher in the Year of the Dragon in 2024, Real Foods explores some vibrant vegan recipe ideas that honour the rich culinary traditions of Chinese New Year.

Easter around the world

Each year in the UK we munch our way through a whopping 80 million Easter eggs. And it's not just chocolate eggs, but hot cross buns and Simnel cake too. But other countries have their own ways of celebrating Easter, as we will see here. And food plays a big part in the proceedings.

A Christmas Pudding alternative for the whole family

Christmas is the time of year when families, and dietary requirements, come together. It can be difficult to accommodate everyone’s needs, especially when it comes to the most important part of the meal (for me, anyway), pudding! These are four of my favourite vegan and gluten-free dessert and sweet snack options, which all make a wonderful Christmas pudding alternative. They can all be made ahead, which saves work on the big day, and they’re all crowd pleasers.

The history and traditions of Pancake Day

Whether you opt for traditional lemon and sugar, or a more savoury topping, many of us will be celebrating Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, this February. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we celebrate this tasty tradition?

Free From Easter Recipes for Stress Free Celebrations

Easter is a joyous time of year which coincides with Spring, heralding a time of new life and new beginnings. This Christian holiday is celebrated in many ways around the world, and traditional foods are very much part of the proceedings. Easter eggs, hot cross buns and Simnel cake are just some of the goodies that are enjoyed by all. The good news for anyone following a free-from diet is that traditional Easter recipes can easily be adapted to cater for various dietary restrictions. Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or nut-free, you can prepare a delectable Easter feast without compromising on flavour or tradition.

Supporting Scottish Producers

At Real Foods we love all things Scottish. We want to support local brands by selling products that are made right here in Scotland. We know that many of our customers are keen for us to do this too.

Here we share with you some history and philosophy from behind some of our best loved Scottish brands.

Enjoying The Edinburgh Festival

Love it or loathe it the Edinburgh Festival will soon be upon us along with the many thousands of visitors from all around the globe. Real Foods has been in Edinburgh for 45 of the 62 years the festival has been running and we want to share with you our ideas on enjoying the festival season.

New Products at Edinburgh Real Foods

Check out this blog post for new products we've got in that you may not know about!

What is the best vegetarian diet for you

Are you vegetarian, vegan, reducetarian, flexitarian, or planetarian? Because of all the hype around new diets that are better for the planet and our health, the team at Real Foods decided that it was time to give the lowdown, so you can determine the best vegetarian diet for you.

What are ultraprocessed foods

Ultra-processed foods have recently come under the spotlight due to their links with heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke. But what exactly are ultra-processed foods and why are they so bad for us?

The best foods to boost your immunity and wellbeing

Eat your way to good health! The team at Real Foods share their recommendations for the best foods to boost your immunity and well-being for the time ahead.

The good gut health guide

Good gut health is fundamental to our overall health and wellbeing. But, according to research, nearly half (43 per cent) of the UK population experience some form of digestive discomfort. This can range from abdominal pain or discomfort to diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence and constipation.

Symptoms such as these might indicate that the gut isn’t functioning as well as it could. Also, poor gut health can affect other areas of our health from immunity to hormone levels and metabolism. Let’s take a look at why gut health is so vitally important, and what we can do to support the gut through diet and lifestyle changes.

Seasonal eating for spring a guide

Seasonal eating is beneficial for our health as well as the health of the planet. Fresh produce that has recently been harvested, and hasn’t had to travel for thousands of miles, is typically fresher, tastier and much more nutritionally dense.

Although fruits do not begin to ripen until the summer in the UK, spring brings with it an abundance of fresh vegetables. By integrating these fresh veggies into daily meals, we are embracing the natural rhythm of the seasons whilst supporting local agriculture and nourishing our bodies.

Fresh ideas for fresh produce

Fresh vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet and the spring and summer seasons are a time when they are in abundance. From asparagus to kohlrabi and runner beans to tomatoes, there's a huge variety to choose from. Make sure you eat the rainbow by including plenty of these delicious seasonal fresh vegetables in your diet. And if you need some recipe inspiration, Real Foods has that too!

Inulin health benefits and dietary sources

Inulin is a form of soluble fibre which is found naturally in over 36,000 species of plants. It is a prebiotic, which means that it feeds our good gut bacteria. Inulin cannot be digested by the stomach and small intestine. Instead, it is fermented in the large intestine where it’s converted into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA have many health benefits, from supporting gut health to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Check Out Our Cooking Guides

Looking for something new to eat and asking 'How do I cook that?' Here at Real Foods we have a wealth of information available to help you make some small changes to your weekly menus so that you are eating healthier foods.

Choose Organic Pulses for Better Value When You Buy Dry

Organic pulses, both dried and canned, are a fantastic plant-based source of protein and fibre. They are highly nutritious and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Pulses range from chickpeas to beans and lentils and are an incredibly versatile food to cook with. These tasty morsels can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to curries and stews. But have you ever stopped to think about which is the most cost-effective option: dried versus canned?

Money saving cooking tips

Due to increasing energy prices and taxes, households across the UK will be feeling the pinch this year. As utility bills and the cost of the weekly shop increase, people will be looking for ways to reduce costs. Here, Real Foods takes a look at some top money-saving cooking tips. Meal planning, cooking from scratch, buying in bulk and eating seasonally can all help to save money, so it's time to reclaim your kitchen and help reduce your costs.

Batch cooking 101 A beginner’s guide to quick, easy meals

Batch cooking has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among busy people who want to eat healthily but are short on time. In fact, according to a survey by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) 63% of adults are regular batch-cookers. The survey respondents stated that it enables them to make savings of around £60 per month on food costs. So, batch cooking helps to save both time and money! And, what’s more, it can help to kickstart a healthier way of living. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits behind batch cooking and how to get started.

The Real Foods Guide to Pulses

Pulses are brilliant sources of protein, (meaning they are of particular use to people who don’t eat meat, fish or dairy), they’re also great for extending meals, throw in a handful to casseroles, stews and soups to provide extra nutrients and stretch the meal further. Pulses are also excellent sources of iron, starch and fibre in your diet. They are cheap, low fat and extremely tasty! Here’s our guide to our range of pulses and ways of getting the most out of them.

The Real Foods Guide to Grains

There’s a huge range of great grains, so don’t limit yourself to some bland white rice when you could try spiced quinoa or bulgur, perk up soups and stews with lentils and rye grains, or try all of the popping grains (it’s not just corn that pops!)

Includes links to all of our How Do I Cook guides, so you need never again be baffled at what to do with Bulgur, alarmed at Amaranth or worried over Wehani Rice...

Get Your Oats

“A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people.” Samuel Johnson.

An oft quoted remark from a 1755 dictionary which invariably gets the response “that’s why England has good horses, and Scotland - good people!”.

Jokes aside, oats are highly nutritious, survive in hardy conditions (that’s why many of ours are locally grown) and can be used in a huge array of recipes. Here’s our guide to what the different oats are and answers to commonly asked questions, “are they Raw?”, “are they Gluten Free?” and “what’s a bannock?”…

Fermented Foods, Prebiotics and Probiotics

You probably already eat fermented foods in your diet. Chocolate, coffee, vanilla, some teas, pickles, vinegar, cheese and yoghurt are all fermented foods. Then there’s alcohol, sauerkraut, kombucha, sourdough and kefir, again all fermented!

Here's our guide to buying them and making your own!

Turmeric and Curcumin

We've been asked quite frequently about turmeric. What's the curcumin content of the turmeric we sell, what is fresh turmeric used for and whether curcumin supplements have the same benefits as turmeric ones are just a few of the regularly asked questions. Here's all of our answers rounded up in a handy guide to the spice known in India as 'holy powder'. We've also a guide to making your own turmeric and castor oil pack to cleanse and rebalance the liver and gallbladder areas, popular with followers of Ayurvedic medicine.

How to find natural sugar alternatives

Most of the synthetic sugars are difficult for the body to process and eliminate, so they often get stored as fat. Sugar alternatives can be bought here and syrups are available also. Natural sugar alternatives in the article include: agave nectar, brown rice syrup, local honey, maple syrup, stevia and xylitol.

How to make muesli

This is a guide to the various ingredients in muesli and advice on how to create the perfect version of bircher muesli for yourself.

Real Foods' mueslis can be found here in our webshop and a huge variety of dairy free milks can be found here.

Vegan Fairtrade Organic and Gluten Free Easter Treats

Easter, eggsactly what is it all about...

How Do I Cook Amaranth

Amaranth is an ancient plant, around 8,000 years old, and was once a staple of the Aztec and Inca diet. Amaranth seeds, used as a grain, are gluten-free and a good source of protein, fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin C. They have a mild, nutty flavour.

How Do I Cook Kamut

Kamut is the registered trademark under which khorasan wheat is sold.

All grain grown under the Kamut trademark is certified organic, containing between 12-18% protein and high in the mineral selenium, which plays a role in the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Kamut contains gluten so is not suitable for coeliacs, however some with allergies to common wheat may find they can tolerate it. It has a rich, buttery flavour.

Detox without the denial

Happy New Year from all at Real Foods! Often after the inevitable excesses of the festive season, we are tempted to hurl ourselves in the opposite direction, towards the utmost healthiness and efficiency. We think there's a healthier, and more realistic balance, for this slightly sluggish, bleak time of year. So here we have some items to help ease you into 2019 without the extremes.

A guide to sulphite allergy

A guide to managing sulphite sensitivity including the foods to avoid and which to actively seek out. There can be a lot of confusion over the differences between sulphites, sulphates, sulfur and sulfa. Here's a quick and easy guide to understanding the different terms and what they actually do...

The Real Foods Guide to Baking

Baking – bestsellers, hard to find ingredients and upcoming trends.

How sulphur dioxide is used in food preservation

How sulphur dioxide (also known as SO2 or sulfur dioxide) is used in food preservation. It is sometimes used as a preservative for dried apricots and other dried fruits owing to its antimicrobial properties. Products containing it are clearly labelled.

Cacao and Cocoa your questions answered

What’s the difference between cacao and cocoa? What's a single origin bar? What is dutched cocoa? All our commonly asked questions answered about chocolate and cacao are answered...

Coconuts

Coconuts, what’s all the fuss about? In spite of 'nut' being in the name, coconuts are in fact the fruit of the coconut tree

All About Apples

Apples originated in Central Asia but have been cultivated through Europe for thousands of years. Helping to balance blood sugar levels, strengthen your bones and lower cholesterol, they're also used in desserts and baking.

I Am Bergamot

An introduction to Bergamot from Real Foods

The real food diet

A recent study which looked at more than 65 000 randomly selected people for the Health Survey for England has shown that the protective effects on health of eating fruit and vegetables rise the more portions you eat. At 7 or more portions a day your risk factors for death from any cause drop by 33%.

This article looks at a range of diets and their impacts on your health.

Raw Food explained

A guide on what to eat, why to eat it and links to some of our brilliant new products...

New Super Boosting Foods

Meet the ingredients that will give your diet a super boost...

Good Gut Health

An article on promoting and maintaining good gut health, including diet suggestions and a look at a low FODMAP diet. Includes advice on probiotics, both supplements and naturally probiotic and fermented foods. A quick look at prebiotics and ways of reducing inflammation and stressors.

All about the citrus family

The citrus family is also known as the rue family, it's official name is Rutaceae, buy them here. Find out all about these fruits amazing properties and some tips on how to use them...

A Gluten Free Shopping List

Have you recently discovered a gluten intolerance? Real Foods is here to make your transition to a gluten-free diet as easy as gluten-free pie. We stock so many alternatives to your usual favourites, there's no need to go without. Here's a shopping list to get you started, with a day-full of delicious gluten-free foods, available in-store or online.

Food Allergies

A guide to the most common allergies and intolerances, a few alternate food ideas and some links to recipes that ANYONE can eat!

The Benefits of Coconut Water

An article highlighting the benefits of taking coconut water

All About the Cabbage

All About the Cabbage (brassica) from Real Foods

Swing into Spring and enjoy the season

As fresh as Spring Time – put colourful clothes on, pick up green vegetables and catch the early sunshine. Hopefully you'll start feeling lighter and brighter! Here are a few more ways to get some spring back in your step with a new Real Food’s Newsletter...

Real Foods and the Soil Association

So you can be confident about what you will find in our organic goods, we are licensed by the Soil Association, the UK's leading food and farming charity and organic certification body.

All About Fibre

While the hype for keto diets is in full flow and more people are looking to protein as a primary nutrient, there is one major area of nutrition that is continually overlooked: fibre. The team at Real Foods, Scotland’s largest independent retailer, shares the importance of fibre, and why fibre rich foods are the magic component in your diet.

Teff

Wheat free, gluten free and organic, Teff Flour is in stock and being snatched up by customers - here's why...

Early Bird Discount

Visit our Edinburgh shops early in the day for 10% off your full price shopping

St Andrew's Day

St Andrew's Day is basically an excuse to indulge in all things Scottish. Frankly if it's named after St Andrew it's likely to have some sort of celebration going on this week! Here's a quick guide to the festival and its food...

Capital Picnics in the Park

Edinburgh is covered in good places to picnic, from the seven hills, to the Water of Leith, the canal and hidden parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We'll give you our top suggestions for recipes, ingredients and destinations, from family friendly to the lone picnicker…. (OK person on a lunch break!)

Christmas Baking

A guide to all the Christmas Baking recipes, ideas and tricks.

From starting your Christmas Pudding early, to making desserts that can be stored in advance, we've got some great gift ideas and suggestions to make the festive period a joyous one.

Have a look at the Stollen recipe from Pam Reichhartinger-Lawlor, who writes the blog thebreadshebakes, or our best tips for a tasty Christmas cake.

Happy 50th birthday Real Foods

Get ready for a celebration! On 7th September we'll be marking 50 years of natural, healthy, ethical shopping.

Real Foods from 1963 to the present day

You may not have realised but Real Foods has been serving it's customers for over 50 years. Here's a potted history of our business since trading began back in good old 1963.

Real Foods Packaging

Did you know that most of our own brand products are packed in cellulose which is plant-based and 100% biodegradable? If you'd like to know more about our product packaging, read on.

Plastic Free at Real Foods

There's been a lot of talk recently about how to recycle, refuse, re-use and otherwise reduce our consumption of plastic. Here at Real Foods, we sell loose fresh fruit and vegetables, bulk and wholesale goods and provide packed down sizes of a huge array of dried goods. We use cellulose bags for the majority of our prepacks and are happy to have you bring your own containers into the store for refills. Read on for our guide to Plastic Free living...

Helping to keep our customers healthy for 40 years

Healthy Snacks for Festival Goers

Some ideas to keep your energy levels high and your diet healthy

All About the Pomegranate

Introducing Pomegranate...

All about Dates

A brief history of the Date and an infographic we've created to help you see just how amazing they truly are...

A plant based Christmas to benefit the planet

A plant based Christmas to benefit the planet

A plant based Christmas to benefit the planet

Free from Easter recipes for a stress free celebration

Allergen Labelling at Real Foods

This is a guide to the Allergen labelling policy at Real Foods, the legislation regarding labelling and how to ensure you are buying the right product for your diet.

Learn more about Soluble Fibre

Confused about fibre? You’re not alone.

Many people know it is important, but not much more than that.

All About the Passionfruit

All about the Passionfruit. Where I'm from, what I do and how to spot a good one.

Organic and ethical loaves

Over 40 years ago Real Foods became Garvald bakery’s first customer. Take a closer look at one of our longest serving local suppliers.

How to make your own potato flour

The difference between potato flour and potato starch flour, and how to make your own potato flour.

How Do I Cook Buckwheat Roasted Kasha

Buckwheat Roasted Kasha is made from hulled buckwheat. Also known as Buckwheat Groats, Kasha is an Easter European/ Russian version of porridge. Ideal for a long-lasting breakfast with a slow release of energy.

Natural Hay Fever remedies

Does the sunshine have you reaching for the tissues? Here are some natural remedies that may help with allergies, sniffles and sneezing...

How Do I Cook Bulgur

Bulgur is a whole wheat grain, usually durum wheat, that has been parboiled, dried, cracked and sorted by size. It was eaten by the Romans and Egyptians, and today is most often associated with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is high in fibre, B vitamins and minerals.

How Do I Cook Millet

Millet is one of the oldest foods known to humans and possibly the first cereal grain to be used for domestic purposes. It was grown as early as 2700 BC in China where it was the prevalent grain before rice became the dominant staple. Today it sustains 1/3 of the world’s population and is a significant part of the diet in northern China, Japan, Manchuria and various areas of the former Soviet Union, Africa, India, and Egypt.

Meet the Producer Left Field Kombucha

Left Field Kombucha drinks: Made with only the finest, ethical teas for a full drinks experience without the hangover. They are fermented for taste. No juices or added flavourings after fermentation. Kombucha as it should be.

All About Apricots

All the nutritional information you need to know about apricots and how to get the most out of them...

Find out the differences between organic, biodynamic, vegetarian and vegan wines

Want to know the difference between an organic wine and a Demeter organic wine? Fancy trying a vegan wine or worried about sulphur levels? Read on to find out what exactly all the information on the labels really means...

How Do I Cook Red Split Lentils

Red Split Lentils are by far the quickest to cook of the lentil family. They need no pre-soaking unlike many legumes and as they are split (the skins removed so they split naturally into two halves), they cook very quickly.

How Do I Cook Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is the wonder grain: high in protein, gluten-free, easy to digest, and quick to cook. It makes a delicious breakfast (with sweet or savoury additions), pilaf, and salad; it can also be added to baked goods.

How Do I Cook Pearl Barley

Pearl barley, as opposed to pot or Scotch barley, is the variety most commonly used. The outer bran is removed and the grain polished to a shiny 'pearl', making it more tender to the bite and easier to cook.

How Do I Cook Spelt

Spelt, also known as dinkel or hulled wheat, was a staple food in Europe until medieval times. It has been revived through growth in organic farming as spelt requires fewer fertilisers than other wheat grains.

It has a sweet, nutty flavour and contains a range of vitamins and minerals including vitamin E, calcium, zinc and iron. Spelt contains gluten so is not suitable for coeliacs, however some with allergies to common wheat may find they can tolerate it.

How Do I Cook Rye Grain

Rye Grains have been cultivated for under 2000 years, that's actually quite a short time comparatively, it's one of the more lately domesticated crops. It's popular in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries and is the key ingredient in rye and pumpernickel breads.

How Do I Cook Wheat Grain

Wheat Grain (also known as wheat berries) are whole, unprocessed wheat kernels that contain all three parts of the grain, including the germ, bran and starchy endosperm. Only the hull, the inedible outer layer of the grain, has been removed. This means that wheat berries retain all of the grain's vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

The top 5 nasties to avoid in toiletries

A quick guide to the chemicals to avoid in health and beauty products.

Beremeal is back in stock

A quick guide to the ancient grain, a recipe for bannocks and a link to where to buy it...

All About the Seville Orange

All about the Seville Orange from Real Foods

All About the Aubergine

All about the aubergine from Real Foods

I Am Pomegranate

https://www.realfoods.co.uk/recipe/beetroot-pomegranate-grapefruit-juice

Introducing Pomegranate..

How Do I Cook Popcorn

Popcorn is a type of Maize, that puffs upon cooking, making the distinctive popping sound that gave the corn its name. Because it is a whole grain, it has all three parts of the grain: the germ, the bran, and the endosperm.

How Do I Cook Rice

How to cook rice, the different types of rice and some recipe ideas...

All about the Jerusalem Artichoke

All about the Jerusalem Artichoke. Where I'm from, how to use me and what I can do for you...

All about the Globe Artichoke

All about the Globe Artichoke. Here's the Real Foods range of pre-prepared artichokes. What to do with me, where I come from and what I actually do...

All about Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera provides antivrial protection, can help to ease bronchial complaints and is excellent at helping to balance intestinal flora. Find out why, along with where Aloe Vera is from and what to do with the plant...

All about Asparagus

Want to know all about asparagus, where it's from? Why it's good for you? Here's our guide to asparagus...

All About Pears

Pears, where they come from, what they do and why you should pop a few in your basket! Plus some links to delicious recipes.

All About Bananas

All about the banana. Where it comes from, how to use it and some great recipe links.

All About Tomatoes

All about tomatoes, their nutrition, how to use them and some of our best recipe ideas...

All About Avocados

All about the brilliant avocado, how to use it, ideas for recipes and why it's so very good for you...

How Do I Cook Freekeh

Freekeh is a young, green wheat that is picked, roasted or smoked and can be used like rice, quinoa or cous cous.

All about Potatoes

Probably the most popular vegetable in the owrld, the humble potato has some surprising health benefits. This article will tell you where potatoes are from, what they are used for and some excellent recipes for using them.

Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Fibre

Here are 10 easy ways to increase the fibre in your diet

Mood Boosting

A guide to the foods that make you happy! Or at least give you the energy you need to fight off the blues...

How Do I Cook Chickpeas

How Do I Cook... Chickpeas

Chickpeas are available pre-cooked in cans or dried; they must be soaked before cooking. Chickpea or Gram Flour (made from dried ground chickpeas) is widely used in Indian and Bangladeshi dishes.

How Do I Cook Green Lentils

Lentils come in lots of different varieties including yellow, red, brown, black and green. Green lentils have an earthy, nutty flavour and firm, 'meaty' texture, which makes them an ideal substitute in meat-free cooking.

How Do I Cook Pinto Beans

Pinto in Spanish means 'painted' and it's easy to see how these beans got their name. The pale pink-beige pinto beans are speckled with red-brown 'paint splatters', Jackson Pollack-style. The speckles disappear when the beans are cooked and they turn a creamy pink colour all over.

The Real Foods guide to ripening bananas

Are your bananas a bit green and you want them to ripen and turn yellow? Or are you desperate to turn them black to make banana bread? A fully ripened banana should be yellow with the odd brown or black spot. Read on...

A Low Carbohydrate Shopping List

A low-carb diet is one that restricts carbohydrate consumption (particularly easily digestible carbohydrates like sugar, bread and pasta) and replaces them with foods that contain protein and fats, and low-carbohydrate vegetables like salad. The Atkins Diet is one of the more famous low-carbohydrate diets.

All About Plums and Prunes

A guide to where plums are from, their nutritional benefits and some suggestions for getting the most out of plums (or prunes as they're known when dried).