Are you aware that anxiety and depression in the workplace remain elevated compared to pre-COVID levels? This is a serious issue that needs addressing. Avoiding burnout is easier by taking a proactive approach to well-being instead of a reactive approach. Benefits of gardening Fortunately, over 7 million people in the UK have achieved this through gardening since the pandemic, reaping its benefits on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These include improved social relationships, cognitive and educational outcomes, and reduced stress, anxiety, and fatigue levels. Studies conducted by the British Psychological Society have also shown that gardening leads to increased enjoyment, a sense of achievement, and pride from nurturing plants, all of which contribute to personal well-being. How can 50 Ways To Cook help? Are you or your organisation looking to improve well-being and sustainability? 🌻 We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new range of services to help you achieve your goals. At 50 Ways To Cook, our commitment to nourishing people and the planet through food drives us to continuously improve our offerings and ensure that we provide our clients with the best service and value. 1. Well-being Schemes Anxiety and depression in the workplace remain elevated compared to pre-COVID levels and need addressing. Avoid burnout by implementing a proactive approach to well-being instead of a reactive approach. Our well-being schemes include: 🌱 Seed planting workshops 🍅 Food education workshops 👩🏻‍🌾 Natural grow kits ♻️ Circular food waste recovery systems 🌻 On-site well-being garden development 2. Interactive Workshops Our flagship 'Circular Food' workshop explores the whole food system, equipping participants to contribute towards sustainable food system transformation. These workshops can be tailored for all ages, from children to adults! 3. Circular Food Solutions ♻️ Do you produce food waste? We can help! Food waste is only wasted once it's wasted. We will turn your organic 'waste' into valuable living compost. Food waste recovery often relies on landfill, incineration, or anaerobic digestion. Our local composting systems retain all the essential nutrients, organic matter, and life often lost within the current linear system. At 50 Ways To Cook, we aim to create local circular systems in which all waste is captured and kept within the system. Please explore our new range of services and discover how they can benefit your business. For more information, contact Alex 🌱 Thank you for your continued support in 50 Ways To Cook. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you and helping you reach new heights!

In my ongoing pursuit of improving soil health and plant growth, I've embarked on a journey to reformulate the Natural Soil Enhancer. Through experimentation and testing in my parents' garden (thanks mum and dad), I've updated my blend of ingredients to revitalise the soil and foster flourishing gardens. Ingredients UK-Grown Organic Seaweed Worm Castings Volcanic Rock Dust Biochar Mycorrhizal Fungi + Rhizobacteria Barley Malt Extract Why Choose Natural Fertiliser? UK-Grown Organic Seaweed Harvested from pristine coastal waters, UK-grown organic seaweed is one of the main ingredients in the Natural Soil Enhancer. Packed with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and iodine, seaweed provides a comprehensive nutritional boost to soil and plants alike. Its gradual decomposition enriches the soil with vital elements, promoting long-term fertility and sustainability. Worm Castings Often referred to as nature's black gold, worm castings are a testament to the remarkable capabilities of earthworms. Earthworms convert organic matter into nutrient-rich castings, teeming with beneficial microbes through their digestive processes. These castings improve soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, and stimulate plant growth. By incorporating worm castings into our soil enhancer, we harness the power of nature's recyclers to nourish the soil and support thriving plant life. Volcanic Rock Dust Derived from ancient volcanic eruptions, rock dust is a potent source of minerals and trace elements essential for plant growth. Silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron are just a few nutrients in volcanic rock dust, replenishing soil fertility and bolstering plant resilience. Its alkaline nature helps regulate soil pH, encouraging optimal nutrient uptake and microbial activity. Additionally, volcanic rock dust enhances soil structure, promoting water retention and aeration for healthy root development. Biochar Crafted through the pyrolysis of organic materials, biochar is a porous carbon-rich substance renowned for its soil-enhancing properties. With its high surface area and nutrient affinity, biochar acts as a sponge, absorbing and retaining water, minerals, and beneficial microbes. This nutrient reservoir improves soil fertility, reduces nutrient leaching, and promotes microbial activity, resulting in healthier, more resilient plants. Furthermore, biochar sequesters carbon in the soil, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Photos from the Oxford Biochar Research Team show how great biochar is for your plants! Mycorrhizal Fungi + Rhizobacteria Beneath the surface, a complex network of symbiotic microorganisms plays a vital role in soil health and plant vitality. Mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, extending their reach and enhancing nutrient uptake. Rhizobacteria, meanwhile, fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilise minerals, further enriching the soil environment. Together, these microbial allies improve soil structure, suppress diseases, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, paving the way for sustainable gardening practices. Barley Malt Extract Derived from malted barley grains, barley malt extract is a natural stimulant for soil microbial activity. Rich in sugars, amino acids, and humic substances, it nourishes beneficial soil organisms, promoting nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Its application enhances soil structure, nutrient retention, and composting processes, contributing to soil health and fertility. Why Choose Natural Fertiliser? In a world increasingly reliant on synthetic inputs, the resurgence of natural fertilisers offers a compelling alternative for conscientious gardeners. By harnessing the power of nature's bounty, we can cultivate gardens that thrive in harmony with the environment, free from the harmful effects of chemical interventions. Natural fertilisers offer numerous benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced plant resilience, and reduced environmental impact. By nourishing the soil with organic amendments and fostering diverse microbial communities, we can create vibrant ecosystems that support robust plant growth and biodiversity. Furthermore, natural fertilisers align with sustainability principles and regenerative agriculture, promoting soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem resilience. By choosing natural fertilisers, gardeners can play a meaningful role in stewarding the health of our planet and ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. Cultivating a Greener Future As stewards of the land, we are responsible for nurturing the soil upon which all life depends. We can cultivate beautiful, bountiful, and regenerative gardens by embracing natural soil enhancers and sustainable gardening practices. Whether you're tending to a small backyard garden or managing a sprawling agricultural operation, soil health and sustainability principles remain the same. By prioritising soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, we can create landscapes that are not only productive but also ecologically vibrant and culturally rich. So, as you embark on your gardening journey, consider the transformative potential of natural soil enhancers. With each application, you're not just feeding your plants—you're nourishing the soil, supporting biodiversity, and cultivating a greener future for generations to come. Ready to take the next step? Explore 50 Ways To Cook Natural Grow Kits and Natural Soil Enhancer and join us in the journey towards a more sustainable and resilient world.

What is it? Getting started Growing on Munch time Recipes How-to videos Nasturtium flowers, leaves and even seeds are edible. They have a long history of culinary use and have a slightly sweet, peppery taste. They’re also used in traditional medicine, With  antibiotic properties, they can be used to treat various ailments such as coughs! Plants growing in containers should be watered to keep the compost evenly moist. Deadheading (cutting off) the flowers will encourage more blooms over a longer period and you can enjoy eating them on top of a salad! Getting started Make a few evenly spaced holes in the soil as deep as your fingernail. Add two seeds to each and cover with soil. You can start off outdoors if it’s sunny, or somewhere warm and bright indoors like a windowsill if it's cold outside. Keep the soil damp, not drenched. Cut a plastic bottle in half and place over where you planted the seeds. This will keep them warm and moist. Thin out any extra seedlings after about two weeks when 5cm tall to prevent them competing for nutrients. Growing on Indoor-sown seeds can be moved out after May. You can mulch with straw to reduce moisture loss from the soil. Check the soil moisture and water if dry, particularly during dry spells. Give them a good watering once they start to flower. Munch time Nasturtium leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible. The flowers and young leaves have a peppery taste and are a great addition to salads. The seed pods can be used as a substitute for capers. Pick them when mature but still green, and pickle them in vinegar. Recipes Coming soon 👀 How-to videos Coming soon 👀

< Back Curried Carrot Soup Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: About the Recipe Everyone knows and loves the absolute classic carrot and coriander, but this spicy twist is sure to get your taste buds going. Go on, live a little. Ingredients 2 shallots or an onion, sliced 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 stick lemongrass, or 1 inch ginger 500g carrots, chopped 1 heaped tbsp of your favourite curry paste 1 litre vegetable stock 1 tin coconut milk or cream Salt and pepper to taste To serve Spring onions, finely sliced Chilli flakes Sesame seeds Preparation Fry your shallots for 5 minutes until translucent before adding your garlic, lemongrass and curry paste. Previous Next

< Back Chipotle Drumsticks and Spiced Rice with a Roast Tomatillo Salsa Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Serves: 2 About the Recipe This delicious meal is sure to impress. The tomatillo salsa recipe was inspired by the recipe I saw in Otomi in Clifton, Bristol. While the marinade was something myself and my friend Jamie have been using for our taco nights. There's lots of amazing flavours here from the spices and chillies, however it isn't too overpowering. You can definitely crank up the heat if you like spice though! Ingredients Chipotle Marinade 1 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 shallot, finely diced 2 Jalapeños, finely diced 1 tsp celery salt (or normal salt) 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Juice of half a lime 1 pack of chicken drumsticks or other protein Salsa Verde 500g tomatillos 1 onion 2 jalapeños Juice of half a lime 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 large handful coriander, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Spiced Rice 1 onion, finely diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 jalapeño, finely diced 1 tbsp Chipotle in adobo sauce 1 tbsp of tomato paste 1 Tsp Cajun seasoning Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup of rice 2 cups of stock Preparation Chipotle Marinade Start by prepping all of the ingredients above and tossing into a container together Add your protein of choice. I went for drumsticks but you could use tempeh, tofu, pork or whatever else you fancy. The possibilities are endless Mix together making sure whatever you're marinading is fully coated. Ideally do this the evening before you plan to cook it or in the morning to get maximum flavour into the meat. Half an hour beforehand will also give great results Salsa Verde If you have fresh tomatillos, remove their husks and wipe with a damp cloth. Put a large frying pan over a medium-high heat and cook the tomatillos until they start to char. Add the onion and jalapeños and fry for 5 minutes, followed by the garlic for a further 2 minutes. Add this mix to a blender with the lime juice, coriander, and seasoning before blending until nice and smooth. I like to serve this as a dip for the drumsticks but works equally well drizzled over the top of your food. Spiced Rice Add the onion to a saucepan on a medium heat and sweat down for 5 minutes before turning down the heat and adding your jalapeños, garlic, Chipotle, tomato paste, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until fragrant for 2-3 minutes. Add the rice, mixing it into the spice mix until coated and toast for 2-3 minutes. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Cook with the lid off for 10 minutes before turning down the heat and putting the lid on. Steam for another 10-15 minutes until fluffy. Garnish with 1 finely sliced spring onion Previous Next

< Back Kimchi Chicken and Roasted Peanut Stir Fry Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Serves: About the Recipe This is a really quick and tasty meal ideal for when you get home midweek. The beauty of stir frying is you spend about 10 minutes prepping your veg and protein and 5 minutes cooking it. It’s the perfect way to take your mind off your day and unwind after work. Immerse yourself in creating a delicious and healthy meal for yourself as an act of care. For this one i marinaded the chicken in leftover kimchi liquid which was delicious. I always try to find a use for things which could easily be thrown away! If you'd like to read more about sustainable food, you can check out my blog posts on food waste and eating meat using the links at the bottom of the recipe steps. Ingredients For this meal, you can use any veg really. In this particular stir fry I used: Kale Radishes Mushrooms Onions You can use whatever you have in the fridge to prevent food waste, but other great veg you can use includes: Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Bean sprouts Mange tout Peppers This definitely isn’t an exhaustive list. I also used marinaded chicken here with peanuts as the protein but you could also use my marinaded tempeh from my Smokey Tempeh and Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe . You can also learn how to make your own kimchi by downloading my FREE fermentation guide. Preparation Stir fry is all about preparation. I cut the chicken into strips and marinaded it the day before but this isn’t essential. Marinading my chicken made it nice and tender by breaking down the muscle fibres. If you don’t have any kimchi liquid you can use salty water with spices such as chilli powder, paprika, pepper, or whatever else you might fancy. Have I missed any classics? You also need to prep your veg before you start cooking as it’s such a quick process. Next I fry off the chicken on a high heat, making sure it’s cooked through before removing it from the pan Then I add my prepped veg and quickly stir fried, also on a high heat. Keep it moving in the pan and add some soy sauce for flavour and to deglaze my wok (this stops stuff sticking). If you fancy any sauce, turn down the heat and add it here. I used oyster sauce. Serve up on its own, or with rice and noodles. Top with sesame seeds and spring onions if you’re feeling fancy! If you'd like to read more about sustainable food, you can check out my blog posts on food waste and eating meat here. Previous Next