I will freely admit that whilst I try, I don't always do everything
which is is good for me. I want to eat healthily, do what's good for me, but it
is often difficult, inconvenient and expensive. So when I was given the
opportunity to go to the Natural and Organic Products Europe Show at Olympia in
London, I thought this was a good opportunity to find out more about health,
nutrition, new natural and organic products and speak to some experts.
The show is an annual trade only event where new and existing products
are presented, awareness increased and distributors sought. Over 600 exhibitors
were featured, with special "Pavilions" for different nations'
products. Food and drink was not the sole focus of the show, beauty and spa
products were featured, with alternative remedies, vegan shoes, natural fibre
clothing, and dietary supplements also making an appearance. To reflect this
diversity, four distinct zones were set up; "The Natural Food Show",
"Natural Beauty & Spa", "Health & Nutrition" and
"Natural Living".
This was the Natural Beauty and Spa Theatre, where Michelle Thew was
presenting a talk on natural cosmetics and avoiding animal testing. It was good
to hear the efforts she and the Cruelty Free International Campaign was making
to end all animal testing worldwide.
This was the stand for Combier Ltd, a distillery and fruit liquer maker
from Saumur, in the Loire valley in France, which has been trading since 1825.
It produces liqueurs (mostly orange based), absinthe, and fruit syrups. These
are lovely natural products and exactly what I would seek out for cocktail
making.
At the centre of the Grand Hall was the "Pukka Cafe". Nothing
to do with Jamie Oliver, this was a tea and coffee relaxation zone run by
independent healthy teas brand, Pukka Herbs. They even laid on some
entertainment to brighten up the day!
This is Aurelie Servol from Le Jardins de Gaia, who specialises in
organic and fairtrade teas and herbal infusions. Her rooibos "redbush"
tea is the mellowest I have ever tasted. No hint of bitterness, it is smooth
and pleasant. And the gentle flavouring of strawberry and vanilla makes the
infusion heavenly!
I sometimes find that over the course of a long day at work, the munchies
get the better of me. Before I know it, I'm snacking between meals. Biscuits in
particular are my downfall. I stopped buying them some time ago, but there's
always someone at work who has some! I have tried fruit and seed nibbles in the
past, but found some to be too dry, others too chewy, and generally
uninspiring. Eating healthily has to taste good, or there's little point in it.
I was pleased to discover Clearly Scrumptious, whose dried fruit and nut
snacks are well above the norm. I had no idea that some of the so-called
'healthy' dried fruit are treated with chemicals and even dyed to make them
appear more attractive! That is, apparently, why many cranberry raisins (or
'craisins') are ruby red in colour and apricots mellow orange. Clearly
Scrumptious avoid these nasties, producing small bags of natural snacks created
in one of your 5 a day sizes. This will make getting my quota much easier for
me.
An unbelievably popular attraction was the massage pod, where
experienced masseurs massaged, teased and eased visitors’ tensions away. Bliss!
Another infusion which deserves a mention, which was new to me was olive
leaf tea. Literally, dried olive tree leaves, dried and made into a herbal
infusion. It is an ancient Italian herbal remedy said to have more antioxidants
and vitamin c than green tea, and is antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral. Kim
Evans, who is pictured here, grows the olive leaves on a single estate in
Abruzzo, Italy. I was surprised that the infusion had a pleasant and satisfying
flavour, and that you can get many cups out of a very small amount of leaf. I
love a cuppa, but probably drink too much tea. This offers me a caffeine free
and super healthy alternative.
The whole show had a tremendous atmosphere of sharing and community.
Openness, discussion and debate were encouraged. So much so that visitors and
exhibitors alike were invited to share their thoughts about what natural and
organic products meant to them. Here are some exhibitors recording their
thoughts:
For me, the biggest treat of the day was being able to see food hero and
complete legend Raymond Blanc do a cooking demonstration. He was was warm,
passionate and enthusiastic as you would expect. He talked to us all about the
importance of a healthy breakfast. He also considered the 'French Paradox'; the
phenomenon where French people appear to eat heavy and fatty food, yet do not
appear to succumb to a similar level of heart disease as people in the UK.
Raymond theorised that the French eat far more fresh fruit and vegetables than
the English, that this reduces the effect of the butter and cream in French
food, and that the red wine consumed with food also played its part.
Charming as always, Raymond stressed the importance of starting young,
and made a point of speaking to any children watching the demonstration.
One amusing moment occurred when Raymond took questions from the floor.
One woman began asking her question, addressing Raymond mistakenly as 'Marco'.
Initially, there was a sharp intake of breath from the crowd. Raymond, however,
was far from upset. Smiling broadly, and with a chuckle, said 'Marco? No, I am
Raymond! But you can call me Marco, I don't mind. We are very good friends. But
if you had called me Gordon.....'
I was delighted when Raymond actually met the spectators and signed
autographs. It made my day to meet such an amazing and iconic chef. What a
hero!
I had a very pleasant time at the show, and learn a lot in very little
time. Overall, there were some excellent, simple and effective products
showcased here by different exhibitors. From lentil crisps to quinoa pots, nut
salad sprinkles, smoothie mixes, coconut water and non-carb pasta and noodles.
Some products were a little more outlandish and only for the dedicated. But I
have received new inspiration to pay more attention to what I eat and how
healthy eating can be achievable and simple.
I would like to thank the organisers for allowing me to come to the
show.
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