Maybe its because our children are finished at Primary School or maybe it is because this week we have had so much more exciting news with the weather, but I haven’t heard anything about Fair-trade Fortnight. I normally come across a few articles in the local papers, food news and magazines!
According to the Fairtrade Foundation Website, the first fairtrade labelled goods were sold in in 1988. When we buy bananas, chocolate, coffee and sugar do you support Fair-trade?
“The price of a banana bought in a UK supermarket has dropped from around 18p a decade ago to just 11p now. The result is that for farmers and workers in countries like Colombia and the Dominican Republic, growing bananas for a living is becoming unsustainable.
But buying Fairtrade bananas in the UK means that producers are guaranteed a minimum price, get an extra premium to invest in their community and have improved workplace conditions and protection.”
Liberation Nuts are a company I have come across at various food events in London. They are the UK’s first and only nut company. They have a delicious range of products, go nutty!!! full details here.
For further information on Fairtrade fortnight which this year is from 26th February to 11th March 2018 please take a look at the main website. I hope you haven’t forgotten this important time, I hope its just me with the decrease in media attention, and can continue to support fair-trade.
Just talking bananas…. a health tip from Eat Drink Live Well:
Bananas are rich in a special kind of starch known as resistant starch. We can’t digest this starch so it has no impact on blood sugar levels but more importantly instead of feeding us, it feeds our special friends – the microbiome. One of the best ways to increase levels of good bacteria in our guts is by giving them their preferred foods – resistant starch (known as a prebiotic).
But choosing the right type of banana is important. Green bananas are rich in resistant starch but as the banana ripens, this indigestible starch is broken down to sugars that we can absorb. So always opt for the greener fruit and help your bacterial community to thrive. Probiotics influence so many of our functions including our mood, weight, immune system, gut health and protection against disease. Diet is the best way to keep them happy and encourage the good ones to proliferate and crowd out less desirable organisms.
Bananas have been on my menu this week they are a great natural sweetener and I use them for quick snacks which are always popular. I am sure I have said a few times before, but never throw away unwanted slightly mushy bananas as if you chop them up and freeze them they work brilliantly in baking.
Banana bread always goes down well and this week I made homemade banana and chocolate squares, a slight twist on a muffin/bread – great to grab after school, healthier than cakes and chocolate bars, recipe below:
Banana and chocolate chip squares
113g (1/2cup) melted butter
60g light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 egg
227g (1 cup) flour
1/2 cup mashed banana (1 large banana)
113g (1/2 cup) dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 180C. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until combined.
Add vanilla and egg, mix until fully incorporated.
Add flour and stir until combined.
Next add the mashed banana and chocolate chips. Stir just until combined without over mixing. Pour into greased pan. Bake for 22-28 mins.
Cool for at least 10 mins before cutting. Cut into 9 large bars or 16 small squares. Store covered in fridge for up to 1 week.
