Tod Almighty Wholefoods | An exciting new vegetarian and vegan wholefood shop/retailer in Todmoden, Calderdale, West Yorkshire, UK

No.5 September 8th 2021

Not only is it suddenly September, it's Organic September!

All our fruit and veg at Tod Almighty is organic and this is hugely important to us. Run by the Soil Association, Organic September is a month-long campaign to raise awareness of the many benefits of organic food and farming.

Organic farming is a way of growing food that works in harmony with the natural world and enhances rather than damages it. That means NO pesticides, NO artificial fertilisers and NO genetic modification. With the environment now under such enormous pressure from pollution, climate change and the destruction of the natural world, it has never been more important to support organic farming.

By having a veg box from us, you are already doing good things for the planet. If you want to know more about Organic September visit: www.soilassociation.org. Remember, Organic farming systems are good for wildlife, good for the planet and good for your health.

Padrón peppers
Peppers – like most vegetables – come in many different varieties. This week we have some Padrón peppers for you to cook with.

Peppers are one of the richest sources of vitamin C which is hugely important for your body. It is essential in the formation of collagen which plays a key role in connective tissues in our organs, hair, skin and nails. It is also a powerful antioxidant – keeping cells healthy and protecting them from free-radical damage. Free-radicals are harmful substances that cause damage to cells and tissues.

Your Padrón peppers are also full of B6 and folate, which help keep your heart healthy, and are a good source of dietary fibre, which only does good things for your digestion.

Unos pican otros no 'Some are hot, some are not'
On balance, Padrón peppers are not spicy, but there can sometimes be a rogue hot one hiding among the bunch. There is a Spanish saying about the peppers: unos pican otros no or 'some are hot, some are not'. If you're worried about spice levels, don't let that put you off. Most of them are as mild as regular bell peppers.

Sally

T: 07303 148117 | E: VegBoxes@todalmighty.co.uk

RECIPES

Padrón peppers

Padrón peppers are a very popular tapas dish which is very simple to make – all you need are your peppers, salt and some oil.

The key here is heat. Make sure you use a really hot pan – a cast iron one is best.

Method
Wash your Padrón peppers and dry well. The drier they are, the better they'll brown and blister.
Add a generous amount of oil to the pan (approx. 1–2 tablespoons).
Heat the oil in a pan.
When the oil is very hot (but not yet smoking) add the peppers and allow them to blister and colour before turning.
Stir for about a few minutes until they are soft and slightly charred on all sides.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with sea salt. You can add a bit of paprika to the salt too.

They're ready to eat. You can eat them whole – leaving only the stems behind.

You could also create another quick tapas-style dish with your sweet potatoes to go alongside your Padrón peppers:

Mexican roasted sweet potato cubes

Preheat your oven to 220°C / 200°C / gas mark 7 / 425°F.
Cut your potatoes into cubes (you can use a mixture of sweet and regular potatoes).
Mix together some cumin, paprika, chilli, salt, garlic, olive oil and lime juice in a large bowl. Measurements are up to you and your personal tastes.
Add the cubes of sweet potato and stir to coat thoroughly.
Place the sweet potato cubes on a large non-stick baking tray, ensuring the cubes are well spread out (use 2 baking trays if necessary) and in a single layer.
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

How are you finding your veg box?
What do you think of the types of fruit and veg in your box? Feedback always welcome.
VegBoxes@todalmighty.co.uk