Our news

Well, the sun is lovely but … we still have to be careful in the heat. Here are our tips for keeping as cool as a cucumber.

• Close windows which face the sun closed during the day, open them at night, if it is safe, when the temperature has dropped and cool air can flood the flat or house

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and wear loose-fitting cotton clothes

• Take cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water during the day.

• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol. Water, milk, tea and coffee are all good options

• If you have to step out in the heat, make sure you walk in the shade, slap on sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf

• It’s always a good idea to check up on friends and relatives who might be less able to look after themselves.

Father’s Day on Sunday will look a little different this year - but don’t be down-hearted, let’s get inventive. Dad’s favourite restaurant, sporting venue or pub will all have to wait until next year so we must look to DIY fun.

The forecast is good, so how about a surprise BBQ? Or if dad has a sweet tooth, how about a blindfold cake taste test challenge. Each family member could make a cake and compete to be crowned champion baker. To work off the calories, the cake test could be followed by games in the garden or the park. Perhaps pack up some sandwiches and enjoy a day-long hike - our crispbreads and crackers look good in a picnic basket!

Once you get home , how about a rounding off the day with a  nice glass or wine or a special Father’s day cocktail.n And, finally, don’t forget the family quiz!

Some 4.8 million people live with diabetes in the UK It’s a serious condition which – regardless of type – can bring with it many challenges. And living with diabetes can be relentless.

This Diabetes Week (8^th-14^th June) – comes at a time when life is more challenging than ever before. The charity, Diabetes UK, is asking people to share their experiences using #TheBigPicture through their social media networks, to spread the message to more people than ever before.

Food is, of course, hugely important to people, whether or not they have diabetes. It’s a good time to remind everyone to make some healthy swaps - chips for salad for example (or at least half chips and half salad – we’re only human after all!). We’d also recommend our Chikpea Crispbreads in place of bread for a tasty lunch.

Diabetes UK also runs a Helpline which can be reached at 0345 123 2399 or via email at helpline@diabetes.org.uk

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has backed a petition calling on the UK government to protect farmers in future trade deals.

This week, the NFU’s food standards petition has seen enormous support from the public in just a matter of days, with more than 250,000+ people pledging their support since Saturday.

Following discussions with the NFU, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver also recorded a video urging politicians to back British farming. In it, he criticised MPs for rejecting an amendment to the UK Agriculture Bill which would have required all imports to be produced to the same standards as the UK.

The petition can be found here – www.nfuonline.com

Christina, our Queen of Beans, is a proud member of the NFU and backs the campaign 100%.

We’re happy with sales of our one-pot meals in recent weeks, they have really stood the taste test against home-cooked dishes!

And, of course, as we are all so busy with Zoom quizzes and chats, easy to make one-pot dishes still have their place in the store cupboard.

We’re particularly pleased with our Moroccan Tagine meal which slips effortlessly from a warming winter / spring meal served with a warming baked potato to a tasty and tempting spring / summer dish served with rice and salad.

Chickpea, aubergine and butternut squash with apricot, infused with aromatic spices - slowly cooked by us,quickly served and eaten by you!

Christina, our Queen of Beans, has come up with a new initiative for local people in her village.

As she says: “As a long-time resident of Nether Compton and local food producer, I want to offer a special Easy Bean hamper of healthy food to local people.

“At Easy Bean, we love pulses, they are one of nature’s healthiest foods. The richest source of plant protein, a slow release source of energy, high in fibre, good source of iron and excellent eco credentials. We believe in only using natural ingredients and our different ranges are all gluten-free.

“Last year, we set up our new bakery and kitchen in Mudford. We look across the fields to the river Yeo and enjoy the magnificent stand of mature willow trees next to the bakery.”

Here’s the deal: a box full of goodness delivered to your door…

The Easy Bean Box- £30

Chilled Meal Pots 4 x 320g pots

- Moroccan Chickpea & Aubergine Tagine

- Indian Cauliflower Sambar Dhal

- French Lentil & Chestnut Ragout

- Red Bean & Sweet Pepper Chilli

Chickpea Crispbread 2 x 110g packs

Made from chickpea flour and Somerset butter, then topped with different seeds - like a savoury shortbread. Good for snacking or serve with soup.

Bean Crackers 2 x 160g packs

- Green Pea & Chia Seed

- Red Lentil & Poppy Seed

Snack or serve with cheese or dips.

Chickpea Straws 2 x 100g packs

The Introductory Offer - £17

Chilled meal pots 2 x 360g

Chickpea Crispbread 1 x 110g

Bean Crackers 1 x 160g pack

Chickpea Straws 1 x 100g pack

Our “rescued edges” are the perfect snack.

To place an order: give us a call on 01935 817745 (9.30am-4.30pm) or drop us an email: easybeandeliveries@gmail.com . We will then process your order and deliver it straight to your door (no delivery charge).

Happy snacking…

This news clip on ITV West Country caught our eye this morning about ways to hold on to some positive feelings at a difficult time. We hope you find it helpful also.

https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2020-04-29/finding-happiness-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/

This seems to be a good time to think about healthier food choices.
Our ready meals are wholesome and delicious. They are a healthy addition to any diet as they are naturally low in fat and salt and high in fibre. Packed full of pulses and chunky veg, each 320g pot provides 2 to 3 of your 5-a-day.
The one-pot meals are based on authentic recipes from around the world and are dairy and gluten free. They are cooked in small batches without the use of starch thickeners they taste as good as homemade.
Our Moroccan Tagine pot contains 211 kcal and 8g of fat per 320g and is a delicious mix of chickpeas, aubergine and butternut squash infused with aromatic spices. New Mexican Chilli - Fairtrade red beans with sweet pepper in a richly spiced tomato and jalapeno chilli sauce - contains 214 kcal and 5.8g of fat per 320g. These are nutritious and filling lunches.
They taste delicious on their own or can be combined with healthy salads or rice to make a substantial evening meal.