Raymond Blanc, one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs and a strong proponent of organic cuisine, has been confirmed to host a live demonstration in this year’s Natural Food Kitchen at the Natural & Organic Products Europe trade show, which returns to London’s Olympia next month on 7-8 April.
The influential French chef, who was awarded an honorary OBE for his services to the British food industry in 2008, is chef patron of the world famous Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, which has held two Michelin stars for 28 years and trained a generation of award-winning chefs. Blanc has championed the importance of good nutrition, sustainable sourcing and promoting responsible business and environmental practices for much of his professional career, and was named the first president of the Sustainable Restaurant Association last year.
“I am delighted to be involved in this year’s Natural Food Kitchen,” says Blanc, talking about his much-anticipated debut appearance at Natural & Organic Products Europe. “I’m a passionate advocate of organic farming and this fabulous event showcases everything that is organic, sustainable and delicious, and at the heart of any good chefs cooking.”
Closing the show with the last interactive session of the day at 3pm on Monday 8 April, Blanc will be offering visitors to the show a rare treat as he shares insights into his career so far and answers audience questions. All whilst preparing his own delicious bespoke recipe for the perfect porridge made with Pertwood Farm’s award-winning organic oats. Packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre, porridge has been enjoying a continuing boost in sales over the last few years, as consumers of all ages rediscover the proven health benefits of this nutritious – and budget-friendly – breakfast option.
The Natural Food Kitchen line-up also includes recently confirmed sessions by gourmet vegetarian chef Natasha Corrett and leading Harley Street nutritionist Vicki Edgson, co-authors of the popular ‘Honestly Healthy’ alkaline cookbook, which has garnered rave reviews from celebrity fans such as Victoria Beckham and Robbie Williams.
“It will be a pleasure to be around so many like minded people at the Natural Food Show, who want to learn more about how to eat in a way that will benefit their long-term health and wellbeing,” says Corrett. Her session on cooking organic food – the Honestly Healthy alkaline way, takes place at 11am on Monday 8 April.
“Our bodies function best when in an overall alkaline state, PH 7.365, and yet much of our current eating trends and diets are very acid-forming in the body, leading to internal stress on the digestive and other systems,” explains Corrett, who recommends following a predominately alkaline eating plan (cutting out acidic foods such as cow’s milk, chicken, white flours, and chocolate etc for at least 70% of the time). “I will be creating delicious food that is dairy and wheat-free, but full of nutritional value that will keep your digestive system balanced, your energy levels up and your skin and hair glowing!”
Corrett’s writing partner Vicki Edgson meanwhile, whose first book The Food Doctor was co-authored with Ian Marber (with whom she also co-founded the business of the same name), will be kicking off the show’s two day line-up at 10.15am on Sunday 7 April. The former face of nutrition for Channel 5’s ‘Diet Doctors’, and co-presenter of BBC1’s Fat Nation, Edgson is a firm advocate of eating foods that are “as close to nature as nature intended”. Her session will demonstrate the ease with which consumers can incorporate a selection of ancient seeds, many with origins dating back to as early as 3,500 BC, which are packed with protein, fibre and omega nutrition, within their diets to help maintain modern-day wellness.
In addition to Raymond Blanc, Natasha Corrett and Vicki Edgson, the two day line-up features TV nutritionist and detox specialist Amanda Hamilton, The Medicinal Chef Dale Pinnock, Conscious Food’s Kristina Locke, vegan food guru Tony Bishop-Weston, allergy free and gluten free cookery expert Christine Bailey; vegetarian chef Jay Morjaria; and Maggie Lynch, director of The Soul Food Company, Dublin, who’ll be presenting her favourite Low GI Spring recipes. The full programme, including session details and timings, is now available online at http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/the-natural-food-show/visiting/show-features/natural-food-kitchen.
