National Vegetarian Week Mon 23 - Sun 29 May

During National Vegetarian Week events are being held across the UK sponsored by Cauldron Foods.  The first National Vegetarian Week was held in 1992. 

Celebrate this special week - a meat-free seven days with vegetarian food. Vegetarian Society approved products are in restaurants and supermarkets but these retailers could do a lot more to make vegetarian food products available.  Vegetarian food is good for the planet and saves the lives of millions of animals, birds and fish.

This week why not patronize British Companies who produce meat-free foods?

The UK is renowned for its vegetarian cuisine which has absorbed recipes and ingredients from across the world. Our veggie food is only surpassed by that of India. Meat free veggie food is big business and consumption continues to grow. Veggie meals are no longer a cheap second best option. 

How about some veggie treats as well?

Why not try veggie gummie sweets, for example "Goody Good Stuff's Sour Mix and Match" or vegetarian crisps from "Salty Dog?"

The Vegan Redwood Wholefood Company owned by Heather Mills has a new no dairy yoghurt-style desert made from pea protein.  The company was rated the most ethical foods supplier by the Ethical Company Organisation for six consecutive years. Thier profits go to a charity for the homeless and to support people who have lost limbs.

Why not try adding different types of sprouting seeds to salads (aduki, broccoli, alfaffa, mung etc) which are produced  by  Aconbury. 

The term "organic" has different meanings in varuous countries but in general describes food grown without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides although natural but still toxic ones may be allowed, so organic does not necessarily mean chemical free.

The shipping of organic food from faraway places may not be energy responsible either so ideally locally produced foodstuffs are best, especially if they are also organic as these are known to have higher concentrations of vitamins and anti-oxidents than similar non-organic foods.

Vegetarian products can be made of protein rich all meat substitutes such as Quorn, Tofu, Pea Protein, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), and Soya.

Remember, vegetarians need to combine different food groups to get essential amino acids: grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts etc. with a variety of low GI carbohydrates throughout the day.

The first Vegetarian resturant in the UK, Cranks of London, was founded in 1961 and now produces bread sold across the UK.

Marlborough has its own well-stocked health food and vegetarian products shop in Hughendon Yard, off the High Street.

Free promotional tools and event organisation ideas are available from www.nationalvegetarianweek.org  This educational charity based in Altrincham, Cheshire,  promotes understanding and respect for vegetarian lifestyles and receives funding from suppliers.

For Vege advice see www.veggie.soc.org  www.nutracheck.co.uk