Creativity is Inevitable

By Shola Oladipo, Food for Purpose CEO 

No matter how we view it, the cost of living is revealing tremendous resilience in some quarters. From being more creative with meals and avoiding waste, to brilliant energy saving hacks, there is unending innovation - even during trying times.

One thing about humans is our ability to adapt and prevail during adversity. 

I am always fascinated by the brilliant levels of creativity that are born in times of scarcity. I am not saying this to disregard those who are struggling, but let’s also remind ourselves of the miraculous nature of creativity that we possess.

As we dig deep this month of May, I pray you find inner strength and unique ideas that bring solutions to modern day issues both home and abroad! 

Blessings

 Featured this Month

• CEO Says - Creativity is Inevitable

• News

• Recipe of the Month - Egyptian Barley Salad

• A-Z of Soul Food - I is Iru

• National Walking Month

• Special Guest Contributor - Mahmoud Natty

• Miss Tea's Blog

 Food for Purpose News

• Dance Aerobics

  • Did you know that our dance aerobics classes begin in May in Lewisham…

• National walking month

  • Is upon us! Get involved…

• Portion Plates

  • Our online portion plates will be available for purchase later this month - keep an eye out for how to download and purchase them.

• Cranberry juice and urine infections - new research:

  • Drinking cranberry juice has long been a mythical prevention strategy for women who develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) -- and new medical evidence shows consuming cranberry products MAY be an effective way to prevent a UTI before it gets started, in some people. A global study looking at the benefits of cranberry products has determined cranberry juice, and its supplements, reduce the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter, in children by more than half, and in people susceptible to UTI following medical interventions by about 53%.

    See link for more details: what do you think?

    www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230420080722.htm

• National Days / Weeks / Month - May

  • May 1st-31st - National Walking Month

  • May 1st-31st - May Measure Month

  • May 15th-21st - Salt Awareness Week

  • May 15th-21st - Mental Health Awareness Week

  • May 15th-21st - National Vegetarian Week

  • May 17th - World Hypertension Day

Egyptian Barley Salad

A salad inspired by Egyptian flavours that combines barley, feta, pistachios, raisins and pomegranate seeds.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups pearl barley

• Salt and pepper

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh coriander

• ½ cup golden raisins

• ½ cup unsalted shelled pistachios or walnuts, chopped coarsely

• 4 oz feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes

• ½ cup scallions / spring onions, green parts only, thinly sliced (you'll need 4 to 6)

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

Method:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add barley and return to boil, cooking until tender, about 45 minutes, or according to package instructions.

2. Drain barley, spread onto a rimmed baking sheet, and let cool completely, about 15 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, cinnamon, cumin, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

4. Add the barley, coriander, raisins, and pistachios (or walnuts) and gently toss to combine.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve barley salad with feta, scallions / spring onions, and pomegranate seeds and drizzle with extra olive oil.
   
   Pictures courtesy of the Once Upon a Chef and Bowl of Delicious websites:

   https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/egyptian-barley-salad-with-pomegranate-vinaigrette.html
   
   https://www.bowlofdelicious.com/egyptian-barley-salad/

 A-Z of Soul Food

This month, we’re celebrating Iru for the letter I

Iru

Iru, dadawa or dawadawa is a traditional food ingredient that is popular in West African cuisine, particularly among the Yoruba and Hausa peoples of Nigeria. Iru is known for its pungent smell and strong taste, which makes it a unique and essential ingredient in many traditional dishes such as Ayamase and Ewedu. Iru is also used to make sauces for swallows such as pounded yam, as well as for seasoning meat and fish.

Origin and Preparation:

Iru is most commonly made from locust beans that are harvested, boiled, and then left to ferment for a few days. During the fermentation process, the beans are left to undergo natural bacterial fermentation. This process creates a unique taste and aroma that is characteristic of iru. 

Different types of Iru: 

There are several different types of iru, which can vary in taste, texture, and appearance depending on the method of preparation, the type of locust bean used, and the region of origin. 

Here are some of the most common types of iru:

1.      Iru Pete: This is the most popular type of iru and is made from the fermented seeds of the African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa). It has a strong, pungent aroma and a slightly sour taste.

2.      Iru Worowo: This type of iru is made from the fermented seeds of the Locust bean tree (Daniellia oliveri). It has a milder taste and a smoother texture compared to Iru Pete.

3.      Iru Dadawa: This type of iru is made from the fermented seeds of the Jack bean (Canavalia gladiata). It has a slightly sweet taste and a softer texture.

4.      Iru Lopa: This type of iru is made from the fermented seeds of the Tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica). It has a unique sour taste and is often used in soups and stews.

5.      Iru Ijebu: This type of iru is made using a special process that involves boiling the locust beans first before fermentation. It is popular in the Ijebu region of Nigeria and has a less pungent aroma compared to other types of iru.

Cooking with Iru:

To use iru in cooking, the fermented beans are mashed, ground into a paste or added whole to the dish during cooking. The flavour of iru is very strong, so a little goes a long way. 

Nutritional Information:

Iru is a nutritious food ingredient that contains a range of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and calcium, and is also low in fat and calories. In addition to its nutritional value, iru is also purported to have several health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

Where to Buy Iru in the UK:

If you are looking to buy iru in the UK, African grocery stores are the best places to look for iru. 

Overall, each type of iru has its own distinct flavour and aroma, which makes it a versatile ingredient in various traditional dishes in West African cuisine.

Picture courtesy of Pulse Nigeria:
https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/iru-these-are-amazing-health-benefits-of-african-locust-bean/406dxhc

National Walking Month

By Precious Oladipo, FFP Director & Fitness Lead

Happy National Walking Month!

This month we would like you to invite you to join us for ’15 Days of Purpose Walks!’

There are 15 challenges for you to complete throughout the month of May, and there is also a prize up for grabs. All you have to do is send us proof of you completing each challenge by either tagging us on social media or submitting photos / videos via email (precious.oladipo@foodforpurpose.org) for your chance to win a £30 Amazon voucher!

If the prize isn’t convincing enough, here are some other reasons why you should get walking this month:

* Improved cardiovascular fitness

* Stronger bones

* Improved balance

* Better management of existing conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes

* Increased muscle strength

* Improves sleep quality and mood

Make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear, and make sure you stay hydrated - happy walking!

 Special Guest Contributor

Mahmoud Natty

4th year BSc Nutrition and Dietetics student

Hi, my name is Mahmoud Natty, a 4th year Bsc Nutrition and Dietetics student. I am currently on final placement, and thoroughly enjoying my experience. I have a passion for cooking, reading, and language learning, believing that learning new languages broadens the mind and allows for greater cultural understanding.

As a black male student in a field that is predominantly female, I am aware of the importance of increased representation for the BAME community. I believe that greater diversity in dietetics will help to address health inequalities, particularly in ethnic minority communities. I aspire to bring more cultural awareness to the profession, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity in dietary advice and the need for tailored interventions for different communities.

My passion for cooking and nutrition stems from my upbringing, where I was exposed to a variety of cuisines and cultural practices (by virtue of living in a cosmopolitan city like London). I believe that food is not only a source of nourishment but also a way of bringing people together and celebrating cultural diversity.

Overall, I am an enthusiastic, ambitious and motivated person who is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and diversity within nutrition and dietetics.

Hello there, loyal PY readers!  How is everyone? 🥰 Here’s hoping that all is peaceful and calm in your lives, despite the daily personal challenges we all face😊

This month, I'm sharing some money-saving tips, which I really do hope that some, if not all of you, will find useful 💵💰💸

🚨🆓There’s also a free downloadable Spending Planner!🆓🚨

Don’t forget - we’re always more than happy to consider the incorporation of any ideas you may have in terms of articles you’d like to see in Purposeful You in future👍🏾

Picture courtesy of the Mirror website:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/shopping-deals/i-saved-86-buying-yellow-26758738

Don’t be one of the people the credit card companies make their money out of - be one of the smart ones who make credit cards work for them 😉

Here is a free Spending Planner from the brilliant financial wizard and YouTuber Peter Komolafe. If you’d like to use it, please go and give his video a thumb’s up and consider subscribing to his channel.

Click the image to download: