02/02/22
DEHYDRATING FRUIT & VEG
A SPOTLIGHT ON
BRIGHTON & HOVE
FOOD PARTNERSHIP
BRIGHT
The Flavour Kitchen project creates dehydrated vegetables packs and distributes them to the local community as a meal-in-a-bag imitative. One
of the main objectives is for the packs to liven up otherwise unvarying
food parcels. The packs are easy to add to tinned goods such as
tomatoes and beans, and creates another vibrant
meal altogether.
The project would not have been possible without our match funding from Big Lottery Ready Healthy Eat.
There are a variety of flavours and combinations that are easy to use
and add an extra source of nutrition. Examples are a Puttanesca and
Ratatouille pack which can be cooked up with a tin of tomatoes and
served with pasta. Alternatives are an Asian style broth to eat with
rice or noodles or a hearty root vegetable stew pack. This last one goes
well with a tin of white beans or tinned tomatoes.
With the aim of extending shelf life, we are dehydrating surplus
fruit and vegetables. The dehydrating process itself is simple. It makes
the fruit and vegetables smaller, which allows for more space while
still maintaining some nutrition.
The dehydration and assembly of
the packs are being done at the Community Kitchen, with the help of
volunteers during our regular ‘Chop and Chats’. These workshops combine
food processing with wellbeing, sharing stories and laughing together.
The surplus has been sourced by project partner FareshareSussex.
We hope to open up other supplier opportunities with nearing food
outlets such as HISBEs and Infinity Foods, both organic and locally
sourced food outlets.
The pandemic saw Calvin join the volunteer
team. He has been a vital part of the project as he has been picking up
the surplus produce from FareshareSussex’ warehouse. He also did
processing work and has become a key member of the Chop and Chats –
adding a lot of knowledge and funny trivia.
Calvin has been undergoing interviews for potential jobs as a driver, and we eagerly await a successful application.
It is fun, a friendly atmosphere and I have made friends with
people. It’s given me new skills and made me be more adventurous with my
meals, including healthy stuff.
Calvin