The other week I was invited to spend the day at Yeo Valley farm in Somerset with a number of other bloggers for the launch of #OrganicSeptember. We had a lovely day; yummy organic breakfast treats in the Yeo Valley Cafe followed by a presentation from the team at The Soil Association. Not only was it super informative, the team are so passionate it’s hard not to get excited about the fantastic work they’re doing.
We then went on a farm tour in the glorious sunshine, then a cooking demo by the resident chef who created some super delicious dal (as you can imagine I was very happy) and braised cauliflower which we then ate for lunch with big plates of salad.
We left with bulging goodie bags and lots more information about the great work the soil association are doing.
So it’s a great opportunity to talk about why I think it’s important to try and eat organic produce and support organic farmers when you can, and I know it can be more expensive but I personally think it’s worth it – here’s a few reasons why;
Essentially it means more of the good stuff, less of the bad…Food that you can actually trust.
So, higher levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides, no manufactured herbicides or artificial fertilisers, more environmentally sustainable management of the land and natural environment – which all helps wildlife flourish.
And more importantly it means that;
– No GM ingredients, hydrogenated fats, additives like aspartame, tartrazine or MSG.
– No antibiotics which are routinely given to animals which are passed down the food chain and causes long term issues with antibiotic resistance.
– Fewer pesticides – 1 in 3 non organic foods contain pesticides and 75% of fruit.
* In fact the ‘probable carcinogen’ Glyphosate which is sprayed on wheat is now appearing in up to 30% of bread tested.
Something I hear quite a lot is the question – Is organic better nutritionally?
According to a new peice of research by the British Journal of Nutrition that there are big nutritional differences between organic and non organic food. Organic crops were found to contain 68% more anti oxidants (fruit, cereals, veg) and lower concentrations of pesticides.
I think we all know that our wildlife has been declining dramatically in the last 50 years, in fact 75% is in decline. Thankfully organic farming helps to support the reduction as organic farms have 50% more wildlife.
Why does it cost more?
Because basically it costs more to produce; it takes more time (the conversion period is two years), investment in trees and hedgerows can be needed and crop rotations needs.
#OrganicSeptember
This fantastic campaign is all about making small changes to your shopping by choosing organic – lots of small changes make a big difference.
I always buy organic where I can but I’m going to make an extra effort to make sure I get as much organic veg as I can.
Because good things happen when you go organic.
A big thank you to The Soil Association, Yeo Valley and Good Energy for the visit. It was a lovely and inspiring day. Find out more about #organicSeptmber here.
Warm Roast Veg Salad – for when you don’t know what the weather will do
I love salad, especially when it’s packed full of wholesome roast veg, crunchy toasted walnuts and my special lemony green dressing.
This salad contains some of my all time favourite veggies; cauliflower, beetroots and butternut squash – what could be better? And when combined with deliciously peppery rocket, crunchy toasted walnuts and little explosions of juice sweetness form the pomegranate seeds it’s so good.
A word on my gorgeous green dressing; it’s a variation on my tahini dressing (without the tahini) but with lots of herbs from the garden; fresh mint and fragrant coriander and packs a flavour punch.
I'd love to know if you made this recipe.
Use #RebelRecipes and tag @RebelRecipes
Did you know that I have a new cookbook?
It's called Rebel Recipes and I'm so proud of it. If you like my recipes I know you'll love my cookbook - It took me over a year to develop (and years in the making) and it's packed with deliciously vibrant veg packed recipes!

Thank you so much for writing about how our food choices affect the health of our soil, ecosystem and wildlife. It was concern for the soil and environment that first set me on my organic food journey and remains the most important consideration in my choosing to spend our food dollars (and more, actually) this way.
Thank you too for the lovely recipe. I know it will be utterly delicious!
Thank you so much Kathryn for your kind comment.
Love Niki xx
Hi Niki. Such a great post! What a great visit. Seems that you had an amazing time there. I really love this salad idea. I will add and link in my next post to this salad because autumn starts and I really love to cook more pumkin as well. xoxo Janine
Hey Janine
I really did! So inspiring.
Love, Niki xxx
You were invited to such an amazing event! I’ve always wanted to explore a farm and participate in a cooking demo! The salad that you made looks absolutely delicious as well!
Thanks so much Cassie!
Love Niki xx
What a fun visit to the Yeo Valley farm! And this fall salad sounds heavenly. So many of my favorite veggies.
Hh Brittany
So glad you like!
Love Niki xxx
[…] two reasons firstly because I’m supporting #OrganicSeptember (you can read about this in my previous post), so the guys at Mr Organic kindly sent me some of their delicious range of products which included […]