Starchy staples a sustainable way of living
Carbohydrates have had a bad press recently. However, we shouldn’t be afraid of carbs, Dr Bernard Venn tells Charmian Smith.
Charmian Smith
Re-examining responses to Kiwis going hungry
Re-examining responses to Kiwis going hungry
Most of us don't realise people go hungry in NZ. We don't know how many because there hasn't been a survey for a decade, since the 2008-09 nutrition survey, according to Katharine Cresswell Riol.
Following the process
Following the process
Generally speaking, ultra-processed foods are high energy and lower in nutrients. They are cheap and tasty and easy.
Exploring new preservation techniques
Exploring new preservation techniques
Consumers want food that tastes fresher, is safe, and has a long shelf life, so manufacturers are exploring new processing methods to achieve these goals, Otago University's Phil Bremer says.
Paleo diet not quite as thought
Paleo diet not quite as thought
The paleo diet has become popular over the past 20 years. It's supposedly based on what our Stone Age ancestors may have eaten before they developed agriculture, but is it really what it seems?
Reducing meat and dairy not a case of simple substitution
Reducing meat and dairy not a case of simple substitution
Many people are aiming to reduce their meat and dairy intake as we realise their harmful environmental and health effects, writes Charmian Smith.
Developing healthy relationship with food trumps diet-cycling
Developing healthy relationship with food trumps diet-cycling
When people find themselves putting on weight after dieting they blame themselves, rather than realising that diets don’t work in the long term, says Otago Uni's Associate Prof Caroline Horwarth.
Pupils see from Garden to Table
Pupils see from Garden to Table
The Garden to Table trust believes every child in New Zealand needs to have the skills to grow, cook and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables. Charmian Smith learns how they are doing it.
How diets work (or don't work)
How diets work (or don't work)
Paleo, keto, Atkins, fasting - these are just some of the many trendy weight-loss diets at present. Charmian Smith talks to nutritionist Rachel Brown about how they work and the rebound effect.
Revolutionising food wrapping
Revolutionising food wrapping
Mention food packaging and some people's hackles rise over unnecessary layers of plastic or other wrappings.
Avoiding foodborne illness
Avoiding foodborne illness
It's nearly time for the summer break - lazy days at beaches, baches or camping, with barbecues, picnics and lots of food shared with family and friends.
Being food literate important in today's world
Being food literate important in today's world
Knowing what's in food, its nutrients, where it comes from, as well as having basic skills to prepare it is necessary to function healthily and sustainably in today's world, writes Charmian Smith.
Rich heritage in Sicilian cuisine
Rich heritage in Sicilian cuisine
Halfway between east and west, Europe and North Africa, Sicily is described as the crossroads of the Mediterranean, so it’s not surprising that numerous peoples have washed up on its shores. Almost...
Land of milk and permeate
Land of milk and permeate
I was reading the small print on a carton of milk recently. It claimed to have ''no added permeate'' and because it was ''less processed'' it claimed it had ''more goodness''.
Seniors mastering the cooking basics
Seniors finding inspiration, new skills in cooking classes
Learning to cook is beneficial - whatever your age.
Has meat met its match?
Has meat met its match?
Meat and milk from animals grown on farms may well be a thing of the past for many people when the new products of cellular agriculture come on stream in an estimated four or five years, Charmian Smith writes.
Empowering people to make better choices
Empowering people to make better choices
Californian chef Samin Nosrat had a childhood obsession about NZ, so when she was invited to speak about her best-selling book at the Wellington Writers and Readers' festival recently, she jumped at the chance.
Flocking to Dunedin's farmers market
Flocking to Dunedin's farmers market
At the Otago Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago, stallholders were wearing brightly coloured hats to celebrate the market's 15th birthday.
China waging battle to save ancient wild apple trees
China waging battle to save ancient wild apple trees
Many of our crisp, juicy apple varieties actually originated in Central Asia, discovers Charmian Smith.
Preferences, fashions change the taste of Christmas
Preferences, fashions change the taste of Christmas
These days, Christmas and New Year have become such important celebrations and holidays that it's strange to realise that they weren't always so, Charmian Smith writes.