Food | 25HourNews

Sri Lanka's Beloved Love Cake: A Christmas Tradition with a History of Affection Rich, fruity, nutty, and infused with exotic spices, Sri Lanka's iconic love cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt tradition. Baked primarily during Christmas, this decadent treat holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans across the globe. With its crunchy crust, moist center, and captivating aroma of citrus, rosewater, and spices, love cake offers a warm embrace reminiscent of home.For many, the act of baking love cake is as cherished as eating it. It represents care, patience, and affection—a true labor of love.The Origins of Love Cake: From Portuguese Sailors to Sri Lankan KitchensThe history of love cake dates back to colonial Ceylon, when Portuguese and Dutch settlers brought their culinary traditions to Sri Lanka’s shores. Food historian and chef Dhayanie Williams explains that the cake likely evolved from bolo d’amor, or “cake of love,” a Portuguese delicacy made with semolina, cashew nuts, and sherry.Local ingredients, such as pumpkin preserve and abundant Sri Lankan spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom, adapted the recipe to suit regional tastes. Rosewater—a nod to Arabic influences from Moorish Portugal—added an exotic, floral aroma. The result was a fusion of European techniques and Sri Lankan flavors, creating the beloved dessert known today.A Culinary Symbol of Love and CelebrationWhy is it called love cake? Folklore suggests Sri Lankan women baked it to win the hearts of Portuguese sailors. Another explanation lies in the premium ingredients used—cashews, butter, spices—which were considered luxurious and reserved for the people you cherished most.Traditionally baked by the Dutch Burgher community, love cake has transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries in Sri Lanka. It is now a centerpiece during weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays, symbolizing love, luck, and the bonds of family.Williams notes that “a good love cake must have three distinct layers: a crusty top, a soft, gooey middle, and a firm base.” Achieving this trifecta requires meticulous preparation and attention to detail.A Family Tradition Passed Through GenerationsFor many families, the recipe for love cake is a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations. Variations may include ingredients like brandy, honey, or almond essence, but the core components remain consistent.Chef Williams recalls learning to bake love cake from her Burgher mother-in-law, who referenced classic Sri Lankan cookbooks such as Hilda Deutro
Testaccio: Rome's Hidden Culinary Gem Nestled on the banks of the Tiber River, Testaccio is one of Rome's most beloved neighborhoods, renowned for its rich culinary history and vibrant food scene. Unlike the packed tourist spots near the Colosseum, Testaccio offers an authentic taste of Roman life, where locals flock to enjoy hearty dishes and fresh ingredients. Historically, Testaccio served as Rome's main food hub, acting as a major port that supplied the ancient city with essential supplies like olive oil, wine, and fish. Over the years, it has evolved into a thriving district, preserving its culinary roots while embracing modern-day innovation.A Feast for the Senses: Mercato di TestaccioAt the heart of Testaccio lies the Mercato di Testaccio, a bustling market where Romans shop, eat, and socialize. The market, held twice a month, comes alive during evening food parties, where locals and visitors alike can indulge in classic Roman fare. Traditional dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and supplì (deep-fried risotto balls) are served alongside local wine, beer, and music, creating a lively atmosphere for a truly Roman experience. Unlike the tourist traps near famous landmarks, Testaccio feels like a hidden gem, where the true spirit of Rome shines through in every bite and conversation.A Glimpse Into Ancient Rome: The Amphora GraveyardTestaccio’s rich history is not just reflected in its food but also in its underground layers. Beneath the market lies a fascinating archaeological site known as the amphora graveyard. Dating back to the 1st to 3rd centuries CE, this site houses discarded pottery that once transported food supplies to ancient Rome. The amphorae were used to carry ingredients such as olive oil and wine, and when emptied, the jars were often shattered and discarded, creating a 35-meter-high hill of broken pottery. This unique feature, called Monte Testaccio, serves as a testament to the neighborhood’s vital role in ancient Rome’s food supply chain.Cucina Povera: The Birth of Rome’s “Cuisine of the Poor”Testaccio’s culinary legacy is closely tied to the concept of "cucina povera," or the “cuisine of the poor.” As the neighborhood grew into a working-class district in the late 19th century, local chefs began using humble, inexpensive ingredients to create flavorful, hearty dishes. Offal, once considered scraps, was transformed into dishes that are now considered staples of Roman cuisine. One such dish, coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), became a signature offe
TV Ban on Junk Food Advertisements: A Bold Step Towards Healthier Habits The recent TV ban on junk food advertisements marks a significant step toward promoting healthier lifestyles. With rising concerns about childhood obesity and the increasing consumption of unhealthy foods, this ban aims to reduce the exposure of young audiences to harmful food marketing. The impact of junk food advertising, particularly on television, has been widely debated for its role in shaping eating habits and contributing to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.Studies have shown that children are particularly vulnerable to advertisements, often unable to distinguish between entertainment and commercial intent. This makes them more likely to choose unhealthy snacks and fast food, as advertised in these commercials. By banning junk food ads during children's programming, the policy seeks to curb the influence of these persuasive marketing tactics on young minds.The move is seen as part of a broader effort to tackle public health challenges linked to poor diets. Experts believe that reducing junk food exposure will encourage healthier eating habits among children and adults alike. The TV ban is not just about restricting advertisements; it’s about fostering an environment where nutritious food choices become the norm rather than the exception.While the ban may face challenges from the advertising industry, the focus remains on the long-term health benefits. In the end, this regulation could pave the way for a healthier generation, less influenced by the pervasive and often misleading messages of junk food advertising.
The Apple Library: Preserving Britain's Lost Apple Varieties The "apple library" at Brogdale Farms in Kent, UK, is a fascinating living repository of over 2,000 apple varieties, preserving the rich history of British apple cultivation. This collection includes not only well-known apples like Cox's Orange Pippin but also obscure and rare varieties that have fallen out of favor in commercial production due to the rise of newer, more commercially viable apple breeds.Founded over 100 years ago, the collection's original purpose was to support British apple breeders and growers. Today, it serves as a vital resource for scientists studying the genetics of apples. Due to apples not breeding true from seed, grafting has been used for centuries to preserve desirable apple varieties. This method has resulted in trees that are clones of their progenitors, some of which may date back to Roman times.While the commercial apple industry in the UK has declined, with most apples now imported from abroad, the collection at Brogdale provides a living record of the diversity of apples once grown in Britain. Researchers are also using the collection to trace the genetic lineage of apples, uncovering surprising relationships between varieties, such as the connection between the Cox's Orange Pippin and ancient cultivars from France.This orchard is not just a historical archive but a vital part of ongoing efforts to map the genealogy of apples, offering insights into their evolution and the long-standing cultural significance of apples in the UK.
The Specialty Coffee Wave Sweeping Small-Town Jalandhar’s Coffee TrailblazerHarmanpreet Singh, the owner of Buland Café in Jalandhar, exemplifies this growing trend. Leaving behind his family bakery, he ventured into the specialty coffee scene after observing increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.Singh honed his skills in Bengaluru, learning about brewing techniques, café ambiance, and customer experience. His efforts paid off—Buland Café now boasts 40 outlets in Jalandhar. Singh attributes his success to sourcing premium beans from Karnataka and ensuring his staff masters the art of brewing.“It’s not just about coffee; it’s about the experience,” says Singh, emphasizing the importance of ambiance, service, and customer connection.The Rise of Café Culture in Tier-Two CitiesThe specialty coffee boom is no longer confined to major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Post-pandemic, smaller cities such as Ranchi, Ludhiana, and Lucknow are witnessing a surge in demand. Factors contributing to this include remote work, increased disposable income, and a desire for social spaces.Bharat Singhal, founder of Billi Hu roasteries, notes that customers are becoming more discerning. “They want to know the origin of their coffee and are willing to pay for quality.”Social Media and the Aesthetic AppealSocial media plays a significant role in popularizing specialty coffee. A well-designed café with Instagram-worthy aesthetics can draw in a crowd just as much as a good cup of coffee.Nishant Sinha from Roastery Coffee House in Lucknow capitalized on this trend by offering cozy seating, free Wi-Fi, and a variety of coffee options. His café’s ambiance is just as much of a draw as the coffee itself.Experimenting with Local FlavorsEntrepreneurs are also innovating by blending traditional flavors with specialty coffee. Jatin Khurana’s Urban Buhkkad café in Ludhiana offers a nostalgic “Shadi Wali Coffee,” a modern take on a wedding favorite.“We want to capture the essence of what people grew up with, but elevate it with freshly ground beans and different roasts,” explains Khurana.Challenges in the Specialty Coffee BusinessDespite its growth, the specialty coffee industry in small towns faces challenges. High-quality coffee machines, trained baristas, and premium beans come at a cost. Some café owners cut corners, leading to inconsistent quality.Neha Das and Nishant Ashish, owners of The Eden’s Café in Ranchi, highlight the importance of balancing profitability with customer
Switch Secret Santa for Food Bank Donations: Spreading Holiday Cheer Where It’s Needed Most As the holiday season approaches, many of us prepare for gift exchanges, with Secret Santa being a popular tradition. While exchanging small gifts can be fun, a growing movement encourages people to channel this festive spirit into something more impactful—donating to food banks instead.Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly during the holidays when financial pressures are at their peak. By swapping Secret Santa gifts for food bank donations, you can bring meaningful joy to those in need while fostering a sense of community and generosity among your friends or coworkers.The idea is simple: instead of buying novelty items or small presents, each participant contributes non-perishable food items, toiletries, or monetary donations to a local food bank. Some workplaces and social groups have even turned this into a collaborative event, where everyone pools resources to make a substantial collective impact.This initiative not only helps families struggling to put meals on the table but also aligns with the true spirit of the season—giving and caring for others. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in someone’s life, turning a lighthearted holiday tradition into an act of kindness with lasting effects.This year, consider skipping the stress of shopping for Secret Santa gifts and embrace the joy of giving to those who need it most. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for everyone.
Hidden Sugars in Baby Food Across Asia Raise Health Concerns Jennylyn M. Barrios, a busy make-up artist in Manila, often finds herself balancing work and motherhood, leaving little time to prepare homemade meals for her 10-month-old son, Uno. As a result, she relies on convenient baby food options, such as Cerelac, to feed her growing baby. "If I need to make something from scratch, I need to work double time before I finish the product," Jennylyn explains. "But for Cerelac, I just add hot water and prepare the mix. It’s easy, available, and affordable — perfect for working mums like me."Jennylyn is not alone in her reliance on pre-packaged baby food. In the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, the demand for instant cereals, porridges, pureed foods, pouches, and snacks has surged, with sales doubling in the last five years. Cerelac, an instant porridge mix from Nestlé, is a top seller in the region, offering both convenience and affordability, especially in the face of rising living costs.On social media, many parents share photos of their smiling infants enjoying Cerelac, praising the product for providing essential nutrients. However, some of these products may contain more than just the advertised benefits. Certain flavors of Cerelac sold in Southeast Asia, unlike those in other countries like the UK, include added sugars, raising concerns among health professionals. As more parents turn to convenient foods over traditional diets, experts worry about the potential long-term health effects of these hidden sugars on infants in the region
Tackling Food Waste with Discounted Surplus Food Boxes Social impact company Too Good to Go is addressing food waste through a unique service that delivers discounted surplus food boxes to consumers. Operating out of Ceva Logistics’ warehouse in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the company rescues food products from manufacturers that would otherwise be discarded, providing a sustainable solution to food waste while benefiting consumers with affordable food options.The initiative has seen a tremendous response, with more than a million food items processed at the warehouse in the first few weeks alone. Customers can purchase boxes filled with a mix of excess products, making it a cost-effective choice for consumers while reducing waste in the food industry."A Triple Win" for Consumers, Businesses, and the PlanetJamie Crummie, 33, who co-founded Too Good to Go in 2015, views the project as a “triple win,” benefiting consumers, businesses, and the environment. He highlighted the vast scale of food waste, noting that about 40% of food produced globally ends up as waste. By diverting excess products to consumers, the company contributes to a more sustainable food supply chain.“We are able to rescue that food and put it to good use rather than letting it go to waste,” Crummie explained. His vision has driven the company’s mission to make a measurable impact on food waste across the UK and beyond.Massive Food Waste Reduction Efforts with Ceva LogisticsStuart Hearn, business development manager at Ceva Logistics, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting this endeavor. "We receive up to four containers of surplus products per day and have processed over a million items in the first few weeks," he said. Ceva Logistics' operational scale is key to the project’s success, enabling the efficient handling of high volumes of surplus food.Food Waste in the UK: A Costly ProblemAccording to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), food waste in the UK amounted to 10.7 million tonnes in 2021, costing households hundreds of pounds per year. Too Good to Go’s model provides a practical approach to reduce these figures by connecting consumers directly with surplus goods, making a real difference in households while promoting sustainability.Through this surplus food box initiative, Too Good to Go exemplifies how innovative thinking can tackle significant global challenges. The project not only saves money for consumers but also plays a critical role in reducing food waste, making it a promising model for