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Published on 14 July 2011
The Coven goes 'Raw'
Background: The Coven has always made their food from scratch using original 'raw' ingredients - this is very different from most other cafes/restaurants that buy in pre-prepared food, heat - then garnish! Our aim has also been to introduce as many people as possible to the delights of 'alternative diets' - such as vegetarianism & veganism and two years ago extended this to made much of our food available wheat and gluten-free too. The health benefits from these diets are undeniable and we are always seeking to improve the offer to our lovely customers.
Whats New? Whats new is that we are learning how to prepare & serve delicious whole meals that only contain uncooked ingredients.
What's Raw Food? Proponents of raw food diets claim you achieve renewed energy and health by following a diet consisting of foods not heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods kept below this temperature are still 'alive' and key enzymes are retained that would otherwise be lost through cooking. There are many websites that contain good information on Raw Food - one is on the LiveStrong Site. Our experience so far is that these meals are highly satisfying and seem to provide a rapid burst of energy!
Doesn't Food Lack Flavour and Texture? Certainly not! Our experience so far is that flavours are enhanced and textures and 'bite' can be created through the use of special 'food dehydrators' in additional to fresh ingredients - from this we can create some fabulous flavours and textures. The Coven has a food dehydrator (supplied by www.juiceland.co.uk) and both Maria & Saida are getting to grips with just what it can produce. The key thing is that the dehydrator is not allowed to heat the food above the magic 118 degrees Farenheight (just of 40 degrees celcius) so that the living enzymes are not damaged.
Can you use Normal Ingredients - But Not Heat Them? Essentially, No! To qualify as fully 'raw' we have to use ingredients that have not been heated above 118F - and that excludes most normal ingredients/seasonings/oils etc. For example, we must use cold-pressed olive oils, raw agave nectar (a sweetener), liquid aminos (an alternative to soy sauce), higher quality, unprocessed salts and many other 'everyday' seasonings. Its a challenge, but one that Maria & Saida are loving. We can't even use normal chocolate but raw ground c
acao beans! Our larder just gained a whole new section! Our favourite ingredient, Chickpeas are cooked so we have made hummous and falafel using novel (raw) ingredients that maintain the great texture and flavour you are used to!
Do You Have to Be on a Raw Food Diet to Eat/Enjoy This Stuff? :-) Absolutely not ... food is food is food - even ignoring the health benefits of eating more unprocessed raw food, this food is very delicious and
offers new flavours and textures that you'll just love. Have some as an alternative to your normal choices - just as many of our customers eat veggie/vegan/wheat-free food whilst having no dietary needs or preferences - its just good food! Enjoy!
If you'ld like to find out more - including daily specials, events and new product launches - join us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/thecovenwigan