Malta Meat Free Week
This year, Malta Meat Free Week will be taking place between the 18th and 24th of October. This event is about taking the leap and quitting meat for one week!
This is a great opportunity to make a real difference. Giving up meat does wonders to reduce your carbon footprint as well as being great for your health.
The Impact of Meat on The Planet
The impact of animal agriculture on the planet is twofold. Firstly, it contributes to mass deforestation as large swathes of land are required to grow the crops needed to feed farm animals. Additionally, farm animals contribute to the production of massive amounts of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. These gases are a significant contributing factor to global warming.
Locally available brands such as Quorn are extra passionate about the impact that our food has on the environment. In fact, the carbon footprint of Quorn’s mince is 90% lower than that of beef.
Meat and your Health
Eating more plant-based foods can help lower your cholesterol and improve your heart health as well as being better for your waistline. Researchers have been studying the relationship between diet and health for quite a long time. Here are some of their findings:
- Researchers have found that switching to a plant-based diet helps improve your cholesterol levels.
- Eating more fruits and vegetables helps reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Eating more vegetables helps reduce your risk of chronic heart disease.
Find out more about making a plant-based diet work for you from the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Health.
Quorn: Our Favourite Meat-Free Brand
Quorn recognises that our current eating habits are damaging the planet in a manner that is unsustainable. Switching to a more sustainable source of protein such as Quorn’s mycoprotein can help the planet one bite at a time. In fact, by swapping beef mince for Quorn mince in just one meal, you save the green house gas equivalent of charging your phone for 3 years.
Mycoprotein is a protein source that is both high in fibre and low in saturated fat. It is made from a nutritious fungus called Fusarium venenatum that is grown in soil.
Quorn’s mycoprotein has a carbon footprint that is:
- 40x lower than that of beef
- 6x lower than that of chicken
and a water footprint that is:
- 30x lower that that of beef
- 6x lower than that of chicken
This makes it a great option for those looking for a more sustainable source of protein.
Meat Free Meals Don’t have to be Boring
It is a common myth that vegetarian and vegan dishes are bland, boring and unsatisfying. We’re here to bust those myths with some exciting ideas for delicious, protein rich meals that will keep you going throughout Meat-Free Week.
Breakfast
Starting with breakfast, we’re going for a classic fry-up!
- Pan fry your Quorn Sausages by simply adding a splash of oil to a pan on medium to high heat to help caramelise your sausages. Turn your sausages frequently until they colour up evenly.
- Next pan fry your Quorn Bacon over a medium heat for two minutes, turning halfway. The bacon can also be grilled on a medium heat for three minutes.
- Then serve your sausages and bacon with some buttered toast, veggies and eggs for a meat-free breakfast of champions!
Quorn Sausages are also ideal for BBQs, casseroles and warming stews.
Lunch
For lunch, why not try a satisfying plate of spaghetti and “meatballs”?
- Preheat 1 tbsp. of oil
- Cook your Quorn Swedish Style Balls over a medium heat, turning frequently
- Serve with a rich tomato sauce and a good helping of spaghetti for a satisfying meal that is rich in both protein and fibre
Dinner
Lastly, we have certainly got you covered for dinner with these fantastic fajitas!
- Pan fry a chopped onion and a chopped bell pepper in 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat
- Stir in a packet of Quorn pieces and some chilli paste or flakes (to taste), along with 1-2 tbsp of water, to achieve the desired consistency
- Stir, cover and simmer on a medium heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Quorn pieces are cooked through.
- Serve immediately with warmed tortillas, and a side of salsa or guacamole.
We also highly recommend this recipe for a warming Thai curry. Or else, satisfy your inner child with a serving of crunchy nuggets or vegan roarsomes served with a side of potatoes and your favourite veggies!
Not feeling inspired yet? Quorn has a wide variety of recipes, you’re sure to find one that suits your tastes.
Check out the full Quorn range available locally.