Italians have their pizza and Japanese have bentō, but for countless years Brits have tucked into sandwiches. From (slightly squashed) egg and mayonnaise on the school trip, to ham and tomato, made by mum for a first day at work, sandwiches trigger a host of memories. But boy have they changed recently.
Those rather plain but nutritious staples have made way to an incredible choice of both international and traditional delights, often available just two minutes from the work-place. From small sandwich businesses to supermarkets and national chains the choice is almost overwhelming.
And after a year of many making lunch at home, the sandwich outlets are poised with great new selections for when we pop out of the office.
So let’s celebrate British Sandwich Week (16th-22nd May), organised by The British Sandwich & Food to Go Association, the trade body representing interests of food on the move businesses.
Creative sarnies are judged in the prestigious Sandwich & Food to Go Designer competition (part of the annual British Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards – the ‘Sammies’). Some of the winning designs are quite incredible, like The Poacher’s Pocket, created by Catherine Farrell, of Park Royal (featured above). It’s based on a Mission Foods chocolate flavour vegan tortilla, with Venison Jus Mayonaise, Blackberry & Juniper Chutney, Seared Venison Steak, Shoestring Potato & Nettle Fries, Lambs Lettuce and Pickled Walnuts – worth a Michelin star all by itself.
If you do make your own sandwiches check out these tips based on research by the University of Leeds.
A nationwide survey has shown that the BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) is officially the UK’s most popular sandwich for the second year running. And I can recommend a delicious combination, the Boots BLT, Prawn Mayo and Chicken salad pack. I’ve just taste-tested Boot’s Vegan No Duck & Hoisin wrap too and it’s the best duck & hoisin wrap I’ve ever tasted, actually better than one with real meat.
So treat yourself with something different this week – and if you want to try making some of the winning sandwich recipes yourself they can be found at British Sandwich Week
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.