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Bottoms Up! Let's drink to Kooky!

Bottoms Up! Let's drink to Kooky!

One of the best things about dried fruit is its versatility. Our Kooky Munchsters already know that our fruit can be added to breakfast bowls, smoothies and bakes for a boost of colour and pop of flavour. They can even be used in savoury cooking for that unexpected dose of umami! But did you know that our pretty unique fruit are also the perfect addition to cocktails (and mocktails!)?       Earlier this year, our gently dried dragon fruit was used as the ultimate garnish in Club Soda's house cocktail of the month, How Do I Leaf Without You? A blend of kombucha, rosehip and hibiscus syrup, this was a vibrant, alcohol-free concoction, in line with the establishment's goal to...

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FODMAPS: More than a Gut Feeling

FODMAPS: More than a Gut Feeling

FODMAPs are all the rage at the moment but what exactly are they? FODMAPS (Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols) are actually a group of sugars that aren't completely digested or absorbed in our intestines and have earned themselves a bad name amidst the IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) community.     Magical Mangosteen breakfast bowl by Saskia   They move slowly in the small intestine, attracting water. And when they move into the large intestine, they are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas. It is this extra water and gas that cause the intestinal wall to stretch and expand, resulting in pain and discomfort, especially in IBS sufferers who are already predisposed to a highly sensitive gut and slow motility...

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Eat a Rainbow: Colour Me Kooky!

Eat a Rainbow: Colour Me Kooky!

We've always heard about the benefits of eating a rainbow but what exactly does that involve? To put it simply, it basically means maintaining a diet that includes a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Plants contain a range of pigments, or phytonutrients, which give them their colour and different colours correspond to specific nutrients and health benefits.       Interestingly, almost ALL studies show numerous benefits from eating a wide range of fruits and vegetables, with literally no downsides! By incorporating a variety of colour in your diet, you're giving your body an array of vitamins, minerals and phytochemical, which is great for health.       Here at Kooky, we love living life in technicolour and that...

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Kooky Breakfast Bowls: The Best Way to Start your Day!

Kooky Breakfast Bowls: The Best Way to Start your Day!

January is always a tough month – we’re reeling from Christmas festivities and winter has started to lose its charm. The dark, cold days and frosty mornings certainly do nothing for the chill in our bones! If you’re looking for something to take the edge off and replace that with a bit of tropical sunshine, look no further.     Warming Mango Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Bowl by Ki @kis.kitchen_   What we have truly enjoyed since founding Kooky, is seeing the incredible breakfast bowls that our Kooky Cooks and Kooky Munchsters have created! Warming and nutritious, we can’t think of a more wholesome way to start the day. It doesn’t matter if you’re Team Oats or Porridge Platoon, you can...

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Mulled Wine Cupcakes

Mulled Wine Cupcakes

Tis' the season to be jolly and there's no better way to load up on some Christmas cheer!    The lovely Sienna Tse whipped up with some mouth-watering, mind-blowing cocoa cupcakes, which she topped with Kooky gently dried dragon fruit! We love how she got creative and added a festive twist by using mulled wine and cinnamon for that hint of spice 🎄    The recipe is easy to follow and promises to be a hit with everyone!   For Cupcakes:75g unsalted butter (softened)100g sugar2 eggs2 tsp mulled wine syrup150ml sour cream15g cocoa powder175g cake flour½ tsp baking powder½ tsp baking soda¼ tsp salt2 tsp natural red food colouring   Method:1. Preheat oven to 145C2. Beat butter and sugar till light and fluffy3. Add egg...

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How is Freeze Dried Fruit Made?: Behind the Scenes

How is Freeze Dried Fruit Made?: Behind the Scenes

How is freeze dried fruit made? This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes of Kooky to find out more about the process of how our delicious freeze dried fruit is made.

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Cop27 in Egypt - Green & Ethical Checklist from The Guardian

Cop27 in Egypt - Green & Ethical Checklist from The Guardian

The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Paris Agreement, was held from 6-20th November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.     We were proud to feature in The Guardian Green & Ethical Checklist published during Cop27.   As mothers, we feel the pressing need to protect our planet and create a safe and sustainable planet for our children and the generations ahead. Climate change and the ensuing collateral damage can no longer be ignored.   We are taking steps to address these issues and are now members of 1% for the Planet, pledging 1% of our annual earnings to the charity, with the funds distributed to various environmental organisations globally.    We are...

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Multi Award Winning Dried Fruits: Unique Tropical Fruit

Multi Award Winning Dried Fruits: Unique Tropical Fruit

WOW, we've won! And we still can't quite believe it!   All our fruits are officially award winners - from The Great Taste Awards 2022, Nourish Awards 2022, Nourish Kids Awards 2022 to Free From Food Awards 2022, we're so pleased to say we've bagged them all! 🏆            Freeze Dried Mangosteen   Freeze Dried Mango      Freeze Dried Jackfruit                          Gently Dried Dragon Fruit    Gently Dried Banana     When we first started Kooky, it was almost an entirely different time and space, with us somewhat naively thinking that our main challenge would be to convince Westerners to accept and love our exotic fruit. Little did we know...

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Women for Women International: Reason to Celebrate!

Women for Women International: Reason to Celebrate!

There's reason to celebrate! We are filled with pride and are thrilled to celebrate another one of our sponsored sisters, Sarah Davou, as she graduates from Women for Women International's Stronger Women, Stronger Nations programme!       Here at Kooky, empowerment lies at the very core of our ethos and we have partnered with Women for Women International. supporting women in war-torn countries as they rebuild their lives, regain financial independence and re-find the person they once were and are meant to be.   Sarah has a truly remarkable story and her grit, determination and passion are truly inspirational. She was orphaned early in life, with poverty necessitating the end of her education and desperation fuelling her marriage to her husband,...

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Kooky Cooks: Dragon Fruit x Pili Nuts Nice Cream

Kooky Cooks: Dragon Fruit x Pili Nuts Nice Cream

Uber talented recipe creator, photography extraordinaire and multi-tasking maestro, Anton @wholesomelivity, has been busy getting Kooky in the kitchen!    We've also jumped on the Dragon Fruit dessert craze and Anton has concocted a wonderful no-churn ice cream that's simply made from pili nuts, coconut milk and our gently dried dragon fruit - all lavishly drenched in indulgent vegan chocolate!       Deeply satisfying, undeniably impressive and absolutely sumptuous, this dairy-free dessert is a sure way to up your ante - while keeping things healthy! - in the sweet treat sweepstakes!    Check out the full video HERE! 

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First Anniversary Pop-Up Shop

First Anniversary Pop-Up Shop

Pop up dreams do come true, after all!   And just like that, our Kooky store has come to life! Hosted by the inimitable Nathalie Mayfair, we couldn't possibly ask for a more stunning space to peddle our fruity wares - centrally located in Hanover Square, home to a wonderful curation of exquisite products and quintessentially Kooky!    It was fortuitous timing as well, with the launch coinciding with our 1st birthday. We celebrated the milestone with a wonderful hamper, which included generous contributions from some of our favourite food & drink, as well as lifestyle brands. In true Willy Wonka fashion, customers had to dig deep into their limited edition Kooky boxes and should they chance upon the Golden Ticket, the prize was...

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Kooky x FareShare: Our Fight against Hunger & Food Waste

Kooky x FareShare: Our Fight against Hunger & Food Waste

Our partnership with FareShare UK is official!  We have pledged to contribute NEW stock of Kooky fruit on a regular basis. This is our commitment to combating hunger, our pledge in returning to society and our mission of supporting vulnerable people, particularly in a time when cost of living costs reach unprecedented highs 💛       From April to June 2022, we donated the equivalent of 286 meals to 30 charities, representing 0.12 tons of surplus food distributed (the equivalent of 0.2 tons of embedded CO2e or 180,000 litres of embedded water prevented from going to waste)!     We couldn't be more proud and yet humbled, by this new partnership. FareShare UK is a wonderful non-profit organisation that seeks to...

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Kooky x Mumble Annual Charity Gala

Kooky x Mumble Annual Charity Gala

Here at Kooky, we love a good party. And even more so when it's for a great cause! Last month, Kooky had the distinct privilege of being an official sponsor of The Mumble Forum Annual Charity Gala, held at the wonderful Lanesborough Hotel.       It was a truly memorable evening, made even better by the £8000+ that was raised! We raised our glasses to celebrate the achievements of many women across various industries, were treated to an informative & impassioned panel discussion on how to #breakthebias and parted with our money for a good cause - to raise funds for Women for Women International and in association with UNWomen #generationequality 🙌🏻       As corporate sponsors of Women for...

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Kooky Stands with Ukraine 🇺🇦

Kooky Stands with Ukraine 🇺🇦

Our hearts are heavy as we contemplate the obscene obliteration of justice that has besieged Ukraine - loss of life, atrocities suffered by women and children, and the unfair destruction of a country with its people forced to flee to seek safety.Yet our spirits are encouraged by the bravery displayed by the Ukrainian people, the solidarity offered by countries around the world and the many selfless sacrifices made by organisations large and small.        Kooky has donated some of our fruit and we encourage you to join us in giving if you are able to. No matter how big or small, any contribution is significant. There are many different avenues to help and if you need some inspiration, please feel...

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Kooky Cooks: Beetroot & Dragon Fruit Brownies

Kooky Cooks: Beetroot & Dragon Fruit Brownies

When mega-talented recipe creator and photographer, Anton @wholesomelivity, kindly offered to whip up a recipe using our Kooky fruit, we obviously agreed with eager anticipation! 💥 Anton’s wonderful creations are sumptuously indulgent, completely plant-based and includes many healthy elements. The icing on the cake? They are all beautifully showcased by his incandescent photography 📸       He produced these delicious Beetroot Dragon Fruit Brownies using our gently dried Dragon Fruit, not only as a decoration, but also to add a hint of ruby-hued brightness and an intense flavour to the brownies 🤤❤️‍🔥   Not only are they a treat for one's sweet tooth, they are also reassuringly healthy - with dragon fruit, beetroot and date syrup as the main...

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Kooky Cooks: Mini Scotch Egg in Dragon Fruit sauce

Kooky Cooks: Mini Scotch Egg in Dragon Fruit sauce

Our resident Kooky Cook and recipe maestro, Marni Xuto, is in the house with an Egg-cellent recipe that is sure to tantalise our tastebuds and awaken our senses 🤤     Her modern take on the classic Scotch egg is indulgent and more-ish, combining earthy spices, luscious legumes, subtle fruity flavours and a decadent runny yolk. Heaven! Perfect as an hors d'oeuvre, brunch or even breakfast. Enjoy! 🤩   🥚 Mini Scotch Egg in Dragon Fruit sauce 🥚 Prep time : 25 minCooking time: 5-6 minServe : 1 starter portionIngredients for Scotch egg: 2            Cooked quail egg (de-shelled)100g      Cooked chickpea100g      Frozen peas20g        Panko breadcrumbs1 tbsp    Plain Flour2 tsp    ...

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Kooky x Give.Help.Share

Kooky x Give.Help.Share

Amanda and Jacqueline are the two amazing women behind Give.Help.Share is on a mission to GIVE children nutritious food, HELP feed families, and SHARE food knowledge for a healthier future. The school teachers conduct weekly workshops at various schools and children's centres, educating children on the importance of a balanced diet and offering them food bags comprising healthy plant-based meal components.       We are pleased and proud to announce that we have partnered with Give.Help.Share, committing to regular contributions of our fruit snacks - guiltless snacking with a host of nutritional benefits and a much healthier alternative to typical sugar-laden sweets and after-school snacks.        In a recent school visit, many children were fascinated by the novel textures of our...

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Kooky Cooks: Sweet & Sour Cod (no added sugar)

Kooky Cooks: Sweet & Sour Cod (no added sugar)

There’s a certain festive cheer in the air and as Christmas lurks just round the corner, our Kooky Cook, Marni Xuto, has concocted a delicious recipe that is the perfect dish for the season - warming, indulgent and all round wonderful ⭐️Sumptuous, appetising and beautifully adorned in a velvety vermilion sauce, this dish is tantalisingly sweet with piquant overtones and spicy notes that will have you licking the platter clean! 🍽🤤     Sweet & Sour Cod (no added sugar) 🐠 Serves : 1Prep time: 8 minCooking time: 25 min Ingredients for Cod:120g      Cod loin1 pinch  Salt and pepper3 tbsp    Vegetable oil1 tbsp    Butter1/4 tsp   Lime juice Ingredients for Mango sweet sauce:50g        Onion -...

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