A new recipe booklet showcasing how Tilda’s Brown ‘n’ White rice can nutritionally benefit school children has been launched to inspire healthier recipes demanded by the School Food Plan.
Last year Tilda’s Brown ‘n’ White easy cook rice was introduced and adopted by an increasing number of LEAs (Local Education Authorities) and school caterers.
The School Food Plan recommends a 50:50 white/brown rice mix and Tilda claims its downloadable recipe booklet will help caterers harness the pupil appeal of their Brown ‘n’ White rice. The guide features recipes with a complete nutritional breakdown, and handy hints and tips to ensure that meals comply with government guidelines.
Tilda Brown ‘n’ White is used in Leicestershire County Council schools. Senior Group Manager, Jackie Manship, said: “We tested Tilda Brown ‘n’ White and it went down really well with the children.”
Tilda’s Head of Foodservice, Mark Lyddy, said: “Local education authorities and school caterers are under growing pressure to produce nutritionally balanced food and we want to help them by communicating the key role that Tilda Brown ‘n’ White can play.
“It provides all the additional health benefits of brown wholegrain rice with the eating properties of an easy cook white long grain, helping caterers serve up food that meets national dietary guidelines.”
“We have developed a range of suitable recipes for schools, including savoury meatballs in homemade tomato sauce, roast pumpkin risotto with spicy vegetable and bean burritos, which all use Tilda Brown ‘n’ White, and we want to encourage more caterers to add them to their school menus.”
It is hoped that the arrival of Tilda Brown ‘n’ White will help more school caterers overcome traditional resistance to brown rice among an emerging generation of children.
“The fact is that many kids just don’t like the look of brown food, be it rice, pasta or bread. Tilda Brown ‘n’ White overcomes that reluctance because it is a combination of white and brown rice, which is more pleasing to the eye, and it is good for them as well, so everybody wins!
“The health benefits of this approach are evident: whole grains are recommended by the School Food Trust to be included as part of the diet as they are high in fibre and keep children fuller for longer.”
Tilda’s new recipe booklets will be available from October for school caterers to download from their website – www.tilda.com/foodservice