What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is a type of exfoliating body massage that uses a special brush, leaving your skin smooth, soft, glowing and more luminous. Devotees of this ritual, including celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr and Elle Macpherson, also attest to its additional benefits – such us the feeling of relaxation during brushing; reducing the appearance of cellulite; and even lymphatic drainage, helping the body release toxins by stimulating its pores and opening them up to release sweat.

Its origins date back a few thousand years. Ancient Egyptians were said to have used the dry body brushing technique to exfoliate, following this with natural enzymes from our milk or wine for soft, supple skin.

Hailing from India, Ayurvedic dry brushing – called garshana – uses raw silk, linen gloves or a natural bristle body brush to stimulate circulation and blood flow. Meanwhile, in ancient China, dried fibres of a gourd fruit – or the modern-day loofah – were used, either alone or mixed with sesame oil to remove dead skin, and stimulate circulation along the lung, stomach and liver meridians.

See also: 8Shades Of… Kavita Khosa of Purearth

How to dry brush?

Before showering, when you’re completely dry, brush your skin using wide, circular clockwise motions, starting at your feet and moving up your body towards the heart. Use light pressure in areas where your skin is thin, and harder pressure on thicker skin like the soles of your feet.

When brushing your arms, move towards the armpits. Avoid any sensitive areas or where skin is broken; skip your face too. The process should take anywhere between five to 15 minutes. Take a cool shower to help remove dry skin, dry off and moisturise with a plant oil, or your preferred hydrating body cream.

How often should I dry brush?

Based on a variety of sources and reviews online, there isn’t really a consensus on how often one should dry brush. Some do it daily while others, once a week.

Dr Barbara Sturm, a German aesthetics doctor and founder of her eponymous anti-ageing and clean skincare line, recommends dry brushing twice a week: “I like using a body brush before taking a shower, and after using an anti-ageing body cream to nourish and hydrate the skin,” she says. She adds that dry body brushing is an important part of one’s skincare routine and an effective way to treat cellulite at home.

But before you start typing the words “dry brush” into Google, some words of caution: the ritual may not be for everyone. US-based dermatologist Dr Michelle Henry says that while a dry brush helps encourage effective circulation and lymphatic drainage, excessive or improper use can cause irritation and inflammation.

People with skin issues like eczema and psoriasis should avoid dry brushing over inflamed areas. Those with more active melanocytes, or with darker skin, should also watch out for a risk of hyperpigmentation, or darkening certain areas of the skin due to constant rubbing. Always wear sunscreen and use gentle skincare after dry brushing.

7 Of The Best Vegan, Cruelty-Free Body Brushes

Dry brushes come in a variety of designs and materials. Natural bristle brushes give a firm pressure, while synthetic ones are softer and less stiff. Here are our top picks of cruelty-free and vegan brushes to try:

Best Natural Bristles

Aromatherapy Associates Polishing Body Brush

Available at Aromatherapy Associates

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush No. 1 (Soft)

Available at Net-a-Porter

Best for Men

Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush Medium

Available at Mr Porter

Best Budget

EcoTools Dry Brush With Cruelty-Free Bristles

Available at iHerb

Best for Leg Cellulite

Legology Lymph-Lite Boom Brush For Body

Available at Net-a-Porter

Best Long Handle

Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush

Available at Revolve

Best Synthetic Bristles

Mio Body Brush

Available at Lookfantastic

See also: Gua Sha – Better Than Botox?

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Despite this, nut lovers among us still have plenty of more sustainable options to choose from. Brazil nuts, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts all have a relatively low rate of water consumption compared to almonds, cashews and pistachios.

Fortunately for us, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and chestnuts are all easily accessible to buy in Hong Kong! If you’re looking to switch up your almond or cashew recipes with these more sustainable nuts, here are some ideas to get you started.

See also: How Sustainable Are Nuts?

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts have a smooth buttery texture and are one of the most energy-dense nuts you can find. Their benefits include helping to regulate your thyroid gland, reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system.

It’s hard not to love a good nut butter. This Brazil Nut Butter recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make – simply roast the nuts, drop them into a processor and blend!

Get the recipe here

Brazil nuts also have an extremely satisfying texture, so they are perfect for adding to cakes and breads for that extra nutty crunch. We have our eye on this Brazil Nut Banana Bread!

Get the recipe here

Walnuts

Walnuts are very high in fibre and omega-3 fats. Walnuts are also a good source of antioxidants, meaning they can help fight against conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s, which are caused by oxidative stress.

Living in Hong Kong, most of us are probably familiar with traditional Chinese walnut cookies. This vegan, gluten-free version of the local favourite offers a healthier, plant-based alternative while maintaining the unique walnut-y fragrance we all know and love.

Get the recipe here

Walnuts are also a common ingredient in vegan cheese – which is why we think this Walnut Cheese Vegan Sauce is going to be absolutely delicious. All you need is five ingredients and five minutes to prepare the sauce! Use it in pasta, or as a dip for a summer platter.

Get the recipe here

Chestnuts

Chestnuts are a good source of potassium and fibre. The fibre in chestnuts acts as a prebiotic and helps to maintain a healthy gut environment.

Though you might immediately think of traditional chestnut stuffing and fillings, chestnuts are actually extremely versatile – their starchy texture and subtle sweetness makes them ideal in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.

This Chestnut, Mushroom and Thyme Casserole reminds us how easy it is to cook up a sumptuous dish with basic ingredients. The nutty sweetness of the chestnuts works extremely well with the mushrooms and the umami flavour of miso, creating a divine sauce for the mashed potato to soak up.

Get the recipe here

For an Asian-inspired chestnut dish, we would go for this Braised Mushroom, Chestnut and Tofu Bowl. This bowl is packed full of essential nutrients and offers an extremely balanced meal – from the protein in the tofu and mushrooms to the healthy carbohydrate in the chestnuts.

Get the recipe here

Hazelnuts

If you’re looking for ways to increase omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids in your diet, hazelnuts are the way to go! Aside from this, hazelnuts are also high in vitamin E, manganese and copper.

This vegan, gluten-free Nutella Hazelnut Spread takes the ‘guilt’ away from the guilty pleasure of Nutella. Add it to your morning toast, yoghurt or smoothies; believe us, it will brighten up any rainy day.

Get the recipe here

This moist and soft Hazelnut Vegan Cake is also pretty divine – think Ferrero Rocher in the form of a loaf!

Get the recipe here

See also: 8 Plant-based Snacks to Make This Summer

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It’s easy to get stumped with all the new sustainability terms cropping up – but fret not! As part of our ‘Sustainability Defined‘ series, 8Shades is here to help guide you through the confusing world of responsible fashion, with these useful definitions for ten common sustainability terms.

See also: 10 Useful Food Sustainability Terms

Deadstock Fabric

This may sound an unnerving term, but there’s nothing sinister about it! When fashion industry people refer to ‘deadstock fabric’, they’re talking about surplus or leftover fabric, which wasn’t used or sold and would have been ordinarily thrown away. Instead artisans repurpose these materials, breathing new life into them by incorporating them into their existing designs or creating entirely new pieces with them, thus extending their lifespan and enhancing their sustainability.

Downcycling

This is what happens when you break down a product to extend its life, keeping it from ending up in landfill. An example of this is when you use old socks or garments as cleaning rags, or when clothing is shredded down for its fibres to be used as insulation stuffing. A popular example of downcycling is Nike breaking down old sneakers to be used to make basketball courts.

Fair Fashion

Also known as ‘fair trade’, this term is similar to its food equivalent – meaning companies that carry this label have ensured that the workers who make its clothes have been paid a fair wage and work at factories that meet or exceed safety guidelines.

Natural Fibres

These are fibres like cotton, linen or wool that come from plants and animals, instead of synthetic sources like polyester. Though these are generally more sustainable, not all natural fibres are biodegradable – especially if they’re treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process. For instance, while leather is a natural fibre, it actually has a larger carbon footprint than polyester.

Organic

While closely associated with food sustainability, the term ‘organic’ can also be found in fashion. Organic clothing means clothes that were made from materials like cotton, wool or hemp that have not been genetically-modified or grown with chemicals. In addition to not using any pesticides, organic clothing also has the added benefit of being biodegradable.

Pre-Loved vs Vintage

Both of these refer to second-hand items that you might come across via a thrift shop, hand-me-downs or swapping with friends. ‘Vintage’ items have the added distinction of being over 20 years old and accurately representing the style of a certain era, like bell-bottom jeans from the 1970s.

See also: 8Shades Of Christina Dean of Redress

Sustainable Collections

This is usually a brand’s way of highlighting their eco credentials, with collections that include items or accessories made from organic materials or eco-friendly packaging. Examples of this include Stella McCartney’s Mylo Bag that’s made from lab-grown mushroom leather and Zara’s Join Life Collection that uses fibres sourced from controlled-growth and protected forests.

See also: Why Is Sustainable Fashion More Expensive Than Fast Fashion?

Upcycling

This is essentially the opposite of downcycling. While both processes turn waste into usable material, upcycling involves repurposing waste to make it into a better product – for example, sewing shirts into bags or making leather scraps into mobile device cases.

Vegan

In addition to being cruelty-free and not tested on animals, vegan fashion also does not use any animal byproducts – so leather jackets, fur coats and wool mittens are a big no no.

Zero-Waste

The fashion industry is notorious for creating a lot of rubbish. Zero-waste fashion aims to minimise the amount of waste created during the manufacturing process, as well as considering how items can be repaired to keep them out of landfill for as long as possible. An example is using fabric scraps to create other fashion items.

See also: 8 Sustainable Fashion Brands in Southeast Asia to Know

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This is because nuts are such a powerhouse – a versatile food source that can help keep plant-based diets nutrient dense. Nuts are also a good source of healthy fats and nutrients, including vitamin E and magnesium.

At the same time, there are many articles out there claiming that nuts are actually ‘not sustainable’, mainly because nut farming requires large amounts of water. So, does that mean we should be limiting our nut consumption? And are there certain types of nuts that are worse for the environment? With this article, we’ll help break down some of these issues for you!

Some Nuts Require a Lot of Water to Farm

Almonds are notorious for their high water consumption during farming. In California, one of the worlds’ biggest almond producers, it takes 6,098 litres of water to produce one litre of almond milk. So much water is used in California for almond farming that some people have even blamed droughts there on almond farming.

According to the Water Footprint Network, almonds, pistachios and cashews have some of the highest water footprints – the amount of water used during farming of the crop – of any type of nut:

• Almonds require 16,095m³ of water per tonne of nuts
• Cashews require 14,218m³ of water per tonne of nuts
• Pistachios require 11,363m³ of water per tonne of nuts

Not all Nuts are Created Equal

Fortunately, not all nuts are as water-intensive as almonds. Nut farming varies greatly according to the type of nut and region it is grown in. For example, Brazil nuts have an average water footprint of just 253m³ of water per tonne.

Hazelnuts – yes, one of the key ingredients in Nutella and Ferrero Rocher – are also a relatively sustainable nut. On top of a lower water footprint of 10,515m³ water per tonne, they require minimal upkeep and survive in harsh environments. Other comparatively more sustainable nuts include chestnuts and walnuts.

The way a nut is grown also affects its water footprint. Groundnuts like almonds, legumes like peanuts and tree nuts like macadamias are all farmed in different ways. Peanuts, for instance, have long roots that can reach deep into the soil, meaning they are more resourceful at using water and therefore, need less water during farming.

That said, it’s important to put things in context. Although some types of nuts may consume more water than others, overall nuts still have a much lower carbon footprint than animal proteins!

Where To Buy Nuts In Hong Kong

If you’re interested in buying some high-quality nuts with lower water footprints, here are a few of our favourite stores to stock up in Hong Kong:

The Store HK

This online health food store sells high-quality, organic food products including various nut brands.

Available at The Store HK

Regency Spices

A Hong Kong-based online retailer offering top quality spices and dry ingredients, including a variety of nuts; you can opt for your order to be packaged in recyclable paper bags too.

Available at Regency Spices

Live Zero

This zero-waste store sells a wide range of packaging-free organic nuts for bulk buying; they have physical stores in Sai Ying Pun, Sai Kung and Quarry Bay, or you can order online from their website.

Available at Live Zero

See also: 8Shades of… Tamsin Thornburrow of Live Zero

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The post Going Nuts: How Sustainable Are Nuts? appeared first on 8Shades.

Why? Because there’s nothing worse than makeup melting in the 40-degree heat and 80 percent humidity, messing up that glowy, dewy look you were going for – the one that perfectly matches your favourite swimsuit, beach hat and cover-up, relaxing microbead-free salt scrub and virgin pina coladas.

With spiking temperatures – and we know how this feels given Hong Kong’s recent hot weather warnings – the key to looking fresh is to swap out your foundation with a light, hydrating, tinted moisturiser that won’t weigh you down, delivering the coverage you need while giving your skin a breather.

Tinted moisturisers can save a lot of prep time too, as the latest formulations also double up as skincare, incorporating ingredients that can fix imperfections, enhance your complexion and boost hydration, all while protecting you from sun damage. Some address specific concerns like oily or dry skin, with continued use resulting in better skin.

So for all the outdoor frolicking you’ve got planned this season, we’ve selected eight of the best-performing vegan and cruelty-free tinted moisturisers, which are also all free of parabens, silicones, phthalates, PEGs and sulfates.

See also: 8 Cruelty-Free, Vegan & Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30 is a multi-tasking tinted moisturiser. This liquid formula is blended with niacinamide, plant-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid to help nourish, balance and moisturise skin. It goes on light and adjusts to your natural colour, resulting in a radiant complexion.

Available at Net-a-Porter

Tarte’s Maracuja Tinted Hydrator

With 20 shades available, Tarte’s Maracuja Tinted Hydrator delivers sheer, buildable coverage while infusing skin with up to 12 hours of hydration, thanks to an oil rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin C from the maracuja super fruit. Easy to apply with your fingertips, this product helps visibly even out skin tone and minimise the appearance of imperfections. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen and turmeric root extract, a soothing ingredient that helps reduce redness.

Available at Sephora Hong Kong

Bare Minerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

BareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF30 boasts a 24-hour hydration boost that increases skin’s moisture levels by 215 percent with just one week’s use, based on the average results from a US independent clinical study. With buildable sheer to light coverage, the formula visibly evens skin tone and blurs imperfections, creating a dewy, healthy glow – plus it’s oil- and fragrance-free.

Available at BareMinerals

The Ordinary Serum Foundation

The Ordinary Serum Foundation with SPF15 is a lightweight formula that glides on effortlessly, pretty much like a regular serum. It comes in 36 different shades, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every skin tone. There are additional shades for silver and gold highlights too, which are infused with metallic effect pigments to add a luminous effect to skin (look for shades that end with S or G).

Available at The Ordinary

Huda Beauty’s Glowish Multidew Skin Tint

Huda Beauty’s GloWish Multidew Skin Tint is ideal for giving dry skin an all-over glow. This creamy, fragrance-free formula has the coverage of foundation, with the lightweight texture of a tinted moisturiser. Available in 13 shades, it also features moisturising and antioxidant functions, thanks to hydrating plant-derived squalane, Damascus rose oil which soothes and clarifies, and red bell pepper extract, which protects the skin against digital blue-light pollution.

Available at Sephora Hong Kong

Kosas Tinted Face Oil

Kosas Tinted Face Oil is a clean, weightless foundation formulated with six nourishing botanical oils such as avocado and meadowfoam to moisturise, plump and improve skin’s appearance. Soothing red raspberry and meadowfoam oils calm the skin, while camellia and rosehip seed oils work to balance and brighten your complexion. With a serum-like consistency, the oil gives a natural, dewy finish; in a consumer study, using it for 28 days resulted in brighter skin, a more even skin tone and reduced blemishes.

Available at Revolve

Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint

If you think your skin needs a bit more hydration plus anti-ageing ingredients, Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint SPF15 comes infused with the brand’s unique Hyaluronan Complex that boosts moisture levels, while tightening the skin and filling in wrinkles. Coming in 12 shades, its lightweight creamy texture – think whipped cream – offers medium to full coverage, while pearlescent pigments provide a luminous glow.

Available at Hourglass

Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser

Chantecaille’s Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser with SPF15 is a three-in-one formula that provides hydration, sun protection and foundation-like buildable coverage. A unique blend of thyme and butterfly bush extracts offers powerful antioxidant protection, while hyaluronic acid seals in the moisture. It’s a great product to use if you have concerns with blemishes and discolouration, with a velvety smooth texture, and it comes in eight shades.

Available at Chantecaille

See also: 8 Waterless Beauty Products for Summer

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The post 8 Best Vegan, Cruelty-Free Tinted Moisturisers for Summer appeared first on 8Shades.

Based in Vienna, vegan food producers Revo Foods already produce a delicious vegan smoked salmon substitute that’s perfect for levelling up your blinis or weekend tofu scramble. However, they’re now taking plant-based seafood to a whole new level, creating ultra-realistic salmon fillets produced using a high-tech new 3D food printing technique – a remarkable innovation set to revolutionise food manufacturing.

Matching the taste, texture and look of real salmon fillets, Revo’s version is also packed with the same health benefits as its fishy counterpart, using pea protein and algae extracts to create a fillet that’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

The 3D printed fillet can also be prepared in the exact same ways that you would cook your regular salmon, making it a versatile ingredient that will appeal to vegans and flexitarians alike.

According to the United Nations’ 2020 Food and Agriculture Organisation report, 34 percent of the world’s marine fisheries were classified as overfished in 2017 – an unsustainable figure that is expected to lead to extinction for certain species and population decline for many more.

There are also significant health concerns around seafood consumption, as microplastics and heavy metal contamination become even more prevalent throughout the food chain.

Having already filed patent applications for their new creation and the technology used to make it, Revo hope to counter this trend. The brand aims to have their 3D-printed salmon on supermarket shelves by early 2023, offering seafood lovers a more humane alternative that not only decreases the environmental footprint of their food choices, but also offers all the flavour and health benefits of their favourite fillet.  

Find out more at Revo Foods

See also: 5 Sustainable Plant-Based Seafood Companies To Know

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The post Good News: 3D-Printed Vegan Salmon Makes Waves appeared first on 8Shades.

Even better, Simran has also cooked up a range of ready-to-go vegan Spark Sauces as an extension to the cookbook, all handmade in Hong Kong, that deliver delicious shortcuts for full-on flavour.

We asked Simran to share three of her favourite, easy, vegan and plant-based recipes from A Spark Of Madness, exclusively for 8Shaders and ideal for summer – enjoy!

See also: 8 Instagrammers To Follow For Delicious Plant-Based Recipes

Sheet-Pan Baked Peanut Tofu

This vegan dish is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, as all the ingredients can be tossed together and baked on a sheet-pan, while you enjoy a glass of vino. It’s a wholesome meal with a mix of proteins and vegetables and can be enjoyed on its own or with some rice.

Serves: 2

Cooking time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 250g extra firm tofu
• 1 red bell pepper, de-seeded and diced (180g)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, de-seeded and diced (180g)
• 1 onion, diced (200g)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup Spark Crack Sauce

Garnish:

• Spring onion, finely chopped (green stalks only)
• Roasted peanuts, crushed

METHOD

1. Cut the tofu into cubes; try and make the tofu, onion and bell peppers all roughly the same size.

2. Preheat the oven to 220°C/430°F and prepare a greased baking tray.

3. Toss the tofu, bell peppers and onion with oil and salt; spread them on the baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.

4. Mix the Spark Crack Sauce with 2 tablespoons of water; remove the tray and pour ¾ of the sauce onto the tofu and vegetables. Give everything a good toss and bake for another 15 minutes.

5. Check to see if the tofu and vegetables have roasted to golden brown, then remove the tray from the oven; otherwise, bake for a few more minutes.

6. Lastly, drizzle the remaining (¼ cup) Spark Crack sauce on the sheet-pan and garnish with spring onion and crushed roasted peanuts.

Quick Sesame Noodles

We all have those nights where we want to have dinner in front of the TV by ourselves and enjoy some quality me time. This plant-based noodle dish is perfect for that – rice vermicelli tossed in a delicious sesame, ginger and Spark Caramelized Spring Onion sauce, along with some charred greens.

This dish can be eaten at any temperature – and if you want to turn up the spice levels of the dish, try adding some Spark Crispy Chilli Oil to the sauce too!

Serves: 1

Cooking time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 100g rice vermicelli
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ head broccoli, torn in florets (125g)
• 100g haricot verts/green beans/thin asparagus, trimmed and halved
• Pinch of salt

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp Spark Caramelized Spring Onion
• 1 tbsp tahini & 1 tbsp hot water
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp white sesame seeds
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• ½ tsp white pepper, crushed
• ½ tsp salt

Garnish:

• Spring onion, finely chopped (green stalks only)
• White sesame seeds, roasted

METHOD

1. Soak the rice vermicelli in a bowl of lukewarm water for 2 minutes. Then, rinse with running cold water, cut in half with food scissors and set aside.

2. Place a wok on high heat, let it smoke and then add the sesame oil, broccoli and haricot verts. Let the green vegetables roast for 4-5 minutes, mixing at regular intervals so all sides roast evenly; then, sprinkle on a pinch of salt.

3. For the sauce, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.

4. Next, add the vermicelli to the wok along with the sauce and give it a toss; let it cook until all the sauce is incorporated. Remove from the heat and sprinkle spring onion and sesame seeds on top – and serve!

#Spark Tip: To make crispy and charred greens (such as broccoli, haricot verts or asparagus), first flash-fry the greens for 4-5 minutes in a wok and let them roast. Then, add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the wok and let it steam, before adding a pinch of salt at the end.

Vegan Carrot Bread

The main difference between a carrot cake and carrot bread is that a cake is typically lighter, sweeter and moister, whereas this bread is denser and grainy. Also, a bread just feels guilt-free, especially when you eat a slice every day… or even more!

I’ve added oats to this vegan recipe to increase its fibre content along with garam masala, a staple spice mix in Indian kitchens. It has a kick that balances the sweetness of carrots and adds an earthy note to the bread.

Garam masala usually consists of a variety of different spices such as mace, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon and cardamom, but every spice merchant makes their own blend with slight variations.

Makes: 1 medium (8-9 inch) bread

Cooking time: 75 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cup whole-wheat flour
• ½ cup rolled or instant oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 tbsp oat or almond milk
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 3 carrots, peeled and grated (240g)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/355°F and grease an 8-9 inch Bundt cake tin or any medium-sized cake tin.

2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients – whole-wheat flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, garam masala and salt.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whisk the wet ingredients (brown sugar, honey, oil, oat milk, white vinegar and vanilla essence) together, until the mixture is creamy.

4. Use a spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, avoiding overmixing; then, fold in the grated carrots. Pour the batter into the greased cake tin.

5. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean, and then remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

#Spark Tip: The easiest way to create an even top for your bread is to gently tap the cake tin against the kitchen countertop, then put it in the oven to bake.

Find out more about A Spark Of Madness on their website and Instagram

See also: 8 Plant-Based Snacks To Make This Summer

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Aside from their incredible food (if even their bread and butter has reached legendary status, you know they’re doing something right!), Roganic also boasts some seriously impressive eco credentials, growing ingredients in-house, sourcing from local farms and championing a zero-waste philosophy – meaning they were one of the first Hong Kong restaurants to win a Michelin Green Star in recognition of their sustainability efforts.

We talk to Ash about his favourite “farm-to-fork” dish on Roganic’s menu, where he eats on his day off and when’s the best time of year to enjoy the tastiest local tomatoes.

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

I manage the day-to-day kitchen operations of Roganic, including tasks like writing the menus.

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

I’ve always taken an interest in sustainability in my personal and professional life. I feel it’s our duty to try to give back to the world and I try to make a difference to be sustainable in the things I can control.

 3. What’s your best eco habit – and your guilty not-so green one?

Always using and refilling my water bottle rather than buying plastic ones. It sounds like a small thing but if everyone did it, the world would save so much plastic!

As for not-so-green, I like a burger every now and then… but who doesn’t really! I believe there’s nothing wrong with that in moderation.

See also: The Best Vegan Burgers in Hong Kong

4. Fave veggie dishes in Hong Kong? 

I often go to Treehouse for a nice veggie or vegan wrap on my days off – I like the falafel with hummus and halloumi.

5. What are some ways you incorporate sustainability into your restaurant? And are there any other sustainability-based changes you’re hoping to make in the future?

A few examples are that we compost any food waste we can’t use, upcycle our waste coffee beans and use bamboo paper towels in the kitchen. We’re always looking for more sustainable practices as well – one that we’re currently working on is mixing our own tonics in-house to cut down on glass bottles.

6. A big part of Roganic’s philosophy is using local seasonal ingredients; what are some of your favourite local ingredients and when is the best time of year to eat them? 

Some people may not know this, but you can access amazing beetroots, heritage carrots and tomatoes from the organic farms here in Hong Kong – and I can tell you first-hand that they’re delicious! The best time for the root vegetables is November to April, while tomatoes are usually at their best when it gets slightly warmer, from around February to early May.

7. What is one of your favourite dishes that you’ve created at Roganic? What inspired the dish and what are some of the sustainable elements behind it?

Our duck dish with beetroot and cabbage. The vegetables are from Farmhouse Productions or Hong Kong Farmers Pride, through Zero Foodprint Asia; both organisations work closely with organic farms in the New Territories.

The dish features a duck breast alongside a confit leg sausage; all the duck wings, necks and carcasses are chopped and aged for extra flavour to go into the accompanying sauce. The cabbage and beetroot trimmings are also juiced and made into a stock with some spices, which is then used for braising the cabbage.

Not only do I love that flavour combination with duck, but cabbage and beetroot are vegetables that grow in abundance in Hong Kong – and are absolutely delicious! So I’d say the main inspiration behind the dish was the produce itself and supporting our local farmers and suppliers.

8. What shade of green are you and why? 

Racing green because it’s a traditional British colour that’s synonymous with the old Mini Cooper, which is my favourite car!

Find out more about Roganic on their website and Instagram

NEXT: See all ‘8Shades Of‘ interviews

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The post 8Shades Of… Ash Salmon of Roganic appeared first on 8Shades.

We’re already huge fans of Nutrition Kitchen’s tasty, nutritionally-balanced and super convenient meals, which are cooked fresh by in-house chefs and delivered direct to your doorstep, every Monday to Friday – meaning you can ditch the tedious grocery shopping, recipe research and cooking prep.

Nutrition Kitchen’s vegan meal plan is perfect for those of us looking to get more plant-positive with our daily routines and takes inspiration from cuisines and flavours from around the world – zero boring nut loafs here!

Vegan meals available so far include miso roasted eggplant with garlic and chilli bok choi, and carrot and ginger mash; mushroom meatballs in olive tomato sauce, with mixed green vegetables and an orzo salad; and spinach and artichoke tofu frittata with roasted peppers, leeks, basil and vegan feta cheese.

There are hundreds of different meals available, which are rotated over a six-week cycle to ensure you don’t get bored. The vegan meal plan starts from HK$870 for one five-day week and you can opt for either two or three meals a day; each meal has been calorie and macro-nutrient counted, and is designed to be low in carbs and rich in proteins, meaning all your nutritional bases are covered.

Even better, each Nutrition Kitchen dish comes in biodegradable packaging and their streamlined system has been designed to ensure that their chefs essentially cook each meal to order – meaning there’s minimal waste along the way too!

Happy eating!

Find out more about Nutrition Kitchen

EXCLUSIVE 8SHADES OFFER

If you fancy giving Nutrition Kitchen’s new vegan offerings a try, we’ve snagged an exclusive 8Shades discount – simply use the code ‘8SHADES250‘ when ordering on Nutrition Kitchen’s website to enjoy HK$250 off any two-week (10-day) meal plan! This can be used either for one-time purchases or as part of Nutrition Kitchen’s longer subscription services.

(Note: The code is valid until 20 July 2022 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other programmes or promotional vouchers. Nutrition Kitchen reserves the right to discontinue any programme or promotional voucher programme at any time, at their sole discretion, without notice or liability.)

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The post Good News: Nutrition Kitchen Launches Vegan Meals appeared first on 8Shades.

At the same time, Hong Kong’s humidity means that it’s hard to make food that lasts. So, here are eight summer-friendly, plant-based recipes that not only taste delicious, but have long-staying power outside of the fridge!

1. Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are always a crowd favourite. We love that they taste equally good with different fillings, meaning you can customise it to your taste buds, or with seasonal vegetables. If you want to find out about what fruits and vegetables are in season, you might find Slow Food’s chart helpful!

To add another layer of deliciousness, pair your spring rolls with this flavourful dipping sauce.

Get the recipe here

2. Vegetarian Rice Paper Rolls

If you prefer a healthier alternative, summer rice paper rolls are your go-to. Like spring rolls, they are versatile and can taste delicious with almost any filling. Some of our favourites include mango, avocado and vermicelli.

Tip: To soften the rice paper, fill a large dish with water and move the piece of rice paper around until it is damp – don’t leave it submerged in water, as it will become too soft for wrapping.

Get the recipe here

3. Savoury Sun-dried Tomato and Olive Muffins

Savoury muffins might not be very common, but they are an absolute delight. This savoury muffin recipe from plant–based instagram nutritionist and chef Sadie Badiei (@pickuplimes) is basically the healthier version of pizza. If Mediterranean herbs are your kryptonite, you will enjoy this oregano, basil, parsley and thyme-filled muffin even more!

Get the recipe here

4. Chickpea Bruschetta with Sun-dried Tomatoes

What better way to spend a summer afternoon than with a glass of wine, a plate of bruschetta and a good book? Chickpea and sundried tomatoes are a match made in heaven with the earthy flavours of chickpea elevating the tanginess of the tomatoes. We recommend topping it off with some sprigs of parsley – this will add that extra level of freshness and also make your dish more Insta–worthy!

Get the recipe here

5. Vegan Granola Bars

Some granola bars can be very high in sugar, so we always recommend making your own. For us, the most important part of a granola bar is the crunch. The secret ingredient is melted coconut oil, which helps make the granola bars especially so. Add in hemp, flax and chia seeds for some healthy fats and dark chocolate chips for a caffeine boost!

Get the recipe here

6. Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookie Dough Balls

Peanut butter, chocolate chips and dates – it’s hard to make a snack that doesn’t taste good with this combination! The gluten-free chickpea cookie dough ball recipe is a healthier version of cookie dough. It’s high in protein, but still offers the doughy, chewy texture that makes cookie dough delicious.

Get the recipe here

7. Marinated mushroom kebabs

Perfect for summer barbecues and picnics – this marinated mushroom kebab recipe is a crowd pleaser, especially if you want to put together something impressive in 10 minutes.

All you need to do is sauté the mushrooms, whip up the marinade, toss them together and put them on the skewer! If you want to make them more flavourful – leave them in the marinade longer to soak up the spiced olive oil goodness.

Get the recipe here

8. Vegan Trail Mix

It’s always handy to have some trail mix at home or in your bag to satisfy those sudden cravings. Vegan chocolate chips are not always easy to find in Hong Kong, but we have scouted some local places you can find them:

• Baking Warehouse
• Enjoy Life Foods on Ubuy

Tip: If you are worried about the chocolate trips melting, replace them with cocoa nibs. Not only do they have a subtle chocolate flavour, they’re packed with antioxidants, too!

Get the recipe here

See also: 8 Instagrammers to Follow for Delicious Plant-based Recipes

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The post 8 Plant-Based Snacks To Make This Summer appeared first on 8Shades.