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Gareth Wyn Jones, star of BBC series The Family Farm, has launched a search for a butcher who will help him hunt and prepare grey squirrels to be used in burgers. The farmer, 56, plans to serve up the invasive squirrel as part of the menu at his pop-up restaurant in the forthcoming Welsh Game Fair at the Faenol Estate, near Bangor, in September. Jones launched an appeal to help him source grey squirrels and is encouraging visitors to the fair to think of the non-native rodent as “any other wild food” when they tuck into his burgers. The pop-up will mark Jones’ first time running a restaurant. The farmer, who farms near Llanfairfechan in the foothills of the Carneddau Range, said: “Grey squirrels are not native to this country. They were introduced from America and they have led to the decline of our own red squirrel population. “Squirrel meat is like any other wild food, eating them is like foraging for anything else. We have to remember they are a pest. On the farm if I have too many rats, crows or whatever, I have to deal with them.” He added: “What’s the difference with squirrels? Their meat is a by-product so why waste it? It’s a fantastic wild food. “All I need now is an alternative butcher to supply the grey squirrels and it’ll be ready, steady, cook.” Grey squirrels from North America were introduced in the UK in the 1800s and are a major threat to native red squirrel populations. They outcompete the red squirrels for food and space, as they are prolific breeders. Grey squirrels also carry a virus called squirrelpox, which they are actually immune to, but can spread the disease to red squirrels, therefore decimating the local populations. The Woodland Trust describes the introduction of grey squirrels in the UK as having had a “disastrous impact” on red squirrels, which are the UK’s only native squirrel species. Red squirrels are a legally protected species. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure or disturb them. Jones, who has more than a million followers across his social media channels combined, said the best way to “change things” is to eat “food that’s been produced here”, including game like grey squirrel. James Gower, chief executive of Stable Events, the organiser of the Welsh Game Fair, said: “Our aim is to celebrate everything that is best about the countryside and rural pursuits, including the wider benefits of conservation and field sports. “The pop up restaurant will provide a real showcase for the finest fare the countryside has to offer,” he added. “I can’t think of a better mine host than Gareth Wyn Jones who is passionate about promoting proper local produce – and has great likeability. “The idea of putting squirrel burgers on the menu is inspired because it means we can find a good use for a real rural pest and tantalise people’s tastebuds at the same time.” Read More Men sometimes need help – and I’m determined to start asking for it ‘Oblivious’ woman defended after walking through beach wedding: ‘They don’t own the beach’ King’s Guard shares sweet exchange with young boy wearing royal uniform

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From creamy mashed potato and sweetcorn smothered in butter to rich tomato soup and miso-glazed aubergine, cooked veggies can be incredibly tasty. But did you know that, in some cases, munching raw vegetables can be better for your health? “When veggies are cooked, some of the heat-sensitive nutrients, such as vitamin C, can become depleted,” says functional nutritionist Pauline Cox, author of Hungry Woman: Eating For Good Health, Happiness And Hormones. “Beneficial enzymes within raw veg can also be lost to roasting and cooking.” Fresh veg can be especially appealing in summer when you’re craving filling salads and crunchy snacks. “Adding more raw to your daily dish will liven up your palate and upgrade your dinner plate,” Cox says. As with any raw ingredient, it’s important to prepare veg properly. “Whether you’re eating vegetables raw or cooked, always wash them well before consuming to help reduce pesticide residue or harmful bacteria,” suggests Maz Packham, nutritional therapist and founder of Nourishful Nutrition. Here, experts talk through eight vegetables that are delicious raw… 1. Sweet potato “Sweet potato, often associated with oven baked, roasted or mashed, can actually be consumed raw,” says Cox. But you’ll want to grate the flesh first to make it more palatable: “Grated into a slaw, sweet potatoes are a super source of beta carotene, vitamin C and fibre.” 2. Kale Baked kale chips have become very trendy in recent years as health-conscious individuals look for new ways to consume the vitamin-rich leaves. “Many individuals find it easier to digest kale once it’s been sauteed or steamed,” says registered nutritionist Jenna Hope. “However, massaging raw kale with olive oil instead can also help to aid digestion whilst preserving the vitamin C. “Additionally, adding olive oil can help to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K, which is also present in kale.” 3. Sugar snap peas Unlike some types of peas, there’s no need to shell sugar snaps, which are high in vitamins C and K. “Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant we need to consume through foods for collagen production, to support iron absorption, and for a healthy functioning immune system,” says Packham. “Sugar snap peas are also a good source of vitamin K and folate which are abundant in green vegetables, and they’re a great source of fibre helping to support beneficial bacteria in the gut and good digestive health.” They make a delicious snack on their own or dipped in hummus. “You may want to break off the ends and remove the outer string that runs along the side; you may not even notice it,” Packham continues. “Cut the pods into smaller segments and mix into salads for extra texture and crunch.” 4. Celeriac “Rich in vitamin K, celeriac may have bone-health boosting properties, as higher intake of vitamin K is associated with a lower risk of fractures,” suggests Cox. Cut off the tough outer peel before grating, slicing ribbons with a vegetable peeler or chopping into small pieces. “Delicate in flavour but packed with goodness, celeriac makes a great addition to any salad,” Cox. “Thinly sliced into matchstick-sized strips and tossed with a dollop of olive oil, mayonnaise and a little mustard, celeriac can liven up any meal as a side dish.” 5. Cauliflower Cauliflower cheese may be a culinary classic, but you don’t have to bake this cruciferous veg to reap the health rewards. “Cauli is bursting with vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fibre,” says Cox. She recommends: “Raw cauliflower makes a great dunker for a delicious guacamole or hummus.” However, if you have any digestive health issues you should be cautious with cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower. “They can cause excess gas as they contain an indigestible fibre called raffinose,” says Rob Hobson, registered consultant nutritionist at Healthspan. “Bacteria try and break this down in the large intestine and in the process produce gas. This could be an issue for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as it can exacerbate symptoms.” 6. Baby corn While full-size corn cobs are way too tough to consume whole, baby corn (harvested before the stalks mature) is soft enough to munch whole. “Despite its size, baby corn is nutritionally rich containing vitamins A and C as well as folate and potassium,” says Packham. “The high fibre content helps support a healthy gut while also helping you to feel fuller for longer.” You can slice the stalks to add to salads or serve them as crudites, Packham suggests: “Baby corn is a great snack option and can be left whole – it tastes delicious dipped into hummus or guacamole.” 7. Courgette “Courgettes are rich in vitamin C and B6, which can also be degraded by high heat,” says Hope, and because it’s got a semi-firm texture it’s easy to adapt for raw dishes. Hope adds: “Try slicing up your courgettes and using them as an alternative to cucumber in salads, or sliced up and dipped into hummus or guacamole.” 8. Brussels sprouts Not a fan of the classic Christmas dinner side dish? “Trying them raw might just see you developing a newfound love for the humble Brussels sprout,” says Cox, recommending the brassica as a rich source of vitamins C and K. “Thinly sliced and treated like shredded lettuce, glug on a generous dose of avocado oil or olive oil and a few chopped pecans or walnuts and finish with some fresh, grilled goat’s cheese – this combo may well win you over!” As Brussels sprouts are cruciferous, the same warning applies to cauliflower for people with IBS. Hobson adds: “They contain compounds called glucosinolates which can reduce the absorption of iodine which could interfere with thyroid function. “People with underactive thyroid may want to limit their intake of these compounds. Cooking them lowers the levels of glucosinolates.” Read More Brain’s appetite control centre different in overweight or obese people – study Study reveals how muscle cells deteriorate with age, hampering injury recovery Is it heat exhaustion or are you just tired? Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

What makes a holiday in Dorset? Maybe it’s fish and chips at the seaside, or hiking to the highest point on England’s south coast before rewarding yourself with a pint of local beer. Or visits to nude hill figures or an iconic limestone arch might take your fancy. This jewel of the West Country has things to do in spades – eating, drinking, active or laidback – plus plenty of on-trend hotels in which to lay your head. If Dorset’s much-extolled salted sea air and bucolic tranquillity isn’t enough to bring you utter relaxation, you’re in luck. Among the county’s hills and on its rugged coast are hotels that have getting guests to unwind baked into their being. Think warmed underground pools, blissful treatments ranging from traditional through modern, and space to just… be. There’s more to Dorset than just apple cake and Thomas Hardy. If you want a UK getaway – and to give your wellbeing a holistic boost – these are the best spa hotels in Dorset to book. The best spa hotels in Dorset are: Best for style by the sea: The Nici Best for the traditional approach: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel Best for a hidden escape: The Eastbury Best for a foodie getaway: Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa Best for coastal cool: The Pig on the Beach Best for style by the sea: The Nici Location: Bournemouth The hotel that Bournemouth – overstocked with dowdy, dated seaside accommodation – has been crying out for. Inside, spaces are filled with art, tropical prints and a hint of Art Deco; outside, the star is a 30m heated pool, very much a nod to Miami’s South Beach, and the town’s long stetch of sand can be reached by a short zig-zag path. If you can wrench yourself from a cabana, The Nici’s swish spa beckons, all soft lighting and gentle music (a change from the pumping soundtrack poolside). Treatments incorporate products from British “nutri-cosmeceutical” beauty brand Oskia, as well as CBD pioneers OTO. The latter’s Nici signature massage is a joy, where CBD-infused oils soothing tired muscles and dislodge long-held knots; afterwards, curl up in the relaxation space and pop open a can of OTO’s CBD seltzer, before making use of the steam room, sauna and indoor pool (or the gym, if you feel suitably energised post-treatment). Best for the traditional approach: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel Location: Evershot Summer Lodge remains Dorset’s countryside grande dame (and the county’s only five-star hotel). The quintessential rural pad, it has beautifully restored rooms with high ceilings, watercolours, and chandeliers. The four-acre estate is set in Evershot, a village little changed since it featured in local author Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles (and while there, prop up the bar or sit beside the fire at the trad-yet-cool Acorn Inn). The spa is a major highlight of Summer Lodge, packed with Elemis treatments, from deep-cleansing facials through to rejuvenating wraps, plus a hefty list of massages and manicures. Bespoke spa packages can be arranged depending on the occasion, and if you’re on a family break there are special “junior” treatments for younger guests. Wellbeing extends to a gym, sauna and heated indoor pool, and there are quiet corners of the fragrant gardens in which to unwind in private. Best for a hidden escape: The Eastbury Location: Sherborne This is perhaps the prettiest little spa in the West Country, hidden at the bottom of The Eastbury’s walled garden and reminiscent of a Hobbit hole. Only the occasional ringing of bells from the abbey reminds you that you’re in the historic market town of Sherborne. There are two treatment rooms, where massage therapy mollifies any pesky aches, as well as a hydrotherapy tub, sauna and relaxation areas which you have all to yourself (you book the space by the hour). The hotel dates from the 18th century, built as gentleman’s townhouse, so expect plenty of traditional style as well as modern touches brought in during a 2018 refurb. Since the start of 2023, they no longer have a restaurant (a shame, as chef Matthew Street’s tasting menus were impressive) but instead offers breakfast, light lunches and afternoon tea. Best for a foodie getaway: Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa Location: Christchurch Christchurch’s natural harbour is wonderful sweep of the Dorset coast, and the best ways to soak up its views – over to Mudeford Spit and its expensive beach huts, and beyond to the Channel – is by staying at its namesake hotel. The 1930s property has a blended palette of muted and vibrant tones inside, and right on the water is its headline restaurant, The Jetty. It’s seafood-heavy menu comes from Alex Aitkin, who held a Michelin star at Le Poussin; for a reliable, fresh taste of local waters, plump for the catch of the day. The HarSpa is found below-ground – they describe it as “subterranean” – and is lit by coloured spotlights around a heated pool and whirlpool tub. While away a day on one of the sun loungers (indoor and outdoor), an activity you can break up with Espa beauty treatments or full-body massages. The spa menu also features offerings designed specifically for men and pregnant women. Best for coastal cool: The Pig on the Beach Location: Studland The litter of Pig hotels has one of its very finest locations in east Dorset, at the edge of land overlooking the Old Harry Rocks chalk formation. There’s whimsy in the turrets and sloping roofs that make up the 16th-century manor, and – in classic Pig aesthetic – there’s a surrealism in the luxe Victoriana-meets-countryside décor. The restaurant makes use of the county’s incredible larder, only sourcing produce within a 25-mile radius, and its menu favours unfussy, well-paired flavours. Don’t forget to visit the pigs and sheep in their pens, which you can hear as you knock back cocktails (try the rum-drenched Jungle Pig 2.0) on the lawn. Beyond the garden, which guests can discover down a path, are two adorable shepherd’s huts. These comprise the spa, simple and understated. They’re very Mr McGregor’s garden (of The Tale of Peter Rabbit fame) in style, in keeping with the kitchen garden ethos of the restaurant. The six treatments, each 60 minutes and costing £115, use products from the County Sligo seaweed brand VOYA. thepighotel.com Read more on the best Dorset hotels

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A McDonald’s employee has claimed that the fast food chain’s sweet tea is made with an entire bag of sugar. The woman named Gia, who goes by the username @gia2bad, shared a video to TikTok last month about the apparent making of McDonald’s sweet tea. In the footage, an employee appeared to be mixing the tea, as hot water was being added to it. Along with the two liquids, the employee went on to pour an entire four-pound bag of granulated sugar into the bucket. Gia also poked fun at the large amounts of sugar being used, as the text over the video read: “If y’all were wondering why the sweet tea is so sweet at McDonald’s.” She also claimed that it can take more than one bag of sugar to make the tea, writing: “Yes we use a whole bag, sometimes two.” The video went viral, with more than 1.3m views. In the comments, many people shared their shocked reactions, while poking fun at the amount of sugar filmed in the video. “Diabetes in a cup,” one quipped, while another added: “Is no one gonna talk about the bucket.” “That explains why it’s way too sweet. I always order half sweet and half unsweetened,” another wrote. Despite what was shown in the video, other people claimed that they’ve worked at McDonald’s before, and they had never seen the sweet tea made in that way. “I work there and we don’t do that…,” one wrote, while another added: “We don’t hand make sweet tea at our store it’s made with a commercial tea machine.” “We have a machine for this… I never done this when I worked at McDonald’s,” a third agreed. According to McDonald’s official website, the sweet tea is made from an “orange pekoe and pekoe cut black tea”. Some of the other ingredients in the cup include ice, and invert sugar, which “is an aqueous solution of inverted or partly inverted, refined or partly refined sucrose,” according to the Food and Drug Administration. McDonald’s also notes that in a large cup of the sweet tea, there are 40 grams of sugar. According to the FDA, its Dietary Guidelines for Americans “recommends limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10 percent of total calories per day”. For example, if you eat 2,000 calories a day, you’d only have “50 grams of added sugars per day”. @gia2bad Yes we use a whole bag sometimess 2 🤷♀️🤷♀️ #fyp ♬ original sound - DJ Veinz The Independent has contacted Gia and a representative for McDonald’s for comment. Gia isn’t the first McDonald’s employee to make claims about how the chain’s sweet tea is allegedly made. In a viral TikTok video made by former McDonald’s worker, Nicole, she also claimed that there was a lot of sugar used to make the tea. “For every four gallons of the red jug, the sweet tea, there was a full four-pound bag of sugar emptied into it,” the woman, who said she was a manager at McDonald’s, explained in the since-deleted video, which has been shared on YouTube. “One pound per gallon of tea. I stopped drinking the tea after I realised that. Because that’s nasty.” Read More McDonald’s to investigate allegations worker was taunted over rape Mark Zuckerberg reveals his 4,000 calorie diet and large McDonald’s order Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and PepsiCo named as worst packaging polluters in UK Mark Zuckerberg reveals his 4,000 calorie diet and large McDonald’s order Budget Bites: Three recipes to keep food bills down before pay day I was an air fryer sceptic – now I can’t stop using it