Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver returns to TV with his latest show, Jamie Oliver: Seasons, airing from 10 to 24 September on BBC Lifestyle (Channel 174) at 8pm. This exciting series aims to inspire viewers to embrace seasonal cooking and reconnect with the source of their food.
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At the heart of Jamie Oliver: Seasons is the idea of connecting with our food in a more mindful way. Jamie explains,’ Jamie Oliver: Seasons exists to help you surf the seasons. Eating seasonally is not only better for the planet, it’s also a great way to get more of the good stuff into your diet and to keep costs down in the kitchen.’
Plus, according to Jamie – and we’d take his word for it without hesitation, when fruit and veg are eaten at the right time of year, they’re not only more nutritious due to their freshness, they simply taste better too.
Starting with Spring, each episode of the four-part series highlights how simple, fresh ingredients can be transformed into delicious meals while encouraging viewers to try growing their own food.
The show’s natural setting plays a key role. ‘ The birdsong you hear in the background is real,’ says Jamie, describing how they used macro lenses and time-lapse filming to capture the changing seasons. ‘We’ve put a lot of effort into capturing the British weather… so you can get a real sense of the changes.’
Audiences will also get a more personal glimpse into Jamie’s life as his family and dog, Conker, make appearances. The slower pace of the show allows Jamie to showcase both his excitement and calm, saying, ‘You get both gears of me’.
For Jamie, the joy of cooking food he’s grown himself is immense. ‘I do feel like a very eccentric father,’ he admits, ‘but I don’t care because nature’s so bloody clever.’ His passion for fresh produce is evident as he shares the excitement of snapping off asparagus straight from the garden.
When asked what viewers would take home from the series, Jamie offered this slice of wisdom: ‘We all have busy lives, and we need solution-based cooking. But, this is the series for those moments when you have a bit of time to make a dish which really sings of the seasons, one that celebrates a seasonal fruit or veg. Take the time to enjoy cooking – it doesn’t always have to be a rush’.
Jamie Oliver: Seasons promises a blend of delicious recipes, practical tips and a celebration of the joys of fresh, local ingredients. Don’t miss it!
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Picture: Supplied