Suma Quinoa – The Grain of the Past and Grain of the Future?
August 27, 2010 – 11:46 am | One Comment

Higher in protein content than any other grain

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The Suma range of food and household products. Our products are sourced ethically, with the environment in mind.

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Delicious vegetarian recipes created in our very own Suma canteen. Healthy meals, and a healthy amount of cakes too.

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Suma is the uk’s largest workers’ cooperative. We operate equal pay and are democratically run by our members.

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Co-operatives unite to bring you new organic pasta
September 2, 2010 – 2:12 pm | 2 Comments

iris_coopMeet Iris- a fellow workers’ coop and producers of Suma’s brand new pasta range!

Suma and Iris have a lot in common- both are cooperative businesses started by a group of young enthusiastic individuals keen to challenge the accepted norms of how a business should operate. Situated in the beautiful ‘Oglio Sud’ National Park of northern Italy, Iris run their business on principles of respect for both people and the natural environment; the produce they grow is completely organic, their farm uses only green energy and Iris’ 40 members are employed under cooperative principles, so everyone has a stake in the business and a say in how it’s run. So who better to provide us with deliciously authentic Italian pasta?

On teaming up with Suma Elisabetta Acerbi, export manager for Iris, says “We’ve been a workers’ cooperative since 1978 and have always farmed and manufactured using organic principles. It’s great to have the opportunity to bring a co-branded product to the UK market with another workers’ cooperative”. The relationship doesn’t end there; a coop member from Iris will shortly be trading places with a Suma member in a worker exchange. We’ll get to know each other better and no doubt learn a lot from each other along the way!

wheat cultivation on Iris’ farm

wheat cultivation on Iris’ farm

Iris are a reflection of the Italian tradition of valuing and savouring life’s simple pleasures. Through years of experience they have mastered the art of creating fantastic pasta which, as they have discovered, is something that can’t be rushed. Iris only use 100% organic Italian durum wheat, which is grown on their own farms. It is harvested and sent a ten kilometres down the road to be processed using honed and practised techniques. Once the dough is prepared bronze dies are used to extrude the pasta, rather than the Teflon types used in mass production, resulting in pasta with a rougher finish that readily absorbs cooking flavours and sauces. After shaping, the pasta is slow-dried to preserve the delicate nutty flavour of the durum wheat.

pasta extruded through bronze dies, resulting in a superior texture

pasta extruded through bronze dies, resulting in a superior texture

Now more than ever discerning foodies are considering the provenance of their food, and assessing more than just price when deciding what to buy. This is what’s so great about Suma’s new pasta- you know exactly where it has come from and what’s in it, and by buying it you support the idea that poor quality, mass produced products can’t hold a torch to traditional pasta made with care and skill. By teaming up with Iris we can ensure that the pasta we provide is ethically and sustainably sourced at all points in its journey from Iris’ field to our warehouse.

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The Suma pasta range includes:

  • Suma Organic White Fusilli – 12 x 500g (WT075)
  • Suma Organic White Penne – 12 x 500g (WT085)
  • Suma Organic White Spaghetti – 12 x 500g (WT090)
  • Suma Organic Wholewheat Fusilli – 12 x 500g (WT125)
  • Suma Organic Wholewheat Penne – 12 x 500g (WT095)
  • Suma Organic Wholewheat Spaghetti – 12 x 500g (WT120)

The Suma / Iris range of Organic Pasta is available to buy in wholesale and bulk quantities through our online ordering site.

Alternatively you can buy direct from all good health food shops and wholefood shops. To find out about your nearest local stockist please telephone Suma on 01422 313845 or email info@suma.coop

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Fusilli with roasted aubergine, goats cheese and parsley pesto
August 31, 2010 – 12:08 pm | No Comment
Fusilli with roasted aubergine, goats cheese and parsley pesto

This is a delicious way to maximise the flavours of fresh, tasty ingredients. The recipe also works well with spaghetti or penne pasta and is great for a quick weeknight supper.

Suma Quinoa – The Grain of the Past and Grain of the Future?
August 27, 2010 – 11:46 am | One Comment
Suma Quinoa – The Grain of the Past and Grain of the Future?

Higher in protein content than any other grain

Spicy Sweet Potato, Bean and Smoked Cheese Rissoles
August 10, 2010 – 12:15 pm | No Comment
Spicy Sweet Potato, Bean and Smoked Cheese Rissoles

This delicious recipe is taken from a collection produced by the Whale Tail Cafe, in Lancaster. The Whale Tail Cafe specialise in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and have been great customers to Suma for over 20 years!

Coalition government pledges to Clean Up Cruelty
July 29, 2010 – 11:54 am | No Comment
Coalition government pledges to Clean Up Cruelty

After years of political and public campaigning, the BUAV’s (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) efforts have finally paid off. The new Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition has included a pledge on banning the cruel and unnecessary use of animals in household product testing in their joint plans for government.

Little Valley Brewery – makers of Suma Beers
July 27, 2010 – 4:40 pm | No Comment
Little Valley Brewery – makers of Suma Beers

Read about Little Valley Brewery, who make Suma Organic Beers. They produce great organic beer, in a small scale brewery in the Calder valley, West Yorkshire.

Why Use Suma Bodycare Shampoo & Soap?
July 15, 2010 – 2:04 pm | 4 Comments
Why Use Suma Bodycare Shampoo & Soap?

Read about the Suma Soap and Shampoo ranges, which are cruelty-free certified products and suitable for vegans.