The A-Z of vegetarianism
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E is for...
E numbers: A food additives numbering system that originated within the European Union and includes food colours, preservatives, flavour enhancers, acidity regulators, thickeners, emulsifiers and antibiotics. The “E” prefix stands for “Europe” and the list includes such well known items as riboflavin (B2), ascorbic acid (C), carrageenan, bicarbonate of soda, and beeswax! Sometimes products may claim to be E-number free, perhaps trying to suggest that all E-numbers are bad news, even though some of the ingredients will have an E-number. Veggies will always avoid E120 (Cochineal)
Easy: Yes, it can be easy to go vegetarian! Check out our seven simple steps to going and staying veggie and perhaps have a look at the Meat-Free Made Easy recipes.
Eccles Cake: Sometimes referred to as “dead fly pies”, these are small, round treats traditionally made with lard and puff pastry, filled with currants and topped with demerara sugar. Named after the town of Swinton in the Borough of Salford, near Manchester. Always check to see if they are suitable for veggies!
Eco-friendly: Having a positive or beneficial effect, or causing the least possible damage to the environment. Going veggie is an easy way to be more eco-friendly and lower your own environmental impact. For more information see 'Why it’s green to go vegetarian'.
Edam: A popular Dutch cheese, often shaped like a ball and encased in a red, yellow or black paraffin skin. Edam is a fairly mild, semi-soft to hard cheese and lower in fat compared to other cheeses. It’s regularly served with crackers, bread, apple and pickle, or on a cheeseboard. Unfortunately most Edam is made with animal rennet, but veggie varieties are available so as with all cheeses, make sure you check that it’s vegetarian.
Egg: An oval or round shaped reproductive body laid by female birds, insects, fishes, reptiles and other animals. The egg consists of a developing embryo, its food store and an outer shell or membrane.
Let’s concentrate on those that come from domesticated laying hens, of which there are approximately 29 million in the UK. In 2007, 62% of eggs came from caged hens, 4% from hens kept in barns and 34% from free-range hens, of which 6% were organic.
Conditions for laying hens are extremely poor for hens kept in battery cages or barns. Buying free-range eggs or free-range egg products means that the eggs have come from hens that have been kept in better conditions. These hens generally have more freedom to move around and also should have access to a number of exits from the hen house. Eggs can be a good source of protein and omega-3. If you enjoy eating them make sure you buy free-range! For more information click here.
Eggplant: No, eggs don’t grow on trees! Otherwise known as aubergine or brinjal, eggplant is a fruit that is closely related to the tomato, potato and also tobacco plant! Originally native to India, eggplant can be found in cuisine around the globe and is particularly popular in Japan, France, Spain, Italy and in the Middle East. Aubergine dishes include ratatouille and veggie moussaka. Aubergine is a source of folic acid, potassium and fibre.
Einstein, Albert: A theoretical physicist, best known for formulating both the special and general theory of relativity, as well as making important contributions to quantum theory. And we all know how useful that’s been. In 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work. Although he wasn’t vegetarian himself, Einstein supported the vegetarian cause for many years. He once stated, "Our task must be to free ourselves . . . by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances of survival for life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." He also said that “the only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.” I think we would have got along nicely. He reportedly turned vegetarian in the last year of his life.
Elderberry: Also known as sambucus, elderberries are small fruits of the elder tree, which grow in clusters with small white, cream, red or pink elderflowers. Elderberries can be blue, black, red or purple and are great for making jam, cordial, syrup and even ice cream.
Emulsifiers: Enable fats to be uniformly distributed by preventing them from joining together and separating out. They are often used in foods such as margarine, ice cream, salad dressing and many baked goods. May not always be vegetarian so check the label!
Enchilada: Originating from Mexico, enchiladas are filled corn tortillas that are covered with a chilli pepper sauce. Although they are traditionally filled with minced beef or small fish, they can also be served with vegetables and beans. Why not have a go at making your own veggie enchiladas? Fill corn tortillas with tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, sweetcorn, peppers, chilli peppers etc cover the filled tortillas with a bit of veggie cheese and a chilli sauce and bake in a warm oven for 10 minutes or so. Mmm!
Ermine: The winter fur of dead stoats is commonly known as ermine and is regularly abused by the fur trade and used to trim coats and stoles.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body to use vitamin K.
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