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Munching Plants to Manufacturing

Episode 1 of 5

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall explores how our intake of fibre has changed over human history. Does it matter that we no longer eat much of it?

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall learns all about fibre, and why we need to eat more of it.

In this first episode, he goes back to the very beginning, to explore how our intake of fibre has changed over human history. From the fibre-rich diets of our plant-gathering ancestors to the low-fibre processed foods we eat today.

Featuring:
Dr Brenna Hassett, biological anthropologist and archaeologist from the University of Lancashire
Dr Polly Russell, food historian and curator at the British Library

Presenter: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Producer: Sarah Goodman
Exec Producer: Becky Ripley

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14 minutes

Last on

Mon 26 Jan 2026 13:45

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Rooty fruity salad

Rooty fruity salad

This simple crunchy salad is such an easy win and can easily be varied according totaste and what you have handy. The nuts or seeds are optional, but they泭re anothergreat fibre boost and I always add them.

Serves 2
Peel and coarsely grate泭two medium carrots泭into a bowl.
插餃餃泭a handful of raisins泭and, if you like, another of pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts.
Squeeze in泭the juice of one orange.

Add a trickle of泭olive oil泭if you like, or泭a dash of vinaigrette dressing泭, season to taste,泭and toss well.泭Serve immediately or leave for up to half an hour in a cool place for the flavours to泭mingle, then toss again before serving.

Variations:you can add a handful of finely shredded red or white cabbage for a more泭coleslaw type version; add chopped apple instead or as well as the raisins; or you canuse firm young parsnips instead of carrots.

Chia choccy pudding

Chia choccy pudding
I was surprised how much I liked this泭泭but I guess its a social media sensation fora reason! The chia seeds swell and make a nice slippery jelly, full of fibre, whichcombines really nicely with the cocoa. Its so quick and easy. It makes an almost泭inst泭ant pud, but also a healthy treaty snack for any time of day.
捩喝喧泭2 tbsp of chia seeds泭and a泭tsp of cocoa powder泭in a small bowl or large cup插餃餃泭60ml boiling water泭from the kettle.
Stir for about 30 seconds until the chia seeds start to gel up.泭Leave for a couple ofminutes to swell some more, then stir in泭a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup.
Mix in泭1 tbsp of Greek yoghurt
Try adding泭a squeeze of泭satsuma, easy peeler or泭棗娶硃紳眶梗泭轍喝勳釵梗泭and serve the segments泭(or any other fruit泭e.g.泭fresh or frozen berries) on top of the pud.

Brown mac and cheese and peas

Brown mac and cheese and peas

This recipe gives the trad mac n cheese a high fibre, full-of-goodness makeover.

Serves 45

500ml whole milk

1 bay leaf (optional)

12 small onion or some onion trimmings (optional)

30g butter

30g fine plain wholemeal flour

125g mature Cheddar or other strong-flavoured hard cheese, coarsely grated

1 tsp English mustard

250g wholewheat (brown) macaroni, penne or another small pasta shape

150-200g frozen peas

A handful of breadcrumbs (optional)

Sea salt and black pepper

Pour the milk into a pan and add the bay leaf and onion if using, and a twist of pepper. Bring almost to the boil, turn off the heat, then leave to infuse for 10 minutes or so.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the flour and stir to make a smooth, thick paste (i.e. a roux). Cook, stirring, for 23 minutes (its fine if it browns a little). Take the pan off the heat. Remove the bay and onion from the hot infused milk and tip about a quarter of it onto the roux. Stir vigorously to form a thick paste. Add the rest of the milk in 3 or 4 lots, stirring each in to get the mixture smooth before you add the next.

Return the pan to a low heat and stir the sauce until starting to bubble. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Set aside 2 tbsp of the grated cheese and add the rest to the hot sauce, stirring it in until melted. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 190簞C/170簞C Fan/Gas 5. Add the pasta to a big pan of boiling salted water and cook for a couple of minutes less than suggested on the pack. Then add the frozen peas and bring back to a simmer. Drain the pasta and peas and stir through the sauce.

Tip the mixture into a lightly oiled oven dish (2-litre capacity) and spread out. Scatter over the reserved cheese, mixed with the breadcrumbs if using.

Put the dish into the oven for about 20-25 minutes until its bubbling and golden on top.

Variation: try using spinach instead or as well as the peas 150-200g frozen spinach, defrosted and chopped.

Saucy beans and greens

Saucy beans and greens

A simple store cupboard throw-together that all comes together in a single pan, this is a lovely fibrous side dish for sausages and mash, or it makes a great vegan sauce for pasta or a baked spud. You can certainly use a ready-made tomato sauce from a jar.

Serves 3-4

One large onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

A little veg oil or olive oil

2 tins tomatoes, chopped

250g of frozen spinach

1 or 2 tins of beans, such as cannellini, butter beans or kidney beans, drained

Make a simple tomato sauce by sweating the onion and garlic in the oil over a medium heat in a medium pan, until soft and golden. 泭Then add two tins of chopped tomatoes and stir together well. Simmer until rich and saucy, stirring occasionally.

Add the frozen spinach and cook through, stirring occasionally, to defrost the spinach.

When the spinach is fully defrosted and well mixed with the sauce, stir in the beans and bring back to a simmer. Simmer gently for 3-4 mins, stirring regularly. Take to the table and serve.

Broadcast

  • Mon 26 Jan 2026 13:45