Love Food Love Life

Deeti Vyas Beghin

Welcome to Love Food, Love Life, the podcast that’s all about celebrating the simple pleasures of great food, meaningful connections, and living a vibrant life. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a foodie, wants to learn more about where our food comes from or just someone who loves to savor life’s best moments, this podcast is for you! Through stories, recipes, and practical tips, Love Food, Love Life will remind you that food isn’t just about fuel; it’s about joy, connection, and living life to the fullest.

  1. Jan 14

    Food, Culture and Identity

    Summary In this episode of the Love Food Love Life podcast, Deeti and Angela Zaher explore the deep connections between food, culture, and personal identity. Angela shares her journey from Lebanon to the UK, discussing how her multicultural background shaped her relationship with food. They delve into the emotional aspects of cooking, the importance of family meals, and how food serves as a bridge to heritage and memories. Angela also reflects on her transition from a career in law to food writing, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of cooking and the joy it brings to her family. The conversation highlights the fusion of culinary traditions and the significance of food as a means of connection and expression of love. Takeaways Angela's journey reflects resilience through cultural upheaval.Food serves as a connection to heritage and identity.Cooking can be a coping mechanism during difficult times.Family meals foster connection and shared experiences.Cultural fusion in cooking enriches culinary traditions.Food writing emerged as a creative outlet for Angela.Cooking is a way to express love and care for others.The emotional weight of food ties to memories and family.Baking is seen as an act of pleasure and joy.Food can be a therapeutic tool for processing grief. Chapters 00:00 Angela's Journey: From Beirut to London 07:06 The Role of Food in Identity and Culture 13:01 Rediscovering Heritage Through Cooking 23:23 Food as Love: Emotional Connections to Cuisine 26:48 Cultural Fusion in Cooking 30:36 The Journey to Food Writing 37:25 Advice for Aspiring Food Writers 43:51 Favorite Dishes and Cooking Inspirations To follow Angela's work and writing, you can find her on: https://www.instagram.com/angela_zaher/ https://angelazaher.com/

    Food, Culture and Identity
  2. 07/09/2025

    Exploring the World of Wild Edible Flowers and Herbs

    Summary In this episode of the Love Food Love Life podcast, host Deeti speaks with Manuela Sarcia, an expert in edible flowers and herbs. They explore Manuela's journey from urban planner to agritourism entrepreneur in Sicily, discussing the cultural significance of wildflowers, their culinary and cosmetic uses, and the importance of reconnecting with nature. Manuela shares her knowledge on foraging, cooking with flowers, and creating natural products, emphasizing the need for curiosity and education in preserving this rich heritage. Takeaways Manuela's journey began in childhood, influenced by her grandmother's love for flowers.St. John's flower has both culinary and cosmetic benefits.Curiosity and knowledge are essential for discovering edible plants.Cultural traditions in Sicily highlight the significance of wildflowers.Edible flowers can enhance both the flavor and presentation of dishes.Identifying edible flowers requires knowledge and experience.Natural products can be made from flowers for health and beauty.Reconnecting with nature is vital for personal and community well-being.Seasonal foraging offers diverse opportunities for culinary creativity.Agritourism plays a crucial role in educating people about sustainable practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Edible Flowers and Herbs 07:05 The Importance of Curiosity and Knowledge 13:04 Identifying Edible Flowers 18:52 Sustainable Practices and Natural Products 24:59 Experiences and Workshops on the Farm 30:50 The Role of Community and Art in Agriculture If you are ever visiting Sicily and want to do a tour with Manuela, cookery courses or stay in their beautiful hotel, check out this link for more information: http://www.agriturismostallaini.com/

    Exploring the World of Wild Edible Flowers and Herbs
  3. 06/25/2025

    The Art of Ayurvedic Cooking

    Summary In this conversation, we explore the principles of Ayurveda and its application in cooking and wellness. Sachin, an Ayurvedic practitioner, discusses the importance of understanding one's dosha, the role of seasonal eating, and the significance of spices and herbs in Ayurvedic cooking. He emphasizes the holistic approach of Ayurveda, which integrates mind, body, and spirit, and offers practical tips for incorporating Ayurvedic practices into daily life, including meditation and self-care routines. Takeaways Ayurveda is a holistic system for health and wellness. Understanding your dosha is key to personalized health. Seasonal eating aligns with Ayurvedic principles. Spices play a crucial role in digestion and health. Balance in lifestyle is essential for well-being. Daily routines should include self-care practices. Meditation can enhance mental and emotional health. Herbs and spices should be treated with respect. Eating should be mindful and in tune with nature. Ayurveda encourages self-discovery and personal healing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ayurveda and Its Importance 06:28 Ayurveda's Connection to Food and Cooking 11:25 Understanding Doshas and Seasonal Eating 20:58 The Role of Spices and Herbs in Ayurveda 27:38 Holistic Living and Daily Rhythms 35:00 Conclusion and Meditation Practice To learn more about Sachin, his work on Ayruvedic cooking and practices, check out his website: https://sunistanai.com/ And here is the link to download the meditation that Sachin has kindly offered to our listeners: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1367259323381579779/1386376978474598521/Guided_mediation.m4a?ex=685cc76d&is=685b75ed&hm=55febc14e4df9cb257e4dfdb9e6dbf6b4c8d118d10e8c019bb962675a87803e9&

    The Art of Ayurvedic Cooking
  4. 06/11/2025

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Farm to Table

    Summary: In this episode of the Love Food Love Life podcast, host Ethy speaks with Francesca Oliva, a third-generation olive oil producer, about the intricate journey of olive oil from farm to table. They discuss the differences between extra virgin and regular olive oil, the challenges of growing olives, the importance of quality control, and the impact of climate change on olive production. Francesca emphasizes the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil and shares insights on cooking with it, as well as the global demand for high-quality olive oil. Key Takeaways: Francesca's family has a long history in olive oil production, starting with her grandfather in 1957. Growing olives requires careful attention to the variety and location, affecting the final quality. Harvesting olives manually is labor-intensive but essential for maintaining quality. Extra virgin olive oil is a juice that should be produced under strict temperature controls. The term 'cold press' is outdated; the focus should be on cold extraction for quality. Many consumers confuse olive oil with extra virgin olive oil, which is a refined product. Cooking with extra virgin olive oil is common in Sicily, despite misconceptions about its smoke point. Climate change is affecting the timing and quality of olive harvests. The market for extra virgin olive oil is small compared to other oils, making quality production challenging. Directly sourcing from producers ensures better quality and authenticity. Chapters: 00:00 The Olive Oil Journey Begins 05:00 Growing Olives: The Process and Challenges 11:06 Harvesting and Crushing: From Olive to Oil 16:27 Understanding Extra Virgin vs. Regular Olive Oil 20:39 Challenges in Olive Harvesting 22:24 Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil 24:35 Understanding Olive Oil Quality 26:17 Harvesting Seasons and Climate Change 28:35 Varietals and Flavor Profiles 30:22 The Importance of Single Variety Olive Oils 32:04 Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 34:08 Meeting Global Demand for Quality Olive Oil 35:58 Mechanization and Its Impact on Olive Production 37:56 Tourism and Olive Oil Experiences To find out more about Francesca and Agricola Oliva, clink on this link to their website: https://agricolaoliva.it/en/

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Farm to Table

About

Welcome to Love Food, Love Life, the podcast that’s all about celebrating the simple pleasures of great food, meaningful connections, and living a vibrant life. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a foodie, wants to learn more about where our food comes from or just someone who loves to savor life’s best moments, this podcast is for you! Through stories, recipes, and practical tips, Love Food, Love Life will remind you that food isn’t just about fuel; it’s about joy, connection, and living life to the fullest.