Rishim Sachdeva is the Founder and Head Chef of the Michelin recommended restaurant Tendril in London.

Rishim Sachdeva has held senior positions at some of the best restaurants in London and India. A couple of years ago, as a self-proclaimed 'hardcore carnivore,' he used Veganuary to challenge himself. "Can I create food that satisfies my cravings as a meat-eater whilst giving me satisfaction as a chef?" The answer was yes and he's never looked back. Inspired by his travels around the world, and not pigeon-holed by cuisine type, Rishim has developed his own cooking style that's unique. Tendril Kitchen showcases what's possible in plant-first food. He knows that reducing our meat intake is great for our bodies and for the planet. And with incredible produce available on our doorsteps, he believes that great vegetables deserve to be the hero.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 0:22 – Introduction

0:22 – 1:31 – Rishim Sachdeva's bio

1:31 – 2:13 – Why did you decide to become a chef?

2:13 – 4:511 – Can you tell me a little bit about your career path?

4:51 – 6:59 – Could you tell me about Tendril?

6:59 – 10:10 – What are some of the most important things you've learned at Tendril?

10:10 – 12:52 – What makes Tendril unique?

12:52 – 14:01 – Why did you decide to make Tendril a mostly vegan kitchen?

14:01 – 16:27 – What are things you consider when you create new foods for the menu at Tendril?

16:27 – 18:26 – What are some of your favorite things on the Tendril menu?

18:26 – 19:52 – What are some of the honors and accolades Tendril has received since it began?

19:52 – 21:24 – What do you see as the future of healthy, sustainable, and delicious food?

21:24 – 22:18 – Things to share and wrap up

CHEF RISHIM SACHDEVA:

https://www.instagram.com/chefrishimsachdeva/

TENDRIL KITCHEN:

https://www.tendrilkitchen.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/tendril_kitchen/

CAFÉ PETIOLE:

https://www.cafepetiole.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/cafepetiole/

RESOURCES

Michelin Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/greater-london/london/restaurant/tendril

Culinary Institute of America Interview: https://youtu.be/qhbdBNLnHqw?si=At3SPWMjP-gTk5ub

Vogue India: https://www.vogue.in/content/how-to-eat-like-virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharma-in-tendril-london

Condé Nast Traveler: https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/vegan-restaurants-london

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Local Food

London

Plant First Food

Plant Forward Food

Plant Based

Vegetarian

Vegan

Ben McLean III is a 4th generation citrus grower and Head of Research at Uncle Matt's Organic.

Ben McLean III is a 4th generation Citrus grower born in Clermont, Florida, where he grew up working in his family's Citrus business. Ben attended the University of Florida where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Health Science in 1988, and a Master's degree in Horticultural Science in 1991. Ben has been involved in Citrus production research since his graduation in 1991 and has collaborated with numerous University scientists during his career focused on the interaction of nutrition and plant health. He is currently the Head of Research for Uncle Matt's Organic, the nation's oldest and best-selling organic orange juice brand. He is also the President of McLean Family Farms, that currently manages over 100 acres of organic production primarily in Citrus and Peaches. McLean Family Farms and Uncle Matt's Organic are actively involved with both public and private entities to enhance organic production in several crops in the state of Florida. Ben is also a former Board member for the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) whose mission is to "Advance disease and production research and product development activities to insure the survival and competitiveness of Florida's citrus growers through innovation." Ben currently resides in Clermont, Florida, and is married to his wife Annemarie. They have four wonderful daughters ranging in age from 21 to 28 years, and, one beautiful granddaughter who is 1 year old.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 0:24 – Introduction

0:24 – 1:34 – Ben McLean's bio

1:34 – 3:16 – Can you tell me about your family's citrus-growing history?

3:16 – 3:57 – What are some unique facts about Uncle Matt's Organic?

3:57 – 8:28 – What made you decide to continue the family tradition of growing citrus?

8:28 – 10:35 – How did the name – Uncle Matt's Organic – come into being?

10:35 – 11:49 – Can you tell me about the ways your family members are involved in the business?

11:49 – 15:26 – Why is organic agriculture important?

15:26 – 19:08 – How do your growing practices differ from non-organic citrus growers?

19:08 – 25:43 – Could you tell me a little bit about the research you do?

25:43 – 29:01 – What are some of the challenges citrus growers face?

29:01 – 31:40 – Uncle Matt's Organics was the first juice company in the US to be certified Glyphosate (RoundUp) Residue Free. Why was it important for you to ensure that Glyphosate was not used, and for residue-testing and certification to happen?

31:40 – 35:18 – How do you think the food system could be improved to encourage and support organic farmers?

35:18 – 37:11 – What do you see as the future of organic food and farming?

37:11 – 38:39 – Things to share and wrap up

UNCLE MATT'S ORGANIC:

https://www.unclematts.com/

RESOURCES

Uncle Matt's Season To Season Cookbook: https://www.unclematts.com/season-to-season-cookbook/

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Farming

Organic

Organic Agriculture

USDA Certified Organic

Florida

Citrus

Orange Juice

Matthew Dillon is the co-CEO of The Organic Trade Association.

Matthew was raised in an agricultural family and community in Nebraska and has held diverse roles in organic food and farming, working from seed to shelf. He headed Abundant Life Seed, one of the first certified seed companies in the U.S. and founded Organic Seed Alliance. He worked for over ten years at Clif Bar & Company in several roles including Vice President of Impact and Government Affairs. He most recently served as Chief Sustainability Officer for organic poultry producer Farmer Focus. As co-CEO for OTA, Matthew oversees the organization's public relations, policy agenda, member engagement and fundraising.

TOPICS EXPLORED

0:00 – 0:20 – Introduction

0:20 – 1:15 – Matthew Dillon's bio

1:15 – 3:04 – What is the Organic Trade Association?

3:04 – 4:57 – How did the Organic Trade Association get started and how has it evolved over the years?

4:57 – 9:09 – Why is organic agriculture important?

9:09 – 15:23 – Why should small and medium farms become USDA certified organic and what are some of the challenges they face?

15:23 – 18:04 – Can you tell me about the Organic Trade Association's role as a National Partner for the U.S. Agriculture Department's (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) and how it helps farms transition to organic practices?

18:04 – 26:56 – What are some of the challenges related to domestic and international organic agriculture?

26:56 – 32:12 – What are some of the key findings of the 2026 Organic Trade Association Organic Market report including market trends and global trade dynamics?

32:12 – 40:36 – How is the regenerative agriculture movement similar or different from the organic agriculture movement?

40:36 – 43:13 – What are some of the biggest things the Organic Trade Association is working on this year, and how can people become involved?

43:13 – 46:20 – What do you see as the future of the organic agriculture movement?

46:20 – 47:16 – Things to share and wrap up

ORGANIC TRADE ASSOCIATION:

https://ota.com/

RESOURCES

Organic 101: https://ota.com/organic-101

Organic Trade Association Resources: https://ota.com/resources

Organic Trade Association Membership: https://ota.com/membership

FOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET PODCAST INFORMATION

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-for-you-and-the-planet/id1739416396

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pkAIuXxl9dzD48b7qMOL1

RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/506343/rss

Podcast Instagram: @foodforyouandtheplanet

TAGS

Food

Environment

Health

Podcast

Sustainability

Farms

Farming

Organic

Organic Agriculture

USDA Certified Organic

Organic Trade Association