I didn’t get in bed until a little after 10pm, so I reset my alarm to nix my morning workout in favor of getting all the sleep I can get before my travels abroad. I got up at 6 and pittered around when I had planned to go yoga. Then I got off schedule and now I’m running late! Guf! I hate that my Friday class is 30 minutes sooner than my M/W ones – it throws me off. I’m planning a mid-afternoon workout, but we’ll see…
I should have had cereal with my time constraint, but I chose oats
The Mix:
- 1/3 cup mostly 9 grain, some oats (was out of oats and didn’t want to refill canister), 2/3 cup water, 1/3 cup 2% milk, half medium banana, pinch salt
- 2 dried figs
- Splash cinnamon, vanilla
- 1/2 cup pumpkin
- Swirl pruney pumpkin butter
- ~1/4 cup Whitney in Chicago’s granola!
- Spoonful TJ’s PB
This bowl was SO huge and filling I could barely finish it!
Whitney in Chicago’s coffee….mmmmm!! Loved it!
Questions For Lipton?
What questions do you guys have for me for Lipton while I am visiting their tea estate? They could be based on: sustainability, African culture, the lifestyles of the estate residents + workers, nutrition? I’ll do my best to seek out the answer>s in person 🙂
See you after Food Lab!
VeggieGirl says
Hooray for proper rest!!
Can’t think of a question for Lipton right now – but I’ll be interested in finding out what you DO end up asking them!! 😀
WEEKLY BITE says
Great looking bowl of oatmeal! Looks very filling!
Have a great Friday!
WB
~Estela
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
Boo! Hate when that happens. Hope the rest of your day is fab. Oats look yum!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Delicious oats!
zestycook says
Nice looking Oats Kath! I am all for sleeping longer:) Have a great Friday and see ya at lunch.
zest!
Sara says
i’d like to know what lipton is doing to promote development in africa, beyond just exploiting it for its natural resources and cheap labor force.
thepinkpeppercorn says
I should probably be having cereal this morning, as I’m running way late… but am going to have oats too 🙂
Kath says
wonderful oat mix! so jealous you get to go on “vaca” how fun!
megan says
oh how I wish I liked oatmeal enough to eat it every day!
lori says
I would like to know how the wages and benefits of Lipton’s workers compare to workers at other institutions and what they are doing about female and child laborers.
Good luck on your trip and enjoy!
brandi says
good idea getting in all the rest you can! I can’t wait to hear about this trip 🙂
Danielle says
Love the oatmeal! I can’t think of any questions for you to ask in Africa, I’m just excited to hear all about the trip!
Have a great Friday!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
Great looking oats, as usual… I’m so glad you liked the Intelligentsia coffee. It’s one of my favorites!
Question for the Lipton people: How have concerns about “eating local” affected their business and how they run things?
Meg says
The oats look fantastic! I bet you are so excited about your trip.
Marisa (trim the fat) says
This trip sounds so exciting! How long is your flight??
Don’t have a particular question, but looking forward to hearing all about Lipton’s operations.
Michelle Hisae says
You’re so lucky you get to just mosey around for a relaxing morning. Sometimes it’s necessary!
Kinder says
Oh, I would have lots of questions:
How are they effected by the AIDS epedemic?
Who works for them – women? children? What are they wages like?
How does their plantation effect the communities around them? Negatively and positively?
Do they do anything to help or enhance the country economically besides have the plantation running there?
I am going to think of more and come back later!
Whitney says
My question would echo Sara (6).
Glad you liked the coffee. I just french press-ed a travel mug to enjoy on the way to my externship. 🙂
Kailey (SnackFace) says
I’m just going to have to settle knowing my oats will never be Kath-alicious. So pretty! For Lipton, I’m wondering that for their diet products (such as bottled green teas), are they going to switch to a natural sweetener such as stevia? Because they should! Haha, alright have a great morning!
Kara says
Mmmm those oats look awesome.
I just want to hear about what the conditions are like on the tea plantation. I’m hoping that no one is over worked and everyone is taken care of.
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday says
Good for you for catching up on your rest!!
I wonder what they do to offset their carbon footprint.
rhodeygirl says
OATMEAL LOOKS AWESOME!
Alison says
I would love for you to find out about their sustainable practices. Also, what other “green” practices they implement, what measures do they take to reduce water waste, do they practice organic “farming” techniques at all…how involved are they with the local community.
Enjoy your trip, take LOTS of pictures & return home safely! 🙂
Sarah says
Hi Kath, I read your blog every day (multiple times), but I’ve never commented on here before because I figure you get so many comments already and it’s probably hard to respond to them all. I really appreciate everything you do on here, so thank you. With that said, I have to question your use of the phrase “African culture,” because although there may be some things that every culture on that continent shares in common, I doubt there are that many. Why not just say Kenyan culture, since that’s the country you’re headed to?
Please don’t take this as criticism. It’s just a suggestion. I hope you have a great time in Kenya!
Lisa D says
I’m sure there are lots of great questions to ask them but I’m wondering if they have a research institute to look at the health benefits of teas? And also where they think the future of tea is going: gourmet shops(like starbucks with tea), organic, flavored, etc. etc. (I’m assuming they have done their market research). Have a great time!
D says
I love putting granola on oats! My friends think I’m crazy when I do it (oats on top of oats?) but it’s so yummy! Nice array of textures.
Here are a few questions I would love to see Lipton answer..
-Are the workers they employ able to self-provision (ie farm for themselves) while working for Lipton, or do they completely rely on wages for food?
-What are the worker’s hours?
-Is there child care provided for any mothers who work for Lipton? Are mothers allowed to work on this plantation?
-Do the workers have adequate access to affordable health care when they need it?
-Does the tea industry have problems with “employment” of slaves, like many cocoa farms in Ghana and Cote D’ivor? If so, how is Lipton combating this?
–How is Lipton dealing with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya? How do they support workers who are sick?
Is it obvious that I study development economics and health? Haha.
tina says
Delicious cup of coffee this morning– I’m not sure why it looks so good to me, but I just want to take a sip from your mug!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR TRIP!
Kate says
I’d be interested to know the age of their youngest estate employee, if and how they are investing in the area’s long-term future (education? medical care?), and how they handle waste generated by the estate, so that it doesn’t negatively impact the local residents/environment.
Sharon says
Wow, sounds exciting!!
Diana says
Oats look great! I’m going to think about questions I have for Lipton! What a great idea!
Diana
Amy says
So why are you traveling to visit Lipton…is it for school? Pleasure?
Kate says
mmmm the oatmeal looks SO good!!! Almost on the drier side which is how I like mine!
Oh She Glows says
I too am interested about the AIDS epidemic as well as their wages.
I’d also be interested to know what they eat day in and day out!
Joanne says
Just in case you leave before I check back in, have a very safe and especially fun trip. I’ve always wanted to see Aftrica and CAN’T WAIT to hear your recap. How exciting!
Sarah (lovINmytummy) says
I guess my major question is why Kenya? What makes Kenya an ideal place for tea growing? How does Lipton/Unilever’s presence impact the local economy and environment and what steps are the company taking to promote a healthier economy and environment in that nation?
I’m also wondering, no offense intended, why they thought it was important to send you over to cover this?
Addie says
Hi Kath! Love your blog. Just a tip: Africa is such a diverse place, that there really is no such thing as African culture. Each nation is so distinct, and many countries in Africa have multiple ethnic groups with different languages and cultures. It is definitely not a monolithic place. If I were visiting Japan, I would say, “I will be visiting Japan”, but not “I will be visiting Asia”.It’s certainly acceptable to refer to the continent, but it’s more reasonable to specifically refer to the nation you will visit, as Africans tend to feel lumped together, without any reference to their diversity, or the autonomy of their countries. Have a great time!
Shane says
Sarah (24), I will only accept that as a valid critique if you can swear to me you’ve never used the word “European” in your life.
Kath, have a great trip!
Mel says
Oats looks wonderful as usual!
Biz says
Glad you got to sleep in AND squeezed in your oats!
I can’t imagine traveling for that amount of time – but your packed foods look good!
sue says
great bowl of oats! i don’t have any new questions, but i saw some great ones up there and i’m looking forward to hearing the answers!
Lauren says
Beautiful bowl of oats!
I made your Nutty Vanilla Sweet Potato + Kale soup today, and I am completely smitten with this soup! You totally struck gold with this recipe, Kath 🙂
Runeatrepeat says
I think similar questions have been asked but…
– I would be curious to know how the workers are compensated & if they have access to healthcare for themselves AND their family members?
– Are these plantations organic? Will they be sprayed with pesticides? Is there any health risk to the workers?
K says
I can’t think of a question but I think a lot of good ones were already brought up. I can’t wait to see what you do end up asking!
Sleeping on a plane is hard but hopefully it won’t be too full – then you can get your own row 🙂
Hallie says
Lots of great questions!
How does one “splash cinnamon” onto oats 😉
(it’s Friday…that means silliness…)
Kristina says
Your blog is wonderful! (avid reader, lurker). Check out this link to an article by Jason Jay: http://blog.sustainablefoodlab.org/csr/certifying-lipton-tea-unilever-and-the-rainforest-alliance/. He highlights three important questions that could provide new perspectives during your trip.
Christin S says
Hi Kath, my question would echo Sarah’s (#35). Very interesting country! I know a family of missionaries living there, and it is a very beautiful place, but also very tough to live in…VERY different obviously from the US and the comforts, concerns, and lifestyles we have…I am not so sure they are concerned with things like “carbon footprints” when they are battling AIDS and trying to have enough food to live each day, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask about that too…it would be a good indicator of where the country sees itself going in the future…thanks for the opportunity to share our questions and concerns with them! That was very gracious and thoughtful of you!
Leah says
Amazing oats today!!! Theres just something about having some warm oats to start the day.
Sarah says
My boyfriend is South African and I have friends/co-workers who are from other countries in Africa including Kenya, Uganda, Ganna and Zimbabwe. (The firm I work for employs ex-pats from all over.) Anyways, they always get a kick out of people making reference to Africa or African culture since they are so diverse in terms of language, culture and even race. I think it’s a pretty common mistake that a lot of people from this side of the world make.
Anyhow, that was not a criticism, just trying to say that I have made that mistake and have been corrected myself!
In terms of questions- I am sure you will be getting so much info from Lipton while you are there! Kenya has one of the strongest economies in Africa, despite being plagued with some political instability in the last year or so. I would not be surprised if the answers to your questions about sustainability and fair work practices are all very positive.
Enjoy the adventure!
Whitney says
Kath- I’m so jealous of your opportunity. It will be interesting to see what kind of exposure you will have to the Kenyan culture, and how the conditions of workers in Africa compare to the conditions of workers in the United States. Some of these questions may be a little controversial to ask, but I thought I’d share anyway 😉
1. I’m assuming most of their teas are sold in the United States and if that is the case, what are the reasons for having a plantation in Kenya? More lax environmental regulation, cheaper labor, more labor without having to provide benefits….?
2. What is the company’s stance on fair-trade teas? Meaning, do they participate in any sort of actually paying workers fairly for the work they are doing (versus paying workers pennies then selling tea for much higher price)?
3. Are there environmental regulations in Kenya? Are they enforced?
4. How does their plantation effect the water quality in nearby towns/villages? Is that regulated?
5. Do they use pesticides or insecticides? Do they practice organic farming at all?
finally,
6. What benefits (health care) do workers receive?
Sorry, so many questions!
Rebecca says
Hi!
I’m new to your blog and am wondering why you always add a tbsp of PB to your breakfast.
Just curious…tried googling it but couldnt find a good enough answer.
thanks!
Shelby says
Yay for sleeping longer!
And Yay for a fantastic bowl of oatmeal =)
Kath says
I wrote most of your questions down for inquiry 🙂 A reminder that I am not going to Kenya to do an investigative report (nor am I qualified to do so). Rather I will be sharing my experiences observing first hand how the Lipton tea estate works, from the fields to the hospital to the schools.
Good points on African culture vs. Kenyan culture though. While I am sure there is probably some overlap due to climate, available foods, location, etc. ‘Kenyan culture’ is much more appropriate.
Marisa (trim the fat),
I have a 1.5 hour flight, a 1.5 hour layover, a 9 hour flight, a 3 hour layover, another 9 hour flight and I’m there! Hopefully I won’t have any XX hour delays in there.. 🙂
Amy ,
Search for the Tea Travel post.
Kath
Sarah (Tales of Expansion) says
sometimes you just NEED oats regardless of your time constraints — esp when you have that beautiful granola to put on top!
Jennifer says
make sure you take some sleeping pills!
eatingRD says
I love making oats too because they are sooo filling. I wanted to ask a question about your oats: If you wanted to make them for two would you simple double the liquids and oats? Do you use old-fashioned?
And for the tea, what do they think about tea and iron absorption? Does it make a difference to separate one’s tea from meals to enhance iron absorption? Will you get to try their cuisine there?
Thanks! Have a wonderful time!!
WendyF says
Good luck on your trip! The good thing is I find the jet lag is easier to deal with with that large of time difference. I know it sounds crazy, but I have a worst time with jet lag in the Netherlands.
Plane food: The chef packs my lunch for trips, whether I am trying first class or economy. I find having my own food cuts down on bloating stuffy feeling. I usually take veg sushi, fresh blueberries, strawberries and a ‘treat’
Stay away from dairy(no matter how fancy smancy the hotel…that is my mantra(16 trips to India and never a tummy ache 🙂
Although I eat locally on my trips, I swear by the instant oats. I like the brand you had in the picture. 🙂
Kath says
eatingRD ,
Yes, I just double the portion of oats + water (it takes longer to cook though and often the consistency is a little different – creamier – due to the longer cooking time), and yes, I used old fashioned.
I personally don’t think the inhibition of iron + tea is enough to have them separately as long as you are taking in sufficient iron overall. Aren’t you an RD!? You’re more qualified than I am to answer that!
WendyF,
Thank you for the tips!! I have been warned about dairy…and veggies + salads + fresh fruit that’s not in a peel. I’ll be enjoying grains, meats and cooked things this coming week! Thanks for the extra warning – after hearing of your tummyaches I won’t take any chances. However, if it’s pasteurized, does that make any difference? Or ALL dairy should be considered suspicious?
Kath
capedaisy says
i want to know difference of white tea leaves versus others. more of the technical logistics of tea growing. thanks…happy travels
eatingRD says
Yes, the average person who is getting enough iron in their diet probably doesn’t have to worry about it interfering with absorption too much, but say a vegetarian female athlete who is on the cusp of iron deficiency, it could make all the difference in overall performance. I was just wondering if there was anything new out there! Thanks!