International rugby star Rory Best has revealed that the family tradition of eating porridge for breakfast is one of the secrets behind his powerful performances for Ulster and Ireland.
The Irish hooker was at breakfast briefing in Belfast as part of Farmhouse Breakfast Week (23rd – 29th January) where he disclosed some of the Best family’s traditions and favourite recipes.
The event was hosted by Northern Ireland’s only porridge oat producer, White’s, which is introducing its new Speedicook pack, the latest in a line of innovations from the company.
Rory and his father John revealed that eating porridge for breakfast has been a tradition passed down over generations in the family – and will be passed on to Rory’s six-month-old son, Ben.
He said: “Our family has been in farming for many generations, so breakfast is probably the most important meal of the day for us.
“It’s when everyone comes together to eat before the long working day ahead. White’s porridge is the firm favourite in the household. For me as a professional rugby player, porridge is an important part of my daily diet because it’s full of the vitamins and minerals that keep me in top condition for the challenges of the game.”
The Best’s family story is being used to highlight the special place that White’s has held within local families for many generations. Today’s event showcased the brand’s rich heritage that can be traced back in the early 1900s.
Mark Gowdy, Marketing Manager at White’s, said: “White’s has sat on breakfast tables in Northern Ireland for over 100 years. By producing consistent, high quality porridge, we’ve earned the trust of generations and made Speedicook porridge a clear favourite in Northern Ireland*.
“The launch of our new Speedicook pack, which has been revitalised to reflect a new generation of porridge consumers, marks another chapter in the continuous evolution of the brand.
As part of the event celebrity chef Paula McIntrye was also on hand with a number of delicious bespoke oat recipes developed specially for White’s.
She said: “Porridge remains one of the easiest and tastiest ways to start the day. It really is such a versatile food and can be easily adapted by adding a different topping, some seasonal fruit or even fruit juice or compote. The importance of eating breakfast to health and well being can’t be overstated. Farmhouse Breakfast Week serves to alert people to the benefits of eating a wholesome and healthy breakfast to start the day.”
Farmhouse Breakfast Week is organised by the Home-Grown Cereal Authority (HGCA) with the aim of encouraging people to get active as part of a healthy lifestyle with the theme ‘Shake Up Your Wake Up”.
