About & Method
What Phytofed is
Phytofed is a free educational platform that explains how growing conditions, sourcing, seasonality, ingredient quality, storage, preparation and cooking methods influence flavour, colour, nutritional value and sustainability. It sits at the intersection of food, farming, cooking and science.
Phytofed is written for chefs, growers, nutrition professionals and curious cooks and eaters — one shared platform, not four separate audiences.
Where we start
Most recipe websites begin with a dish. Most nutrition websites begin with a nutrient. Phytofed begins with the ingredient and follows it from field to plate.
Our method
Phytofed translates food and agricultural research into practical guidance. We explain what the evidence supports, where it remains uncertain and how it applies in real kitchens.
How we label evidence
Well established
Widely accepted, consistently reproduced food science.
Supported by human research
Findings from studies conducted in people.
Emerging evidence
Early findings — interpret with care.
Mechanistic or laboratory evidence
Observed in controlled settings; effects in real diets may differ.
Where the strength of evidence is uncertain, we use cautious language. Claims that await scientific or editorial review are clearly flagged rather than presented as settled. Citations and review dates are being added to ingredient pages over time.
Sources
Our reference data currently draws on USDA FoodData Central and Phenol-Explorer, alongside peer-reviewed retention studies.