Curry Crazy: £34,070 - The Cost of Britain's Love Affair with Spicy Food

If you thought Brits were passionate about their tea, hold onto your naan bread! A recent survey reveals the average Brit will spend a whopping £34,070 on curry in their lifetime. That's right, our love for this spicy cuisine is costing us a pretty penny – but boy, is it worth it!

Spicing Up Our Lives (and Wallets)

According to the research by Red Tractor beef and lamb, we're shelling out an average of £8.19 per person each week on curries. That includes everything from takeout and restaurant meals to the ingredients and sauces we use to whip up our own versions at home. It all adds up to a hefty £425 a year!

But it's not just our tastebuds that benefit from this fiery affair. A surprising one in ten Brits claim that curry acts as an aphrodisiac, adding a little extra spice to their love lives. And a third of us admit to experiencing actual physical cravings for a hot curry – talk about food for the soul (and other parts!).

Curry Conundrum: To Cook or Not to Cook?

While a third of us enjoy a weekly curry fix, only three in ten feel confident enough to cook them at home. And even those who do often don't make it a regular habit. However, it seems the weekend isn't the only time for a curry feast; many of us are venturing into mid-week cooking to satisfy our cravings.

Men vs. Women: A Battle of Spice Tolerance

The survey also reveals a gender divide when it comes to spice levels. Men tend to prefer their curries hotter, while women are more likely to stick to their tried-and-true favorites. But regardless of our individual preferences, the research shows that Brits, as a whole, like their curry on the hotter end of the spectrum, with 15% opting for the spiciest options available.

The Curry Bravado: Are We Truly as Bold as We Claim?

Despite our claims of fiery taste buds, the nation's most popular curry dishes are actually the milder korma and tikka masala, with rogan josh coming in third. Perhaps our curry bravado is more talk than action! But hey, there's no shame in enjoying a milder flavor – after all, it's all about finding what satisfies your own palate.

Embracing the Curry Craze

Whether you're a seasoned curry chef or a takeout enthusiast, there's no denying the UK's love affair with this flavorful cuisine. With resources like Red Tractor's Big Curry Cook-in, even novice cooks can explore the wonderful world of curry, experimenting with different flavors, meats, and spice levels to create the perfect dish. So, next time you're craving a curry, why not ditch the takeout menu and give cooking your own a try? Your tastebuds (and your wallet!) will thank you.