Ella Bella On Blending Culinary Skills with Environmental Advocacy in the MasterChef Kitchen SA

Aug 27, 2024

In a competitive culinary landscape where chefs are often defined by their use of lavish ingredients, Ella Bella Constantinides is not only known as a skilled director of Miss Earth South Africa but also a passionate advocate for biodiversity in challenging the norm. Constantinides is taking a bold stand on the intersection between what sustainability and cooking in the kitchen means.

With a profound passion for cooking that traces back to her mother’s side, Constantinides embraces the philosophy that true culinary magic resides in the simplicity and sustainability of homegrown ingredients. “I have always been captivated by the South African and international culinary scene, but environmental advocacy is at my heart,” Constantinides reflects. Her journey, however, has not been without its hurdles. During her MasterChef audition, a tricky wrought iron pan turned her omelet upside down. Instead of faltering, Constantinides showcased her quick-thinking skills by transforming the mishap into a new delicacy, impressing the judges with both flavor and creativity.

As the founder of Generation Earth and director of the Miss Earth SA Leadership Programme, which hosts events in Cape Town and Johannesburg annually, she intertwines her culinary passion with her advocacy for climate change. “I believe that you are what you eat, and our health is linked to the quality of our food, water, and air,” she asserts. Constantinides emphasizes that our bodies are vulnerable not only to the food we consume but also to the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. “Our bodies are susceptible to what we put into them; not just the food we eat but the air we breathe and the water that we drink. If the water we drink and the air we breathe is polluted ; it not only contaminates us but affects our overall health” said Constantinides. Constantinides states that food is for enjoyment but we must constantly be mindful of its effects on our bodies.

On this season of MasterChef SA, Constantinides plans to highlight the beauty and potential of humble ingredients such as apples, potatoes, and pumpkins. Her goal is to demonstrate that extravagant dishes can indeed be crafted from simple, everyday ingredients. Constantinides notes that sustainability should be at the forefront of our cooking practices “I want to teach my viewers and fellow contestants about reducing waste when cooking and respecting Mother Earth.”

Constantinides' dedication to blending her culinary skills with environmental advocacy reflects a broader commitment to making a positive impact. “I love the fact that I have different passions; however, they do not stray too far from one another,” she shares. “It’s basically food, family, people, and planet, and there is a definite mixture between them all.” Through her innovative approach, Constantinides is proving that culinary excellence and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously, inspiring others to rethink how they engage with food and the planet.