I tried this popular at-home DNA kit — here's what happened
Opening the box, I was given an activation code to create an account on the website, a cheek swab, and a biohazard bag for my used swab. The directions were straightforward to follow — all I had to do was swab the inside of my cheeks for 30 seconds before inserting the swab into a solution. I then mailed the test.
After I sent it to the lab, I received very little communication from the brand regarding where it was, how long it would take to arrive, or when I'd get my results. The only emails I had were when it eventually arrived on June 10 and when my results were in on June 27. While I would have appreciated more communication, the timing was slightly faster than the advertised four weeks. But it was still long enough that I forgot all about the test until I received the email containing the results.
MyHeritage results
Owing to having a common first and last name, I was a little worried that I wouldn't receive the most accurate results without a phone call to my parents to learn exactly when my grandparents were born. But this, thankfully, wasn't the case.
Once my results were in, the website ran through a series of infographics, similar to Spotify Wrapped. The data was displayed in an easy-to-digest way, highlighting every country I have ancestors in.
While I sadly wasn't given the exciting news that I am secretly part-Neanderthal (that is, of course, no fault of MyHeritage), I did receive results that mostly checked out with what I've heard before. I am 51.2 percent Eastern European, 12.2 percent Germanic, 5.1 percent Norwegian, 5.1 percent English, and 26.4 percent of nine other ethnicities.
Pretty soon after getting my results, I started receiving notifications about other people who used MyHeritage that were genetically matched to be my second, third, or fourth cousins. I'm yet to reach out to any of these relatives, but I'll update this review with my experiences if I choose to do so.
In light of recent privacy concerns over companies selling data, it's reassuring that MyHeritage's privacy policy states that it has never sold data and will never do so. Similarly, I liked the fact that my data could be deleted at any time.
MyHeritage price
Currently, the basic MyHeritage kit has been reduced by more than 60 percent, from $88 to just $33, making now a great time to try the service. There is also the option to sign up for a subscription, with prices starting from $89 for the first year — but you can currently get a 30-day free trial. Depending on the plan you choose, you get instant discoveries, photo features (repairs and animations of old family pictures), and more.
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North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
DNA site announces 35 regal surnames that could be related to the Royal Family
Many of us are fascinated by our ancestry, keen to delve into our family history and discover potential connections to notable figures. Gone are the days of laboriously trawling through heritage records and census data, as there are now numerous online platforms that make this process straightforward and accessible, just like MyHeritage. Currently, MyHeritage is offering a 14-day free trial, providing individuals with the chance to map out their family tree, uncover new relatives, and sift through billions of historical records. They've even compiled a list of 35 surnames that could potentially reveal a connection to royalty, reports the Express According to MyHeritage, certain surnames have traditionally been linked to nobility and could strongly suggest a Royal lineage. If users possess one of these 35 surnames, they might be in for an unexpected revelation about their relatives. Curiosity about Royal lineage can be explored through surnames, and while they don't guarantee a connection to the monarchy, they serve as an intriguing starting point. To delve into their ancestry, individuals can utilise MyHeritage's platform to construct their family tree, incorporating names, dates, photos, and stories, and then sift through historical records including census data, birth, death certificates, and marriage records. Additionally, MyHeritage offers DNA testing services, as well. This provides insights into one's ethnic background and identify potential relatives. Using these tools, users can figure out if their surname is part of a royal lineage. Here's the aforementioned 35 surnames connected to the Royals, and how they made their mark on history: Windsor: The current British royal family's surname since 1917. Tudor: The Welsh dynasty that produced monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Stuart: A Scottish house that ruled England and Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. Plantagenet: A royal house that provided England with monarchs from Henry II to Richard III. Capet: The dynasty that ruled France from 987 to 1328. Bourbon: A European royal house that ruled France, Spain, and other territories. Habsburg: A prominent royal house of Europe, known for ruling the Holy Roman Empire. Hanover: The British royal house from George I to Queen Victoria. Valois: A cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty that ruled France. Lancaster: A branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, known for its role in the Wars of the Roses. York: Another Plantagenet branch, also central to the Wars of the Roses. Bruce: A Scottish royal house, with Robert the Bruce being a notable king. de Valois: A French royal house that produced several kings. de Medici: An influential Italian family that produced royalty and popes. Savoy: A royal family that once ruled parts of Italy and France. Orange-Nassau: The Dutch royal family. Oldenburg: A European royal house that includes the current Danish royal family. Glucksburg: A branch of the House of Oldenburg, associated with Danish and Norwegian royalty. Romanov: The last imperial dynasty to rule Russia. Baskerville: A noble family name with historical ties to English aristocracy. Darcy: A surname associated with medieval nobility and landowners in England and Ireland. Neville: A powerful English noble family with significant influence during the medieval period. Percy: An aristocratic English family known for their role in British history. Astley: A noble surname linked to the English peerage. Capell: A distinguished English family with historical ties to the aristocracy. Howard: A prominent aristocratic family in the UK, holding the title of Dukes of Norfolk. Seymour: The family of Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, with ties to the Dukedom of Somerset. Grey: Associated with Lady Jane Grey, England's nine-day queen. FitzAlan: A powerful medieval family, former Earls of Arundel. Courtenay: A noble family with connections to English and French royalty. Manners: The surname of the Dukes of Rutland, a high-ranking noble family. Russell: Connected to the Dukes of Bedford, an influential aristocratic lineage. Cavendish: The surname of the Dukes of Devonshire, a powerful British noble family. Talbot: A noble family holding the Earldom of Shrewsbury. Spencer: The family name of Princess Diana, tying it to the modern British royal family. For those seeking alternative resources, Ancestry is another option, providing DNA tests starting at £79, which not only connect users with relatives but also offer insights into familial origins. 23andMe is yet another choice, offering DNA tests with ancestry breakdowns and personalised health insights, with prices commencing at £89. MyHeritage boasts a commendable 4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. One user praised the site, commenting: "Immediate accurate statistics of my immediate family members." Another user appreciated the ongoing updates and positive outcomes, stating: "Regular updates of discoveries, positive results. This site is not just about the money, it is about genuine results for the family history researcher." A satisfied customer shared their experience: "My family history has expanded and the format is easily understood. Changes are quick and easy. Thank you." Not all users are singing the same tune, with one commenting: "I don't fully understand it. I can't find a user guide, difficult to navigate, Help Center does not always understand my problems. My previous version was much easier for me." Yet, another budding genealogist recounted their use of the site as an 'enjoyable experience,' enthusing: "Finding related families and information relating to individuals has been a wonderful experience. MyHeritage has made it even easier to trace ancestors and verify relations."
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
I tried this popular at-home DNA kit — here's what happened
Collecting my DNA using MyHeritage Opening the box, I was given an activation code to create an account on the website, a cheek swab, and a biohazard bag for my used swab. The directions were straightforward to follow — all I had to do was swab the inside of my cheeks for 30 seconds before inserting the swab into a solution. I then mailed the test. After I sent it to the lab, I received very little communication from the brand regarding where it was, how long it would take to arrive, or when I'd get my results. The only emails I had were when it eventually arrived on June 10 and when my results were in on June 27. While I would have appreciated more communication, the timing was slightly faster than the advertised four weeks. But it was still long enough that I forgot all about the test until I received the email containing the results. MyHeritage results Owing to having a common first and last name, I was a little worried that I wouldn't receive the most accurate results without a phone call to my parents to learn exactly when my grandparents were born. But this, thankfully, wasn't the case. Once my results were in, the website ran through a series of infographics, similar to Spotify Wrapped. The data was displayed in an easy-to-digest way, highlighting every country I have ancestors in. While I sadly wasn't given the exciting news that I am secretly part-Neanderthal (that is, of course, no fault of MyHeritage), I did receive results that mostly checked out with what I've heard before. I am 51.2 percent Eastern European, 12.2 percent Germanic, 5.1 percent Norwegian, 5.1 percent English, and 26.4 percent of nine other ethnicities. Pretty soon after getting my results, I started receiving notifications about other people who used MyHeritage that were genetically matched to be my second, third, or fourth cousins. I'm yet to reach out to any of these relatives, but I'll update this review with my experiences if I choose to do so. In light of recent privacy concerns over companies selling data, it's reassuring that MyHeritage's privacy policy states that it has never sold data and will never do so. Similarly, I liked the fact that my data could be deleted at any time. MyHeritage price Currently, the basic MyHeritage kit has been reduced by more than 60 percent, from $88 to just $33, making now a great time to try the service. There is also the option to sign up for a subscription, with prices starting from $89 for the first year — but you can currently get a 30-day free trial. Depending on the plan you choose, you get instant discoveries, photo features (repairs and animations of old family pictures), and more.
The Guardian
23-07-2025
- The Guardian
Puff tart and brown sugar loaf – Alexina Anatole's courgette recipes
Summer courgettes seem to multiply faster than we can cook them, and demand a little more of our love from June through to August. But despite their unruliness as a crop, they are mild-mannered in flavour, a culinary chameleon that partners with a wide range of tastes. From the umami punch of parmesan to the fragrant cut-through of citrus, and from the warmth of cinnamon to the char of the barbecue, these green gourds can be used in myriad ways, shining in sweet and savoury contexts alike. There is nothing easier or more gratifying in summer than a tart topped with the season's bounty. Serve with a rocket salad for a light lunch, or alongside your protein of choice. The courgette 'butter' is endlessly adaptable: turn it into a pasta sauce with a spoonful or two of creme fraiche, or use it to fill quesadillas. Prep 30 minCook 25 minServes 6-8 For the courgette 'butter'3 tbsp olive oil 3 medium-large courgettes (about 670g) 3 small garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced½ tsp fine sea salt Finely grated zest and juice of ½ lime For the tart320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry3-4 tbsp ricotta, or creme fraiche or cream cheese 10g parmesan, finely gratedEgg wash, or milk, to glaze Put the olive oil in a large saucepan on a medium heat. Meanwhile, top and tail the courgettes, then slice into very fine 1mm-2mm-thick rounds (if you have one, use a mandoline). Tip the sliced courgettes, garlic and salt into the pan, stir to coat everything in the hot oil, then turn up the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes, until the courgettes start to break down. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook for another 15 minutes, until the courgettes are soft and jammy and a bit like butter; if you like, leave the courgettes to cool and store in the fridge for up to three days. Heat the oven to 220C (200C fan)/425F/gas 7. Unravel the pastry sheet and its paper on to a large baking tray, trimming off any excess paper, if need be, then use a small knife to score a light 1cm border all around the edge of the pastry. Spoon dollops of the ricotta into the centre of the pastry, then spread it all over the base up to the border. Squeeze the lime juice on to the cooked courgettes, then spread them evenly over the the ricotta and top with an even scattering of the parmesan and the grated lime zest. Brush the border with egg wash (or milk), then bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are puffed up and deeply golden. Serve immediately. This is a brilliant way to use up a glut of courgettes, turning them into a soft, cinnamon-spiced cake with deep caramel notes from the muscovado sugar and a hit of aniseed fragrance from the fennel seeds. Perfect for an afternoon tea break. Prep 20 minCook 50 minServes 8 For the cake210g plain flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon ¾ tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda ½ tsp fine sea salt 250g grated courgettes (2 small-medium courgettes)100g dark muscovado sugar 2 medium eggs 200g granulated sugar 50g creme fraiche, plus extra to serve1 tsp vanilla bean paste Finely grated zest of 1 lemonJuice of ½ lemon 120ml olive oil 1 tbsp demerara sugar 1 tsp fennel seeds, roughly crushed Heat the oven to 180C (160C fan)/350F/gas 4 and line a 2lb loaf tin with greaseproof paper. In a medium-large bowl, thoroughly whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, bicarb and salt, then add the grated courgette and toss until evenly coated. In a large jug, whisk themuscovado sugar and eggsfor about a minute, until there are no significant lumps and the mix is a little frothy. Whisk in the granulated sugar, creme fraiche, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, then stream in the olive oil, whisking all the time. Pour the wet mix into the courgette bowl, whisk just until combined, then scrape into the lined loaf tin. Mix the demerara sugar and crushed fennel seeds, then sprinkle evenly all over the top. Bake for 45 minutes, until golden on top and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove and leave the loaf to cool in its tin for five to 10 minutes, then carefully unmould and transfer to a rack to cool completely. The cake is delicious as is, but slices can also be served with a spoonful of creme fraiche and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil (or maple syrup, if you have more of a sweet tooth). Alexina Anatole is the author of the Small Wins Substack and Sweet: The Secret to the Best Desserts, published by Square Peg at £27. To order a copy for £24.30, go to
