Many Americans are hearing more about fair trade these days, which is fortunate, given the tremendous benefits this system offers to people and planet. Fair trade is both an organized social movement and a market-based approach that aims to create better trading conditions for producers in developing countries.
If you’re committed to providing your family with organically grown/produced foods, but worry about the higher price tag compared to conventional items, take heart. The cost of USDA certified organic foods will eventually come down. Meanwhile, there are clever ways to save along the way. Read the rest of this entry »
Many families are selecting organic foods on a more regular basis, which is especially good news for kids. According to the National Research Council (NRC), children are not adequately protected from pesticides in their diet. Here are 5 ways children benefit from eating organic whenever possible:
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Are you clear on what the term “organic” actually means? It’s a confusing topic for many health-conscious consumers─especially with the many changes associated with this term in recent years. This update can help clarify matters:
As you may know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program strictly regulating how these foods are grown, handled and processed. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and sells a product as organic must meet these government standards to be USDA certified. Only producers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic foods are exempt from this certification. Read the rest of this entry »
Do you select organic foods when you shop? By definition, organic products are grown and produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Organic farmers don’t feed or inject animals with hormones or antibiotics, nor are genetically modification organisms (GMOs) used.
Currently, 70% of the U.S. population buys organic food on occasion─with nearly 25% investing on a weekly basis, according to the Hartman Group. Organic items are generally perceived as safer, healthier, and better for the environment. Here are some powerful reasons to make organically grown foods a priority in the New Year:
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If there was ever a month to pay tribute to egg nog, it’s December, when this traditional favorite plays a limited holiday engagement. Egg nog has in fact been made for hundreds of years, although what we enjoy today has had a rather gradual evolution.
It’s thought that this sweetly spiced concoction originated in England. The British drink of sugared milk and egg was called Egg Flip since it was mixed by rapidly pouring or “flipping” the mixture between two containers to blend it. It was then often served in a “noggin,” or small, carved wooden mug. Read the rest of this entry »
World Vegan Month─observed each November─commemorates the coining of the term, ‘vegan’ and the founding of The Vegan Society in 1944. Since then, the Society has worked to make veganism an easily adopted, widely recognized approach to reducing animal and human suffering, as well as environmental damage, through peaceful, factual dialogue with both individuals and organizations.
While holidays are times of joy, festive meals can pose a challenge for people with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease. But take heart, whether you personally avoid gluten─or plan on hosting people that do─these ideas can help.
First off, if you’re a guest that must steer clear of gluten, it’s certainly permissible to ask the hostess about the ingredients in various dishes. Once friends and family understand your gluten sensitivity, they should be happy to provide you with the information you need to relax and enjoy the feast in good health. Read the rest of this entry »
What fruit, long enjoyed in other cultures, has finally attained gourmet status with many American chefs? The fig of course! Demand is clearly on the rise, with California fig production averaging 28 million pounds over the last five years. While this age-old fruit is officially celebrated the first week of each November, why not join fig lovers everywhere in paying it tribute all year round?
This unique “fruit of the gods” is praise worthy for many reasons. Figs are one of the oldest fruits recognized by humans. In fact, Sumerian stone tablets dating back to 2500 B.C. record the usage of figs. The Greeks believed the fig was a gift of Demeter, and made sacred to Dionysus. Read the rest of this entry »
When you think of October, you invariably think of pumpkin─the quintessential Halloween icon. Did you know that the word pumpkin comes from the Greek pepõn for a large melon? The pumpkin was a food staple for the Native American Indians, and a welcome discovery by the Pilgrims. The “new Americans” heartily embraced the sweet, multi-purpose pumpkin, which became a traditional Thanksgiving food, not only as a side dish and dessert, but also in soups, and even for beer. Read the rest of this entry »
