Cinnamon v Ceylon Cinnamon

Which cinnamon is right for you? Here's an easy guide to the ins and outs of both options of cinnamon!


Cinnamon
What we commonly refer to as "cinnamon" (and what is sold in the vast majority of grocery stores in the United States as cinnamon), is actually cassia bark. Cassia is a tree native primarily to China, Bangladesh, and India. It is distinguishable from "true" cinnamon by having a thicker, coarser texture and a stronger, sweeter flavor. Because it is more common in the Asian countries, it is a much less expensive alternative to true cinnamon. Cinnamon powder, sticks and chips are typically cassia bark.

Cassia bark has been tested in aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels in type two diabetes patients. The results are still inconclusive. In many countries, cassia cinnamon is now issued with a warning, due to its high levels of coumarin. Coumarin has been proven to be toxic to the liver and kidneys in high dosages. For most people, 1 teaspoon per day exceeds the "safe" limit, if consumed habitually.


Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon (also referred to as "True Cinnamon" or "Vietnamese Cinnamon") is primarily grown and exported from Sri Lanka (approximately 90% of all Ceylon cinnamon). True cinnamon has a much thinner, more fragile bark, is very fragrant, and has a much more delicate flavor. Because of this, it is preferred for sweeter dishes.


Ceylon cinnamon has no coumarin (and is therefore not toxic). It is naturally a strong antioxidant and helps with digestion problems- Ceylon cinnamon tea is very popular for these reasons. Ceylon cinnamon has also been mildy tested for regulating blood sugar levels of type two diabetes patients and insulin resistance. Testing is still in progress, but the preliminary results are very promising.


Quick Guide for Purchasing the Cinnamons in:

Powder form:
Cassia bark has a very strong scent and the texture is coarser. It will likely be labeled "cinnamon".

True Cinnamon has a sweet, more fragrant scent and a fine, powdery texture. It will be labeled "true cinnamon", "Vietnamese cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon".

Sticks:
Cassia bark has a single curl on each side (almost resembling a heart) and is very hard.

True cinnamon has multiple curls (from one side), similar to a swiss roll, and is soft.

Food for Thought carries true cinnamon in the bulk herb room as "Vietnamese Cinnamon". The cinnamon chips, sticks and powder are Cassia cinnamon. If you have any questions, ask a Food for Thought employee!

Bulk Herbs

Did you know Food for Thought had a bulk herb room? Located in the grocery room, the herb room contains over 100 herbs and loose teas. All of the herbs are fresh and are stored in a dark room with minimal lighting (this helps preserve the flavor and quality of the herbs).

Both the herbs and teas are sold by the pound- this makes it a very affordable way to experiment with new flavors AND saves you from buying a large container of an herb that is rarely used!

Remember, if we don't have an herb or tea that you would like, talk to a Food for Thought employee! We can always check to see if it is available.

These are new to the herb room this month:

• Agar Agar
• Arrowroot Powder (re-introduced)
• Carob Powder
• Chili Seasoning Blend
• Stevia Leaf (organic!!!)
• Orange Spice Tea

New December Grocery Products!!!

Teese Vegan Cheese

Teese Cheese is a melting, dairy free (and gluten free!!) soy cheese made in a dedicated facility. It has a reputation of being the most advanced non-dairy cheese- it can be substituted for dairy cheese in any application!

Woodstock Farms Cheese

Organic cheeses available in a variety of flavors! Both regular and light string cheese, sharp and mild cheddar and jack-style cheese.

Gardein Vegan Products

Gardein products are vegetable based, vegan products. Gardein has perfected their products to have the texture, taste and flavor of their meaty counterparts (chicken or beef, accordingly). We are currently carrying beefless tips, buffalo wings, crispy tenders, marinara chick'n good stuff and chick'n scallopini!

Katz Gluten Free

Check out the post below!

Blosm: Uniquely Flavored Whipped Cream

These new whipped creams come in two delicious flavors: cinnamon praline and white chocolate. They are made from natural, hormone-free dairy cream and are perfect for topping any of your holiday desserts!

Bigelow Tea

Three delicious new flavors just in! Cranberry & Ginseng, Lemon & Ginger, and Pomegranate & Blueberry! All three taste wonderfully hot or cold- they're perfect year round!

New Gluten Free Line

You asked for it, here it is!

Our newest gluten free line, Katz Gluten Free, is here!  We've been told the breads taste great and can vouch for the chocolate rugelech after sampling it!  Come check it out!

Gift Idea of the Day

Food for Thought's Elf to the Rescue! Gift idea of the day: We all love Barbies and Matchbox, but it's fun to give AND receive the unexpected! Stop by and discover toys for children of all ages! Stocking stuffers for all the good girls and boys!

Don't forget about our coupon for our gift deparment:  http://www.foodforthoughtwichita.com/Specials.html

Holiday Gift Ideas!

We have lots of great food and supplements, but also wonderful gifts for everyone on your list!  

Food for Thought's Elf to the rescue! Gift idea of the day: whether a gourmand or aspiring sous chef, we have the perfect kitchen gadget!  Visit our website, check out our monthly newsletter and snag a 20% off one kitchenware or gift item coupon (a few  restrictions apply!)  http://www.foodforthoughtwichita.com/Specials.html

Gluten Free Saturday!!!

Join us Saturday, December 12th from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for our Gluten Free Holiday Tasting!  Check out the adorable new gluten-free/dairy-free sugar cookies! 

Gluten Free Desserts & Appetizers

Check out the following link to our website!  We've posted some tasty recipes for gluten-free appetizers and desserts.   Perfect for holiday parties and gluten-free gift giving!  Yum!

http://www.foodforthoughtwichita.com/uploads/Gluten_Free_Desserts___Appetizers.pdf

December Coupon Match Ups!

Here is the first installment in December coupon match-ups.  We hope these savings help make your holidays a bit merrier!

In-Store Coupons:

Mambo Sprouts (new Holiday coupon book!)

Sunspire Vegan Carob Baking Chips.  Sale $3.29.  Coupon $2/2  Final Price $4.58/2 or $2.29 each

Arrowhead Mills $1/1 Arrowhead Mills Item
          Possible Deals:  Arrowhead Mills Gingerbread Cookie Mix Sale $3.29.  Final Price $2.29
                                   Arrowhead Stuffing $2.99

Annie's Bunny Cereals.  Sale on select flavors $3.39;  Coupon $1/1.  Final Cost $2.29

Glutino Cookie Wafers on sale for $3.29.  Coupon $1/1.  Final Cost $2.29.

Gluten Free Pantry Gingerbread Spice Cake Mix on sale for $3.49.  Coupon $1/1.  Final Cost $2.49.

Health Valley Select Soups on sale $1.79.  Coupon 75 cents/2.  Final Cost $2.83/2 or $1.42 each.

Imagine select low sodium broth on sale $2.39.  Coupon 75 cents/2.  Final Cost $4.03/2 or $2.02 each.
Imagine Gravy also on sale: $1.99.  Final Cost $3.23/2 or $1.62 each.  Or you can mix and match.

Rice Dream:  Every Day Low Price: $2.79each     Coupon $1/2.  Final Cost: $4.58/2 or $2.29 each.

Pick up in store:  Healthy Clippings Holiday 2009

Frontier $1/1 bottled item.  Select Spices on sale for $3.99.  Final cost $2.99.  4 oz. Vanilla on sale for $6.79.  Final cost $5.79.

Woodstock Farms $1/1 Organic Sugar.  Organic Brown Sugar & Organic Cane sugar on sale for $2.99.  Final Price $1.99!

Cascadian Farms Vegetables $1/1.    Broccoli Cuts, Corn, Green Beans, Mixed Vegetables & Peas on sale for $2.89.  Final Price $1.89!

On-Line Printable Coupons (on-line coupons sometimes have limited amounts available, so print while you can!)

$1/2 Rice Dream, Almond Dream or Soy Dream  http://coupons.mambosprouts.com/online_coupons

$1/3 Simply Organics Seasoning Mixes, Dip Mixes or Salad Dressing Mixes http://coupons.mambosprouts.com/online_coupons

Spectrum, Imagine, Arrowhead Mills, Sunspire, or Hain Pure Food Products, any $3/3  http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=qkppdeg24257&bt=vg&o=59460&c=HC&p=VEaqr1vU
       Possible deals include:  Hain Sea Salt on sale $1.19;  Arrowhead Mills Gingerbread or Sugar Cookie Mix on sale $3.29;  Imagine Foods Select Low Sodium Broths on sale for $2.39.  Imagine Gravy on sale for $1.99.  Sunspire Carob Vegan Baking Chips on sale for $3.29.  Spectrum Shortening on sale for $5.29.  Spectrum Canola Oil Baking Spray w/flour is on sale for $5.29.  Arrowhead Mills Organic Unbleached White Flour 2-lb on sale for $2.19

Organic Valley has the following coupons available on December 1st!  Great Deals Here!
 http://www.organicvalley.coop/coupons/
$1/1 Gallon or Half Gallon Organic Valley Milk
$1 off 4, 6 or 8 oz. Organic Valley Cheese  (Select 8 oz. block cheese on sale for $4.19)
$1 off any 8 or 16 oz. Organic Valley Butter
$1 off any Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream  On sale for $1.49.  Final cost 49 cents!
$1 off any Organic Valley Cream Cheese  Whipped tubs $2.59.  Final cost $1.59!
$1 off any Organic Valley Sour Cream

Go to the following website and a pop-window shows up with $1/1 Garden of Eatin Chips!
http://www.gardenofeatin.com/      Yellow Corn Mini-Rounds $2.05.  Final cost $1.05!

Blue Horizon Buy One Get One Free Skillet Meal, Breaded Shrimp or Spring Roll
http://www.bluehorizonseafood.com/Assets/BOGO_Coupons.pdf
Shrimp Spring Rolls on sale for $3.89.   Final cost $1.95 each, if use BOGO coupon!  Skillet Meals are $8.75 + some have a $1 off peelie!  Final cost could be as low as $3.88 each!

$1/1 Applegate Farm Product
http://www.applegatefarms.com/couponing/thankyou.aspx
Sunday Bacon on sale for $3.29.  Final cost $2.29.


Delicious Living has several great coupons!
http://offers.e-centives.com/mcp/pd.cfm?encp=UmTVoe9W4pPBb%2FF3VUiResGnVld%2Fkf5LTQ3tcal0Gs8sVWt1BwbeczyNbbgBh5njXSIEqFfUdHY%3D

Includes: 
$1/1 Back to Nature Product  Mac & Cheese Elbows on sale for $1.39  39 cents final cost!
75 cents off Lundberg Rice Chips 
$1/2 Tasty Bite Products

50 cents off one Blue Diamond Product of your choice.
http://www.bluediamond.com/index.cfm?navid=8
On sale for $1.99 each.  Final cost $1.49!

50 cents off 3-6oz Brown Cow Yogurts or 50 cents off one 32 oz. Brown Cow Yogurt
http://www.browncowfarm.com/ECoupons/ecoupons.cfm?id=14512

Several coupons can be found at the following website:
http://www.eatingwell.com/coupons
50 cents off any two Mori Nu Silken Tofu Products
55 cents off Turtle Mountain Tempeh
$1 off Annie Chun Product  Thai Curry Noodles on sale for $2.29.  Final cost $1.29!

$1/1 Dr. Kracker Product
http://www.drkracker.com/sales/coupons/dollar_off_drk_may2009_s.pdf

Extra Supplement Savings

$3/1 Natrol Product;  Natrol Acai 1200 mg on sale $12.69.  Final Cost $9.69
http://www.natrol.com/coupons/coupon_print.html

Extra Beauty Savings

$1/1 Aura Cacia Essential Oil Product.  Eucalyptus .5 oz e.o. on sale for $4.99.  Final Cost $3.99
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/documents/couponEssential%20Oils1209.pdf

Please remember all items and coupons are subject to availability.

Gobble up these Produce Specials!

Just in time for your feast...Check out these great buys on our certified organic produce!

Granny Smith Apples 3lb bag $3.29 each
Granny Smith Apples $1.09/lb
Broccoli $2.79
Baby Peeled Carrots 1 lb bag $1.29 each
Celery $1.29 each
Green Onions 69 cents/lb
Yellow Onions 59 cents/lb
Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag $1.99 each
Acorn Squash 99 cents/lb
Spaghetti Squash 99 cents/lb
Yams 99 cents/lb

I'm amazed when I compare this to conventional produce prices.  Whoo hoo!

Gluten Free Fall Dessert Recipes!

Ready for some yummy, gluten-free, fall recipes?  Check out this link to our website where you will find November's gluten-free recipes!   http://www.foodforthoughtwichita.com/Gluten_Free.php
Look for an update here with more gluten-free ideas for Thanksgiving!

Printable Bargains!

As promised, round two of coupon match-ups. Here are a few printable coupons available on-line. A few of these you have to fill out forms, others are a direct print. Happy Savings!

http://www.mambosprouts.com/

Simply Organic Seasoning Mixes, Dip Mixes or Salad Dressing Mixes $1/3
Select Dip Mixes on sale for 99 cents. Final Cost: $2/3 or 67 cents each!

Simply Organic 4 oz Vanilla Extract or Gluten Free Baking Mix $1/1
Gluten Free Mixes on sale for $3.99 Final Cost $2.99
Vanilla Extract 4 oz on sale for $6.79. Final cost $5.79

Rescue Remedy, Rescue Sleep or Rescue Cream $2/1

Gluten Free Pantry $1/1
Cornbread Mix on sale for $2.99. Final cost $1.99
Coffee Cake Mix on sale for $3.49; Final Cost $2.49
Croutons on sale for $3.49; Final Cost $2.49

Glutino $1/1 item
Gluten Free Cheddar Crackers on sale for $3.49. Final cost $2.49

Annie Chun's Product $1/1
Select Noodle Express/Bowls on sale for $2.29. Final cost $1.29

Not on sale, but great coupons to match with our everyday low prices:

Lifeway Product $1/1 product
Raspberry Kefir $3.59; Final Price $2.59

Seventh Generation Diapers or Wipes $1/1

Ecover Grapefruit & Green Tea Dish Liquid, 32 oz. $1.25/1

Country Choice Organic $1/1

Manufacturer Coupons

CitraSolv http://www.citra-solv.com/coupon.shtml (Sign up for $10 worth of coupons)
Includes $1/ concentrate 8 oz size on sale for $4.99. Final cost $3.99

Back to Nature http://deliciouslivingmag.com/ Click on Coupon link on Right Side of Nav. Bar
Classic Creme Sandwich Cookies on sale for $2.99. Final cost $1.99

Pacific Food Products http://www.pacificfoods.com/where-to-buy/coupons $1/2 products
Pacific Chicken Broth on sale for $2.59; Final cost $5.19/2 or $2.09 each.


Mori Nu Silken Tofu Products http://eatingwell.com/coupons/index.php?ViewAll=1
50 cents off 2. Firm Lite Tofu on sale for $1.29; Final cost $2.09/2 or $1.05 each

Stonyfield Products http://216.182.166.7/coupons_offers/index.jsp 50 cents off one product

Honest Tea http://www.honesttea.com/coupons/ 50 cents off a single serve product
Select Single Serve Flavors on sale for 99 cents. Final cost 49 cents.

Blue Diamond http://www.bluediamond.com/index.cfm?navid=8 50 cents off one item
Blue Diamond Nut Thins on sale for $2.19. Final cost $1.69.
Blue Diamond Almond Milk on sale for $1.99. Final cost $1.49

Enjoy Life http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/ 55 cents off one item
Chocolate Chips (free of dairy, soy & gluten) on sale for $3.19. Final cost $2.64.

http://print.coupons.com/

This site includes a lot of commerical products, but a few healthy options exist. There are a limited number of coupons available to print on this site. If you see a coupon you want, print before they are gone!

Available 11/5/09
$2 off any Burt's Bees Natural Acne Product
$1 off any full size Kiss My Face Product
BOGO Steaz Iced Tea
40 cents off Larabar
$1 off Barbara's Cereal
$2 off Similasan Dry Eye

In-Store Coupons (while they last)

Castor & Pollux Pet Food (Hanging on shelf) Buy 3 Get 1 Free
Canned Cat Food on sale for 69 cents each. Final Cost $2.07/3 or 52 cents each.

Cherrybrook Kitchens Chocolate Frosting Mix $1 off Peelie
Everyday price $3.85; Final Price $2.85

November Coupon Match Up!

I love saving money! Until this summer, I wasn't a big couponer. I figured they took more time than they were worth. Which, true couponers know, is silly! You can score some amazing deals if you match coupons with sweet sales. However, most of us also love saving time as well! In order to help all our customers do both, I have matched up some of sale items at our store with coupons which result in some great buys! If you find others, I hope you will share!

November Deals at Food for Thought

Not really a coupon, but a great deal: Starting this month our certified organic bananas will be priced at 69 cents a pound...everyday!

We have two coupon books available in store while they last. The first book is Healthy Clippings, which includes the following deals:

Simply Organic Baking Mixes $1/1 coupon
Gluten Free mixes include Carrot Cake, Chai Scones, Cocoa Biscotti, Honey Ginger & Cocoa Cayenne. On sale for $3.99 Final Cost $2.99 (SRP $5.49)

Cascadian Farms $1/1 Frozen Fruit or Veggie
Select frozen Fruits are on sale for $3.79; Final Cost $2.79 (SRP $5.49)
Select frozen Veggies are on sale for $2.29; Final Cost $1.29 (SRP $3.29)

Frontier Natural Products $1/One Bottled Item
2 oz. Vanilla Extract on sale for $3.79. Final Cost $2.79 (SRP $6.29)
4 oz. Vanilla Extract on sale for $6.79. Final Cost $5.79 (SRP $11.19)
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves & Ginger on sale for $3.99. Final Cost $2.99

Traditional Medicines $1 off Select Teas
Echinacea Plus on sale for $3.79. Final Cost $2.79. (SRP $5.59)
Lemon Echinacea Throat Coat on sale for $3.79. Final Cost $2.79 (SRP $5.59)

Woodstock Farms $1/1 Organic Sugar
Pure Cane, Brown Sugar & Powdered Sugar are all on sale for $2.99. Final Cost $1.99

Pick up your Mambo Sprout Book in-store for the following Savings!

Green & Black $1 off one product
Hot Chocolate on sale for $3.99. Final Cost $2.99

Organic Valley $1 off 32 oz. Organic Half & Half
32 oz. on sale for $2.99. Final Cost $1.99

Organic Valley $1 off one Organic Valley butter
16 oz. Light Salt on sale for $5.19. Final Cost $4.19

Organic Valley $2/any two cheeses
Select 8 oz. organic blocks on sale for $4.19; Final Cost $8.39/2 or $3.19 each!

Next post will include great printables! All items are subject to availability!

Welcome!

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