Sun n' Stuff!

With so many testimonials appearing of the dangers of basking too long in the sun, it's hard to find a sunscreen that's both effective against powerful UV rays and doesn't leave us looking like ghosts after applying. Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stuff sun protection is a wonderful way of getting the best of both worlds. As a physical sunscreen (mentioned in our June newsletter) containing Zinc Oxide, it works to block both types of UV rays while moisturizing the skin with helpful minerals. And with a Non-whitening formula, skipping the embarassing post-application pasty appearance is a breeze. Try their lotion form or stick sunscreen today!

Have you checked out our tea room lately? We literally have a wall FILLED with teas. From loose leaf to powdered to bulk to bagged. Just take your pick.

With the temperature rising why not make a pitcher of iced tea? Don't want to heat up your kitchen while boiling water? There's always the option of making "Sun" tea or better yet brewing it up right in your fridge!

We not only carry pre-blended teas such as "Sunset Rouge" and "Tangerine White Tea" but we also carry the ingredients to make your very own blends! Pick a base such as green, white or black tea, yerba mate, oolong or rooibos. Then mix in some flavors such as:

hibiscus
rose petals
lemon peel
orange peel
cinnamon
peppermint
spearmint
cardamon
cloves
wild cherry bark
licorice root
lemongrass
(all available in our bulk herb room!)

Instead of using sugar to sweeten your tea why not try fruit juice? It's healthier AND adds a extra bit of refreshing flavor!

Vegan Wednesday! Vegan BBQ Ideas!

The summer months are always filled with pool parties, outdoor sporting events, and lots and lots of BBQs! As a vegan, it's always a bit challenging finding a dish to bring that is vegan and universally appetizing (even to those die-hard meat eaters!). I've scoured the internet to find some great vegan friendly side dishes that are sure to please even the most stubborn meat and potatoes BBQ guests.

Easy Avocado-Lime Black Bean Salad from Oh She Glows blog


Ingredients

• Two 15-ounce can black beans
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 small shallots, diced
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4-1/2 tsp Kosher Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large avocado, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

Directions: Drain the beans thoroughly and rinse. In a large bowl add the beans and toss with lime juice, cilantro leaves, diced shallot, and ground cumin. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Peel and slice an avocado, and serve the beans at room temperature, with chopped avocado on top or mixed throughout the salad. Note that I did not have any cilantro on hand, but it still tasted delicious! Makes 3-4 servings.

Edamole from FitSugar.com


Ingredients

3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 garlic clove, halved
1 Roma tomato, diced

Combine all ingredients except for the tomato in a food processor until smooth. Add the diced tomato and stir gently. Cover and chill.

Check out Vegan Wednesdays through out the month of June and July for more vegan BBQ dishes!

Why we don't carry conventional produce

Food for Thought carries ONLY certified organic produce and locally grown, pesticide & chemical free fruits and veggies, a decision made based on our commitment to the highest standards.    Many of our customers have decided to switch to organic produce for a variety of reasons.  Some choose organic due to their efforts to reduce exposure harmful chemicals in their diets.  Others prefer the taste and increased nutrient content that organic produce provides.   Others have compromised immune systems and wish to avoid any synthetic chemicals on their food.

At times, organic does cost more.  Organic farming is labor intensive and production levels are less than conventional produce.  Sometimes, organic produce does not look as pretty as conventional.   Certain varieties of produce are not available year-round.  Conventional produce would allow us to charge less and offer more variety.  However, we'd rather make a few less dollars to provide our customers with products that are not saturated with potentially toxic chemicals or being produced using Genetically Modified Organisms.   


We have found many consumers assume ALL natural foods store carry only organic produce.  Many of the countries largest chains carry both.   We recognize there are standards in place to help reduce contamination of organic foods by conventional produce, but we feel it is too easy for cross-contamination to occur.   There is no way to guarantee that a conventional product doesn't co-mingle with organic.  Some might argue that the chance for any chemical transfer is minimal.  We'd rather not risk ANY contamination, especially as research continues to indicate the negative health impacts of various pesticides and herbicides.   

We also champion local products.  We do carry local produce that has not been grown with any chemicals or pesticides.  As the summer season arrives, we hope to have more and more local produce overflowing on our shelves!