Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
When most people think of hemp, they think of marijuana and although the association is understandable, there is a big difference between hulled hemp seeds (which are also called hemp hearts) and marijuana. They both come from the cannabis plant but hulled hemp seeds or hemp hearts have .001% (one thousandth) of THC (the mind altering agent) whereas marijuana has 3-22%, with an average of 9%. So although hemp has gotten a bad rap from its distant recreational drugee cousin, hemp in reality is a very nutritious seed that provides a complete protein and is easily digestible. Read more 
Quinoa, Sea Bean, and Tofu Salad
The secret to the flavorful Quinoa, Sea Bean and Tofu Salad lies with a tiny green plant called the Sea Bean. Sea Beans are salt tolerant plants that look like skinny little asparagus sprouts, Grown close to salt water: in marshes, on beaches, or in mangroves, these green plants have a salty flavor which can be toned down if soaked overnight in a bowl of cold water and then rinsed. Read more
Engine 2 Crispbreads and Tortillas
Nearly everyone loves crackers and Engine 2 offers two varieties: Organic Original Crispbread and Organic Triple Seed Crispbread. Made with whole grains and seeds with no added oils or dairy products, these great tasting super crunchy crackers are delicious with hummus, vegetable spreads, and nut butters. And, for those who prefer a softer vehicle, Engine 2 makes two types of tortillas: Sprouted Ancient Grain and Brown Rice which are ideal to make soft tacos, wraps, and burritos. Read more
Engine 2 Hummus
In the refrigerated section of most grocery stores are rows and rows of prepared hummus – a garbanzo bean spread that has been popular in the Middle East for centuries (if not longer). In recent years, hummus has gained popularity in the US and is used as a dip for an appetizer and even as a spread in wraps.
Although hummus is very simple to make at home with a food processor, sometimes its just easier to pick up a container at the grocery store. Most prepared hummus contains a lot of additives and oils but there are three new hummus products on the market made by Engine 2 and carried by Whole Foods that are low-fat and low in sodium with no added oils. Read more
Engine 2 Organic Grain Medleys
Rice is one of those dishes that can be incredibly bland or amazingly delicious depending on how it’s prepared. The secret to a great tasting and nutritious rice dish is to blend the rice with grains, vegetables, beans, and even fruit which can require planning ahead. For those occasions when time is a factor, consider using an Engine 2 Plant-Strong Grain Medley. Completely pre-made and sold in the freezer section of Whole Foods, the four Grain Medley Blends – Ancient Grains, Wild Rice, Fiesta, and Morning Blends – are packaged in 13-ounce bags. Read more
Engine 2 Plant Burgers
Whoever said “Real men eat red meat” didn’t taste a burger made by Engine 2, the company founded by Rip Esselstyn, the former fireman whose been on a “plant-strong” diet since 1987. With the firm belief that a burger doesn’t have to be made from red meat, two superstars – Engine 2 and Whole Foods – got together to come up with great tasting, healthy plant-based burgers. Gluten-free with no cholesterol or saturated fat, Engine 2 Plant-Stroong Plant Burgers are flavorful and make one mean burger. Read more
Organic Beans by Fig Food Co.
FIg Food Company was started in 2009 by Joel Henry whose company’s mission is to improve the health of people and the planet by promoting the consumption of plant-based food. The company makes, sells, and distributes nine organic and kosher 100% plant-based soups (in microwavable BPA-free pouches) that are low in sodium and offer a healthy alternative to the sodium-laden canned soups on supermarket shelves. But, what most people don’t know is Fig Food Company also sources, sells, and distributes eight types of ready-to-eat organic beans with no added salt, preservatives, or flavorings. Just organic beans and water so the flavor is simply delicious beans. Read more
Quinoa: Gluten-Free Goodness
Quinoa is a grain-like crop that is actually a seed making it immensely popular in gluten-free diets. Highly cultivated by South Americans and particularly by those who live in the mountainous regions, quinoa is one of the few crops that thrives in high altitudes and in less than ideal farming conditions. Read more
Kamut: The Ancient Grain in Modern Times
Kamut is the trademarked name of Khorasan wheat – a grain whose name refers to the northeast region of Iran, where it was widely grown. Popular in ancient times and especially in Egypt, some people refer to Kamut as “King Tut’s Wheat” because legend holds these grains were found in the tombs of pharaohs. Kamut is an organic, non-genetically modified ancient wheat variety (although many gluten intolerant people can easily digest Kamut) that is delicious and nutritious. Read more
Purely American Foods: Soups, Stews, and Chowders
Several years ago, I stopped buying canned soups and started making my own because I wanted to have soups with no additives and a lower sodium content. Most soups are relatively easy to make but have two challenging aspects: time and flavor. Cutting up vegetables is time-consuming but if a food processor is used, the chopping and mincing is a snap. Onions, celery, and carrots are three very common vegetables used in soups and my mini chopper dices these vegetables in seconds. Read more
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