Posted on Leave a comment

Almonds: America’s Favorite Nut

A young man holds a handful of organic almonds.Almonds are an amazing nut that are praised for their benefits all over the world. They are the most popular nut in America, and are respected for a wide range of health benefits. You can eat them in a variety of ways: raw, oil roasted, dry roasted, sprouted, glazed and more. They are a staple in trail mixes, snack bars, cereals, and even desserts! In honor of National Almond Day, here are some of the amazing health benefits of almonds.

Health Benefits of Almonds

  • Studies show that almonds eaten mid morning can help to regulate your blood sugar levels. Their ample supply of monounsaturated fatty acids help slow down the rate at which your body absorbs glucose.
  • They have been found to help lower cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to the build up of plaque along artery walls leading to dangerous health complications. 
  • Almonds are good for your heart! Numerous studies show that almonds can help prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Almonds contain monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants that both work to support heart health. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids that work in combination with vitamin E to reduce inflammation and improve artery health.
  • Tired of feely foggy headed? Almonds even support healthy brain function. Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, which both help improve neurological activity.
  • Want radiant skin? Try snacking on almonds.  Almonds have a rich supply of vitamin E and other antioxidants that nourish the skin and help prevent signs of aging.
  • They help moderate your diet. Almonds are high in dietary fiber which helps you feel full longer and can aid in goals of weight loss.
  • Recent research has shown the importance of maintaining a health pH level in the body. Almonds are one of the only nuts that help balance your body’s pH level by alkalizing your digestive tract.
  • Almonds are even good for your teeth and your bone health! Trace minerals in almonds, like magnesium and phosphorus are integral for maintaining strong teeth and bones.

Browse some of our favorite snacks with almonds here

 

Posted on Leave a comment

Tips for Keeping your New Year’s Resolution to Get Healthy

A girl sits overlooking the ocean snacking on organic trail mix
Eat healthy to get healthy this new year.

 

There is that little spark for something better that always shows itself at the beginning of

the new year. A drive to improve your diet and get healthy often is a goal that, frankly, 

makes complete sense. So, where do you start?

 

1. Switch to organic. 

This decision is good for you AND good for the environment.  In 2-3 weeks after you switch to organic foods you’ll find the following:

  • The residual pesticide level inside your body will be reduced substantially
  • Your digestion improves as fewer highly processed ingredients pass through your body.
  • Your immune system will get stronger.

2. Choose smaller portions and eat more frequently throughout the day. 

Try an experiment – eat a handful of organic almonds mid-morning instead of a pastry, doughnut, or even a granola bar.  Chew the almonds thoroughly and take your time eating the whole handful.  Notice how ‘full’ you become and the natural energy that is released will keep you focused and on task.  When a meal time comes around, think about how much food would make you full and then eat a third less.  Take your time to eat and notice how your body responds.

3. Shop smart

You’d be surprised how true the old adage “out of sight, out of mind” can ring. If you can change your habits at the supermarket, you will be able to keep only healthy snacks around your house, which will make getting healthy, and staying healthy, that much easier. That way, when that midnight snack craving hits you, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with some dried fruit instead of ice cream.

These simple changes will allow you to keep your resolution, improve your health, and give you more energy to augment these dietary changes with other healthful changes like exercise.

Let’s grow healthy together.  #FuelYourLife

 

 

 

Posted on Leave a comment

Zesty Apple Mango Warmin Mornin Granola – take the chill out of the start of the day!

Warm Food Cold Morning

The final days of fall are upon us and in some places already gone.  A touch of snow or frost often greets you as wake up, look outside, and prepare for the day. 

These are the times that typically call for a good hot bowl of oatmeal and a steaming mug of coffee or tea to help warm the mind, body, and soul.  Another way to tackle the morning chill is to eat our new Zesty Apple Mango Warmin Mornin Granola and let this enchanting granola spiced with red chile heat you from the inside.  Make no mistake, it does have a little kick and will quickly take the chill off.  Try it in organic whole milk, almond milk, or yogurt.  If your hot shower didn’t quite wake you up, we’re confident that a few bites of Warmin Mornin will fix that.  Stop by your favorite grocers bulk bin section and pick some up today or any one of our many other granola options.  Oh, and we also have a variety of oatmeal to consider as well.  Let SunRidge Farms become your go to breakfast provider.

Posted on Leave a comment

#GIVINGTUESDAY What can you do?

Black Friday is over; Cyber Monday come and gone…it’s now #GIVINGTUESDAY!  Let’s make a difference today and everyday.  What or for Who can you do something today that is positive for another person, a family, a community, or on even a grander scale?

We believe you haven’t lived a proper day unless you’ve done something for someone else who cannot possibly repay you.  We encourage everyone to approach life this way.  Donate to a homeless shelter, arrange to visit and entertain at a senior center, help a single parent get their child to school or an afterschool activity, look in on someone who is sick, pay a portion of someone’s layaway for Christmas, or simply acknowledge someone who is often overlooked.  Giving doesn’t have to be expensive or hard but it takes a moment to look outward instead of inward.  Let’s make this a daily habit and watch the world change for the better.  Join us in making the world we live in a better place.  By buying SunRidge Farms foods you provide the means for our continual efforts to support programs that work to eliminate hunger, homelessness, endangered species, and other issues which impact the planet that provides for us and the communities we live in.

To honor #GIVINGTUESDAY we are offering 20% off all items through December 25!  A portion of every sale will be donated to organizations like the Santa Cruz Homeless Services Shelter https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/HomelessServicesCenter?code=GT16, Defenders of Wildlife http://www.defenders.org/ and many others!   Use PROMO CODE ‘ GIVEANDGET20’ at checkout to receive this discount on your order and thank you for being part of positive change.

SunRidge Farms

 

Posted on Leave a comment

California Ballot Measure Creates Largest GMO Free Zone in USA

An area measuring over 13,000 square miles has been approved by voters in Sonoma County California as GMO Free.  GMO crops will be phased out over 2 years, restoring agricultural practices that will support a healthier environment and reduce mono crop style of farming.  For more detail on this story, see more here at Agweb.com – http://www.agweb.com/article/calif-ballot-measure-creates-largest-gmo-free-zone-in-us–naa-anna-lisa-laca/

SunRidge Farms supports agricultural efforts to reduce the proliferation of GMO crops, increase acreage of organic crops, and the reduced use of dangerous chemicals in the agricultural industry.  Only 1% of USA agriculture is organic yet demand is over 6% and growing.  That means that companies like ours need to purchase many organic foods/ingredients overseas which costs more, increases the carbon footprint, and keeps jobs out of the USA, especially in the heartland.  More organic crops means more jobs right here in the USA, better feed for our livestock, better food for our people, and a healthier lifestyle.  Let’s come together and fight for change that makes sense for all of us.

 

Posted on Leave a comment

Thanksgiving and SunRidge Farms

As Thanksgiving approaches we know family and friends are soon to be getting together to celebrate, give thanks, and eat (and eat).  That’s where we come in!  From beans, grains, flours, snacks, dried fruits, nuts & seeds, and confections and so much more, SunRidge Farms has what you need to satisfy the entire family – except for the turkey.  Snacks for your guests?  Pick out a variety of trail mixes, mixed nuts, and candies and set them out in bowls around the house.  Toppings for a salad?  Try some slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, raisins, or pine nuts.  Want to do some baking?   Check out our flours, chocolate, peanut butter and vanilla chips, oats, other grains, nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.  Breakfast needs?  Check out our selection of granola and mueslis that will satisfy even the most discriminating eater.

OK, now you know that SunRidge Farms has just about everything for Thanksgiving so now you just need to know WHERE to find SunRidge Farms items.  Does your local grocer have a bulk foods section where you can scoop or gravity feed items into a recyclable/compost ready bag?  If so, then it’s likely you’ve found the ‘where’.  Look closely at the bin label; if it’s not branded with SunRidge Farms logo, then somewhere in small print you’ll see the name SunRidge Farms and when you do you know you’re getting the best ingredients and best possible food for yourself and family.  Raley’s, Safeway, Kroger, HEB, EarthFare, Tops, Whole Foods, and Wegmans are but a few examples of retail chains that carry SunRidge Farms in bulk and even some of our packaged items.  COOPS and Natural Food Stores are other locations that you can find SunRidge Farms.  You can always call us at 831.786.7000 and we can help locate a retailer near you and, of course, you can find most of our items on our website, www.sunridgefarms.com

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, why SunRidge Farms?  From our rigorous sourcing protocol, our solar powered manufacturing facility, to our wellness employee programs like paying team members $5 a day to ride their bikes to work, to providing fantastic items in bulk allowing the consumer to only buy what and how much they need reducing food AND packaging waste significantly, these attributes contribute to our goal of servicing the planet and each one of you in the best way possible.  Let’s grow healthy together and keep Mother Earth safe for generations to follow.  Thank you for supporting SunRidge Farms.  Check out our Thanksgiving online special too!

Posted on Leave a comment

Add a Sheltowee Hammock and SunRidge Farms warming snacks to your next autumn adventure…or simply on your back porch!

As we enter mid autumn, leaves are falling and crunching underfoot; the air is crisp and cool in the morning and evenings.  It’s the perfect time to continue getting outdoors and break a sweat whether raking the newly fallen leaves or taking a jaunt into the nearest state park.  Either way let’s add a new way to relax after putting in the work…think about relaxing in a Sheltowee Boone hammock from Sheltowee Hammock Company, www.ShellHammocks.com, while snacking on some SunRidge Farms items like Warmin’ Morning Granola, Hatch Chile Fiesta Mix, Outragin Cajun Mix, Wasabi Samurai Mix, or Zesta Fiesta Mix that will help fuel and warm your body and soul.

Why Sheltowee Hammocks?  Similar to the uniqueness of SunRidge Farms food items, the folks at Sheltowee think about the entire spectrum of what’s important in a hammock from sourcing of high quality fabrics, incredible design and functionality, ease of use, and outstanding support and service.  In addition, their Boone Hammock offers the single best way to enjoy hammocking when the temperature dips below 70 degrees so that the dreaded ‘cold butt’ syndrome is avoided leading to the most restful and comfortable ‘hang’ that you will ever have.  The integrated down underquilt seamlessly provides the dead air warmth barrier necessary to wrap you in a cocoon of warmth with 3 temperature offerings of 55, 40, and 20 degrees.  Integrated bug netting is also available on all Boone models.  Simply amazing hammocks!  Do yourself a favor and check this company out for yourself.  These, and any of the other Sheltowee Hammock items, make fantastic gifts for your outdoor oriented family and friends.  Take a hammock with you while hiking and camping or simply hang between two porch posts or trees in your back yard.  You’ll appreciate being off the ground and staying cozy while snoozing, reading, or just listening to a game on the radio.

Why SunRidge Farms?  www.sunridgefarms.com Besides the aforementioned granola and trail mixes that will keep you warm from the inside, our foods are sourced from the very best ingredients and crops that we can find.  Our specialty in the food business are the bulk and gravity bins that you see at grocery, natural food stores, and food coops nationwide.  While you might not see our name on the bulk bin unless you look very closely, we are the leader in foods available in bulk with over 1000 food items to choose from.   Our goal is to provide the best foods with the least amount of environmental impact, supporting a healthy lifestyle that includes honoring the entire food chain from farmer to table and back to farmer again.  Buying from the bulk bins lets you only purchase the amount you need, reduces waste in the landfill, and gives you so many more options on different items to try.

We look forward to hearing about your experiences with SunRidge Farms and we hope that you’ll check out Sheltowee Hammock Company.  Thanks for joining us at SunRidge Farms adventure corner.

Growing Healthy Together

www.sunridgefarms.com

 

Posted on Leave a comment

SunRidge Farms and O’Neill Wetsuits team up for the Halloween Freakshow Surf Contest

O'Neill Wetsuits and SunRidge Farms team up for the Halloween Freakshow Surf Contest
O’Neill Wetsuits and SunRidge Farms team up for the Halloween Freakshow Surf Contest

SunRidge Farms is pleased to be part of Halloween Freakshow Surf Contest sponsored by O’Neill Wetsuits on October 29-30, 2016.  64 surfers will compete for cash while shredding famous Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz.  Come out and support these outstanding athletes as they battle for the best waves to see who rules Steamers at Halloween!

O’Neill and SunRidge Farms are embarking on a journey together as we begin to celebrate a combined 100 years of Santa Cruz, California based healthy pursuits.  O’Neill will celebrate 65 years in business and SunRidge Farms 35 years in 2017.   O’Neill offers the best in wetsuits and surf related gear globally and SunRidge Farms is the leader in organic and all natural foods available in bulk bins at grocers and natural food stores nationwide and internationally.

See you at Steamers!

Posted on Leave a comment

National Bulk Foods Week October 16-22

SunRidge Farms is the established leader in bulk food sets at your favorite grocer.  Since 1982 we’ve been leading the way in providing the best nuts & seeds, dried fruits, trail mixes, granola, and confections.  Bulk foods provide many advantages and supports our mission of taking care of the planet while producing the best foods imaginable.  How does bulk food provide these advantages?  First and foremost, almost 40% of the food produced in the USA goes to waste.  When you buy packaged product, often times the fixed package size offers more food than needed and no easy way to reuse or store the excess.   That waste ends up in the landfill rather than our stomachs.  With bulk you only buy what you need.  Secondly, packaged product is simply that, packaged.  The cost of designing and producing the package creates additional costs and environmental impacts.  If new ingredients or formulations are needed, new packaging is then needed, potentially leading to the waste of previously produced packaging.  Lastly, offering foods in bulk provides the most variety of options to consider.  From staples to snacks, plenty of choices are available that will meet anyone’s discriminating palate.  To take advantage of the multitude of items available, visit your favorite grocer, natural food store, or coop and experience what SunRidge Farms has to offer.  If your local grocer doesn’t have any bulk sets, you can order our items on our website.  The week of 10/16-22 you can even get 20% off your purchase via the site.  Just visit www.sunridgefarms.com and enter promo code ‘bulk20’ at checkout.  We also offer limited selection of packaged products for your convenience as well.  Thank you for your support.