August 31st is National Trail Mix Day!

Trail mix is a combination of different nuts and dried fruits that is known to be a protein-packed portable snack.  It has been around for decades, but where in the world did it come from?   Some sources claim that it was invented by two original Californian surfers one day in 1968 when they combined peanuts and raisins to make GORP (good old raisins and peanuts) as a quick and portable snack, However, as long ago as that seems, it’s been around much longer than that.

Likely originating in Europe but mixes went by different names in and around the 17th century.   In New Zealand, it can go by “scroggin” or “schmogle.”   It was first mentioned as ‘trail mix’ in an outdoor survival guide written by Horace Kephart in 1910.   These days we get to enjoy trail mixes while hiking, watching a movie, while camping, or as a reliable pacifier for the kids on a long road trip.

However you enjoy a good trail mix, SunRidge Farms is pleased to offer a wide variety of trail mixes for you to choose from ranging from classics like “Hit the Trail Mix” to kid favorites like our “Rainbow Party Mix!”

Browse our Trail Mixes to find your favorite!  We know you’ll find at least one you love! Use ‘trailmix25’ for 25% off your order through Labor Day!

“What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?”

― Henry David Thoreau, Familiar Letters

“What you take from the earth, you must give back. That’s nature’s way.”

― Chris d’Lacey, The Fire Within

Earth day was founded almost 50 years ago as a day to promote the education of the environment and things that affect the earth, today we can celebrate it in different ways to help heal the planet. Each of us can do little things to change our lifestyle and actions to help take care of our home! Earth Day is April 22. As April approaches, here are 6 ways you can get ready to celebrate earth day!

Unplug, and Enjoy the Outdoors

We live in a digital world, so why not take a break from the screens and UNPLUG. Turn off your phone, tv, computer, etc. and just go outside and take a deep breath. Smell some flowers, take a walk, just relax, enjoying nature and its beauty. I know how crazy schedules can be so if you really can’t turn off your devices, at least go through your house and turn off lights or machines that aren’t in use during the day to conserve electricity! Also check for dripping faucets or leaky showers to make sure you’re not accidentally wasting water!

Use Reusable Gear

While making your lunch, instead of reaching for a plastic baggie to put your sandwich in, try grabbing a tupperware instead. Making coffee? Use a reusable mug! There are hundreds of super cool ones out there so go and find one that’s perfect for you! Going grocery shopping? Bring your reusable bags for checkout! Every little effort helps!

Use Eco-Friendly Products

Another way to help the environment is using eco-friendly products. One way to do that is looking for environmentally safe cleaning products without the harsh chemicals. Try cleaning your house with natural things such as apple cider vinegar or baking soda, and instead of using air fresheners like febreeze try essential oils!

Buy More From the Bulk Section:

Next is buying more in bulk. Products today are over-packaged and in smaller amounts so a huge way to conserve space and packaging is to buy products in bulk. Less packaging equals less waste. Plus it’s often cheaper!

Plant a Tree

Trees are vital to our ecosystem and so what better way to aid that then to plant a tree yourself. You can pick up lil saplings from your local home depot, or if you don’t want to get a tree, there’s plenty of plants and seeds to choose from! Just getting out there and working in the garden and the dirt, is relaxing, you’ll feel extremely good afterward. Plus you’re beautifying the earth and your yard. Your neighbors will probably thank you. And It boosts oxygen levels and purifies the atmosphere.

Walk, Ride, or Carpool

Save gas and the earth by keeping your car in the garage! If possible take a jab at riding your bike, skateboard, or walking to school or work! The exercise will leave you feeling energized and ready to face the day! Plus doing this reduces air pollution AND you won’t have to deal with that pesky traffic!

Every little thing you do helps, but remember every day is Earth Day!!!

Hello, fellow nutrition fans! Guess what? March is National Nutrition Month. WOOHOO! What does that mean? Well simply, it is just a month of increased awareness of what you’re putting into your body. The theme for 2018 is “Go further with Foods”. The focus this year is on food preparation to get more and waste less. By preparing foods in advance you benefit by saving money and food, whilst eating healthier.

Here are some ways you can include Nutrition Month in your everyday life!

1. Create your own menu:

I know this sounds like overkill but trust me, create your own weekly menu. I admit it is a tad time consuming, but it is so worth it. Get a notepad out and write what kind of meals you want to eat throughout the week. If you don’t have a ton of time, start with just breakfasts, or just lunches. Write down what you want to eat for breakfast throughout the week, branch out include something new. Check some healthy eating blogs or magazines to get some recipe ideas. When it’s all done you’ll thank me, you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s all planned out for you. Try and include all the food groups in your meals throughout the day. If you want to get really crazy, you can even get all the recipes printed out and ready for each meal.

2. See what you have:

Step two: go through your cupboards and take an inventory.  Planning ahead is one of the best favors you can do for yourself to help a healthier lifestyle.  Check your fridge and cabinets, and get reacquainted with all the goodies you have living in there. Take a look at your meal plan, and write down the ingredients you’ll need to grab at the store.

3. Buy what you need:

Alright, you have your plan and you’ve taken inventory: The next step is to head to the store, and you’ve already got your grocery list with you to help out.  There’s nothing more tempting that walking around the grocery store hungry, with no list: you’ll come home with no money and feeling guilty about all the cookies you ended up buying. In addition, only buy the amount of foods you need. Often we buy huge amounts of things genuinely thinking we’ll use all of it, but more often than not, we don’t. We’re left with rotting bags of spinach that we never ended up eating. Try grabbing small healthy snack foods or trail mixes that you can eat whenever in between meals or on the go (see the “on the go snack nutrition breakdown” list below for ideas!). In conclusion, try not to overbuy or cook too much food, unless you’re planning on using it for leftovers.

4. Create a regular exercise routine:

This step is essential for everyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle. We really do need diet and exercise to be our healthiest selves.  Regular exercise is necessary for a functioning heart and mind, you’ll feel more energized and alert when you’re active, and you’ll sleep better. Look up quick workout routines that you can fit into your everyday life, no matter how hectic your schedule is, even if it’s just 15 min a day. There are innumerable benefits of regular exercise, and your body will thank you.

5. Listen to your body:

You’ll never regret tuning into your body. Try and research types of foods that would be good for your body, know your allergies and weaknesses that can be avoided. Find healthy alternatives to foods you love but might be not so great for you. You can either talk to a doctor or dietician to see what your body needs food and exercise wise. Make sure to drink tons of water and make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. However, it can be dangerous to take vitamins or eat certain foods that are claimed to be nutritious without knowing what your body can handle, so do your research!

“Easy On The Go Snacks”

Nutrition Breakdown:

Organic Coconut Mango Pomegranate Chew

A sweet healthy treat! A delectable mix of tropical coconut and mango paired with nutty pumpkin seeds and tart pomegranate bites.

• Organic and Non-GMO
• Good source of fiber, manganese, copper, and magnesium!
• Low in sodium, no trans fats!

Garden Veggie Chips

A fantastic snack for kids! Crunchy, colorful, fun way to get your daily veggies!

• Includes: Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Carrots, Taro Root, and Green Beans
• Non-GMO
  
  
• Good source of fiber and Vitamins!

Sea Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar Seasoned Nuts

These are my personal favorite on the go snack, I have them with me always. Your choice of creamy cashews or almonds, seasoned with the tang of Apple Cider vinegar and a sprinkle of salt on top. Think Apple Cider Vinegar chips, but better.

• Excellent source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and minerals
• Full of protein, and fiber
• No Trans fats

Organic Dark Chocolate Pomegranates

The perfect little pick me up snack. Indulge yourself. Organic pomegranate seeds blanketed in rich and decadent dark chocolate, combining tart and sweet.

• Non-GMO, Organic
• Good source of fiber
• No hydrogenated oils

Candyland has opened a second Monterey location on the Monterey Wharf! They offer a great array of traditional chocolate, gummies, and treats, as well as showcasing many SunRidge Farms chocolate and nut items!  We stopped by to check our candies in their store and see how their grand opening went!

Feeling inspired? Browse SunRidge Farms chocolate items online now.

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah, try it, it’s pretty fun to say)

Quinoa, quinoa, quinoa, you’ve probably heard about it too many times to count, and with good reason too. It has become one of the most popular healthy foods. Quinoa has been featured all over Instagram, Pinterest and on hundreds of blog sites, well-known for its bright colors and aesthetically pleasing presentation. After seeing all the pictures and hearing raves about it from your insanely healthy best friend, you have to admit, you’re pretty curious. But where to start? There are a few different kinds to choose from. What’s the difference? Which one is the best? Well, you’ve come to the right place because you’re the first contestant on the show (drumroll please)… “Which Quinoa is Best For You?” Too much? Yeah definitely, scratch that, but we still want to help you get on the right track by comparing a few popular quinoas.

What’s the Difference Between Quinoas

According to growers, buyers, and sellers, there’s not really a huge physical difference between the quinoas other than the color.  The texture, size, and taste are pretty much the same in all variations of quinoas. The few differences lie beneath the surface: primarily around the nutritional facts. Let’s compare and contrast two of the most popular varieties.

1. White Quinoa:

White or ‘golden’ quinoa is the easiest to find, commonly stocked on most grocery store shelves. Visually, the quinoa is a beige or pale butter color and commonly described as mild and fluffy, making it the least crunchy of the quinoa types. It also cooks the fastest (about 10 or 15 minutes). According to Marie Dannie with Livestrong, white quinoa has more protein than red, with 7 grams of protein per ¼ cup versus the 5 grams in the red quinoa. Studies point to the fact that white quinoa has slightly more vitamins and minerals than red quinoa such as zinc, iron, riboflavin, and phosphorus, however, the difference is very slight. And lastly, white quinoa has about 170 calories per ¼ cup making it an ideal healthy meal, that still fills you up.

2. Red Quinoa

Red quinoa, known for its intense earthy red color. It’s crunchier than white quinoa and cooks in roughly the same amount of time but can use a few minutes more depending on preference. Although it has slightly less protein than white, it makes up for it in its fiber. Livestrong states that red quinoa has “over double the amount of fiber per 1/4 cup, with 5 grams” whereas white quinoa has only “2 grams per 1/4 cup”. This fiber provides 17-24% of the recommended daily amount of fiber needed for women and 13-24% for men. It still has high levels of vitamins and minerals, albeit slightly lower than white. And finally, red quinoa has around 180 calories per ¼ cup.

The Takeaway

In the end, there are not too many differences between the white and red quinoas, however depending on how much protein or fiber you want to get from your meal, you’ll know which one to choose. They both are superbly tasty and unbelievably nutritious. Quinoa is made up of complete proteins, which means it provides all 20 of the essential amino acids. This is amazing because this is rare to find in plants, as it is usually found in meat (fantastic news for you vegans and vegetarians!)

Additionally, the nutrients and vitamins found in quinoa keep your gut healthy and clean which helps with weight loss and overall health improvement! And if that isn’t good enough for you, it’s gluten free!! So really, which quinoa is best is up to you. Whether it be the nutrients, the texture, or simply, the color, you can’t seem to go wrong with your choice. Have fun experimenting and eating!

Also be sure to check out our Tri-Color Quinoa Pilaf! 

History

Originating in the middle east, Pilaf has been around for centuries and as language has evolved, the name has too. One of the earliest forms of the modern word “Pilaf” is the word “Pula”, which in Aryan means “dish of rice and meat.” Eventually, it turned into “Pilav” describing a Persian dish of grains boiled in broth. Today the word Pilaf is used liberally and yet most still have no idea what it actually means. The technical definition is: a dish made of rice and other grains or beans, cooked in a broth. But there are a couple of other factors that set pilafs apart from any other cooked grain dish.

What’s the Difference Between Pilaf and Rice?

There’s three basic differences.

1. The Seasoning
2. The Liquid
3. The cooking technique

The first one refers to how you season the dish. Onions, garlic, and spices are key to making a good pilaf. The more fragrant the better. Well, actually not quite, there is such thing as too much spice so don’t get too carried away. Some popular flavors associated with pilafs are saffron, cinnamon, coriander, and garlic. You could also get fancy and even add crushed pistachios on top! That’ll impress your friends.

Another huge factor in distinguishing basic rice from pilaf is the liquid you cook it in. Basic rice traditionally uses water. Boringgg. Pilaf is cooked in broths or stocks, AKA savory liquid made from spices, or simmered meat and veggies. In other words, it’s FULL of flavor.

Finally, a great pilaf involves toasting the rice before you cook it. According to SmartKitchen, the technique that sets pilaf apart from any other rice or grain dish is: “Simmering the ingredients in a covered pot/pan…so that none of the grains on the bottom become overcooked and none of the simmering liquid is lost to evaporation.” Got that? Let me repeat that. It’s simmering the ingredients, covered so they don’t get overcooked or too dry.

It can either be cooked on the stove like this or even in the oven. Finally, a great pilaff is set to rest while covered a few minutes after it is cooked and fluffed with a fork before serving.  Your finished product should be fluffy and fragrant, yet has some distinct dry pieces making the texture entirely unique.

What about Risotto, and Paella? Are they also types of Pilaf?

The differences between pilaf and other dishes are pretty straightforward. Paellas are cooked uncovered, and Risottos, are cooked with twice as much liquid as basic rice or Pilaf. 

Try Our Pilaf Mixes:

[Pronounced Freek-uh, or Freek-ay depending on how you’re feeling that day]

Freekeh is an extremely popular superfood that has resurfaced within the last couple years. It possibly has to do with an episode on Oprah in around 2010, where she talked about the benefits of this grain. Since then, the freekeh obsession has skyrocketed and it’s become one of the hottest health foods of the 21st century, metaphorically of course.

(I suggest turning on Chic’s “Le Freak” or Missy Elliot’s “Get your Freak On” to set the mood…)

What in the world is Freekeh?

Originally from the middle east, it has been used as a staple in meals for centuries. Now it has made its way overseas and is used by Americans on the daily. Freekeh is actually wheat that has been harvested while still green. Afterwards, it is roasted with either a type of blow torch or an oven in order to burn the chaff off. Once charred, the wheat is put into a thresher where the chaff is shaken and rubbed off. With the chaff gone, you’re left with the firm young grain ready to be packaged.

What makes it different?

I know what you’re thinking: “It’s just wheat, what makes it so special?” Well, let me tell you. The fact that it’s still young while harvested makes a huge difference. The texture is chewier and ends up resembling a barley or brown rice dish. The taste is smokey, nutty, earthy, with a sweet grassy finish. And get this, it has three times as much protein as brown rice and twice as much fiber. Meaning, it contains 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per ¼ cup. This makes it a superb choice for vegetarians and vegans! Because of its low fat, high fiber, and protein levels, it makes for a healthy, yet delectable, meal for weight loss and regulating blood sugar. Plus, it is overflowing with vitamins like Iron, Calcium, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Zinc. The wheat also acts as a probiotic which promotes a healthy gut and produces good bacteria.

The only inconvenience is because it’s wheat, it is not gluten free…cue the sad violins.

But if you’re able to eat wheat, then it is a pretty ideal food if you ask me.

How do you cook it?

It’s pretty easy actually, it can just be plopped in a rice cooker and put on the brown rice setting, or it can be cooked on a stovetop. It only takes around 15-20 min for cracked freekeh to cook. For whole Freekeh, it takes around 45 min. To prepare, usually you want around a 2 to 1 water to Freekeh ratio, so it’s up to you what liquid to use, some options are: chicken, beef, vegetable broth, or water. Many people add it to pilafs, risottos, or even use it as granola to top your yogurt with maple syrup drizzled on top. Or it can be used as a side to top with fish, chicken, or veggies.

Go check it out and get your Freekeh on!

Sources:

https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-freekeh-3376846

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/01/07/freekeh-grain-health-benefits_n_7078488.html

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/helen-agresti-rd/a-freekeh-good-supergrain_b_6927752.html

https://greatist.com/eat/what-is-freekeh

Oh no here I am, back at it again with the puns…

But really, what is it about Carob that’s got everybody talking about it? Well after doing some investigation, I’m pretty sold on it as well. In a nutshell: it’s like chocolate, only better. What on earth do you mean, what’s better than chocolate? Honestly, not a ton but this might be one of them. Especially for those of you who can’t eat a lot of dairy, caffeine or lots of sugar, Carob is your holy grail. And you don’t need to have dietary needs to love it. Consider the highlights:

1. It tastes similar to chocolate, AND it’s low-fat.  
2. Without caffeine, it’s a dessert that doesn’t keep you up all night or give you a migraine.
3. It is packed to the brim with vitamins and nutrients.
   
   
4. Plus you can feed it to your dogs as a treat without harming them! (This is superb news for the pet owners out there!)

What is Carob?

Native to the Mediterranean, carob trees were first grown in Ancient Greece. Starting off as bushes, they were originally trained into a tree-like stature and are now grown in that same way. The trees begin producing pods at ages 6-8 years and can easily produce over 100 pounds of ‘fruit’ per year! These pods (which can be up to a foot in length!) are filled with a substance looking like a bunch of tiny seeds and pulp, which is where the ‘carob’ we know of today is harvested. After harvest, these legumes are roasted or cooked (roasting enhances chocolate flavor), then ground into powder to then be transformed into a plethora of sweet treats.

You can buy carob in many forms such as powder, chips, syrups, dietary pills, flours, and more. You can even eat the carob pods! People describe the taste of carob as sweet and ‘earthy’ with a cocoa like finish. Some even detect hints of caramel in the background. Sounds too good to be true!

Health Benefits

In the past carob was originally used to calm an upset stomach, due to its high levels of pectin (a type of soluble fiber). Which makes it the ideal way to help your kids feel better in case of a stomach ache. Give ‘em some carob, it tastes like candy! What kid is going to resist something sweet when they’re feeling awful?  Carob also has specific antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been known to reduce the risk of heart disease, and may even help individuals with asthma! In addition, carob is perfect for those of you who feel like shedding a couple of extra pounds, or just feel like trying out a low-fat diet. Carob has virtually no fat, low sodium levels, and high amounts of fiber which leaves you feeling full longer. Plus, carob is stuffed with tons of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and more!Can I get a BOO-YAH?

The Takeaway

Look out because carob is the next best thing in the healthy eating world, and it’s no wonder why. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s a delectable confection as well. Known as the new chocolate, carob is an optimal replacement as your guilty pleasure, except there’s no guilt involved. It’s all natural, healthy and might even help you lose weight. Now that’s what I call a miracle product. Health gurus around the world are using it in different ways, to create exciting recipes that will blow your mind. So I guess what I’m trying to say is, the ‘carob’bean cruise is taking off, are you ready to jump onboard?!

Try Our …

Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/5-best-things-about-carob#nutrition4

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/advantages-carob

When I was younger, I never realized how amazing oats and oatmeal could be. It was probably because it brings back memories of going downstairs for breakfast before school and getting that same bowl of plain tasteless oatmeal. Every. Single. Day. However, that was the old me. I have recently discovered a whole world of oatmeal that I had no idea existed. To tell the truth, it really is the ultimate breakfast option: it’s filling and hearty, and yet it’s one of the healthiest meals you can eat. The trick is knowing your oats. There are many types of oats that can spice up your morning and provide you with kick-butt nutritional benefits that will boost you through the day.

What’s in that T’oat’ Bag?

Ah sorry, that was a cheesy one, but really, what kinds of oats are there? There are a handful of oats and ways to encounter them. You’ve likely encountered them all, but what’s the difference? A whole lot. Ranging from size, and consistency, to flavor and fiber/protein content, there’s a ton so take n’oats! (okay, I’ll stop now…) Let’s start with the whole oat grain. A whole grain contains three main parts of a seed: the endosperm, germ, and bran. 

Oat Groats

Groats are the hulled kernels of cereal grains: in this case, oats. Groats are whole: they include the cereal germ, the bran, and the endosperm of the grain. They are very nutritious, but often require soaking prior to cooking, and remain somewhat chewy. They are best used in porridges and stews.

Oat Bran

Think: Oat Groat but without the germ, or the endosperm. It can be prepared very similarly to oatmeal, but will cook much faster (in about 3 minutes). Additionally, while it is nutritious, it is not a whole grain.

Instant  Oats

One of the most well known, Instant oats are the most processed of the three. These oats are pre-cooked, dried, rolled, and then pressed slightly thinner than rolled oats that aren’t labeled quick cooking. They cook faster than the others and have a more soft and mushy texture. They are super simple to prepare and dress up with spices and toppings, but beware it’s also very easy to overcook them. However, have no fear, because there are so many ways you can cook them, that you won’t have to worry about overcooking. There is even a recipe using these oats to make pancakes. Seriously Oatmeal Pancakes?! I know, shocking, but I assure you they are surprisingly delectable.

Nutritional value: 1/2 cup uncooked oats= 170 calories, 4 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

Rolled Oats

These oats are steamed as whole grains to soften and then pressed with steel rollers. Because they are rolled thinner, it cuts down cook time and gives them a more supple yet substantial texture. Unlike instant oats, they are able to hold their shape fairly well which prevents them from ending up a beige dish of mush. They are also the most commonly used in other exciting eats such as in cookies, muffins, breads, and more. There are a few types of rolled oats including old-fashioned oats and whole oats. (Old fashioned oats are rolled a tad thinner than whole oats.)

Nutritional Value: 1/2 cup rolled oats = 190 calories, 5 grams fiber, 7 grams protein

Steel Cut Oats

These oats are processed by chopping the whole grain up (or groat) into smaller pieces, not rolled. The shape and size of the oats make for a longer cook time (about 15-20 Minutes), and in the end, have a completely different taste and texture. They remain somewhat chewy and have a coarse and chunky consistency, making the eating experience much different than a bowl of rolled oats. Because of their composition, steel cut oats are often used in soups and stews to give texture, creaminess, and thickness. A few varieties of these oats are Irish or Scottish Oats.

Nutritional Value: 1/4 cup uncooked steel cut oats = 170 calories, 5 grams fiber, 7 grams protein

T’oat’ally Healthy!

Ha! You thought I was finished with the puns? Never! Oats are a complete powerhouse of health benefits. Their main attribute is fiber, which is known to lower cholesterol levels. Studies done by Harvard Health Publishing, have shown that fiber is associated with lowering the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and helping control blood sugar levels. In addition, oats are complex carbs, meaning that they keep you feeling full for longer, and have almost twice as much protein as brown rice! Other important benefits include zinc,  iron, thiamin, selenium, and magnesium. So jump on board the Oat Boat!

[P.S. always watch out for things in the ingredients that are added into the oats that can take away from their pure healthy state.]

What Can You do to Make Them More Exciting?

If you feel the need to make your oats more interesting, there are many ways you can spice it up! Adding toppings are always a good idea, try adding berries, honey, coconut shavings, nuts, raisins, peanut butter, etc. Or try mixing in spices as you cook your oats such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg or more! Have fun experimenting!