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  • July Fourth FAVE’s!

    July Fourth FAVE’s!

    Here’s a small slice of what we’re eating tomorrow:

    Local Ground Beef from Cotton Cattle in Bethlehem Township, NJ

    We got to visit this farm on our 24 Stop Anniversary tour and were just BLOWN AWAY at the beauty of the pastures and the philosophy of how the animals are raised. Well tended land, 100% native plants, carefully curated and a life of ease for the cows themselves. We love that this meat is LOCAL, humane and the highest quality we can find!

    Local Burgers: Cotton Cattle

    Local Dill Cheese Curds from Sugar Maple Jerseys in Stockton, NJ

    These addictive lumps of goodness are about as local as you can get- and come from some of the most beautiful cows you’ll ever see. Check out our live tour where we met Heidi and her gorgeous ladies!

    Upton’s Natural Bar-B-Que Jackfruit 

    This may not be local- but we love it because it’s a vegan product with very minimal processing. It’s gluten free, soy free and preservative free! Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, and has a fibrous texture that is perfect for piling on sandwiches or filling wraps for summer BBQ dishes!


    Dry Sparkling Watermelon

    This is the PERFECT mixer for cocktails or alone over ice, and the flavor is dead-on. Only 12 grams of sugar and no preservatives make this a clean option for summer drinks that will be the hit of the party!

    More favorites:

    -Local par-baked pizzas from Market Pizza in Stockon, NJ

    Niman Ranch Certified Humane Sausage

    Annies Organic Hot Dogs

    filfil Garlic Hot Sauce

    Tofurky Sausages

    Lightlife Smart Dogs

    Annies BBQ Sauce

    Jackson Honest Purple Heirloom Chips

    Local Produce

     

     

  • Guest Post: Why Lactose Intolerant Consumers Should Eat (My) Yogurt

    Guest Post: Why Lactose Intolerant Consumers Should Eat (My) Yogurt

    by Atanas Valev, Founder of Trimona Foods, Inc.

    As the Founder of a USDA Certified Organic, grass-fed Bulgarian yogurt company, I maintain the stance that all dairy is not created equal and should not be generalized and demonized. And, here, I am going to tell you why.

    Science has told us that lactose is what’s called a disaccharide and is a naturally-occurring sugar found in milk. Once consumed, lactose gets broken down to glucose and galactose in the gastrointestinal tract. This process is done by an enzyme called lactase. Most lactose intolerant people lack this enzyme and experience discomfort by not digesting the lactose.

    I have a good number of testimonials collected over the years during my store demo sessions. Most times, lactose-intolerant consumers are skeptical about all dairy because of their lactose maldigestion and bad experience consuming it. The first reaction when invited to taste my yogurt is: “I am lactose intolerant, I cannot eat yogurt”. However, after nearly a decade of business, I have not heard a SINGLE complaint from a lactose intolerant consumer who tasted Trimona Bulgarian yogurt, and even more, they have incorporated it safely into their daily diet.

    Why aren’t they complaining?

    Yogurt is a fermented dairy product and it’s significantly different from milk due to a biochemical process it goes through during fermentation. Most of the lactose is eaten up by live cultures (good bacteria added to milk) and turned into lactic acid. These bacteria are also lactase producing. The diminished amount of lactose in yogurt and the presence of newly synthesized enzymes lactase and beta-galactosidase may be a good reason for lactose intolerant people to consider adopting yogurt in their diet.

    But beware. Not all yogurts are made equal.

    Trimona yogurt is fermented for over 24 hours in two stages: aggressive and slow-post fermentation. The result is yogurt with a tangy taste and low pH (very low lactose, about 6g per one cup of 227g serving).  Lactose intolerant consumers may have tasted yogurts that had a lot more unfermented lactose and, therefore, have experienced digestive issues.  

     Another part of my observational study is that most consumers are not well informed about their own digestive issues. Often the digestive problems are not even related to lactose. Rather, the cause is the milk protein casein which makes up the milk solids in yogurt. There are two types of milk: A1 and A2 milk. A1 beta-casein in A1 milk, also called “the devil”, may be the one to blame due to its pro-inflammatory action caused by mutated amino acid in its peptide chain. Trimona uses primarily A2 milk from Jersey and Guernsey cows and its A2 beta-casein has not shown to have ill effect on humans.

    Pretty cool, right? I bet your gut would agree.

    Disclaimer: All of the above is based on scientific literature (available upon request) and my own observational studies, and interaction with consumers eating Trimona Bulgarian yogurt. All of the above has not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration. If you are lactose intolerant or experience digestive issues consuming dairy products, please consult a medical professional prior to consuming Trimona Bulgarian yogurt.

    Read more about Atanas and the story behind Trimona Yogurt

  • Pack For Wellness: Our Travel Favorites!

    Pack For Wellness: Our Travel Favorites!

    Check out this extensive video on what we love to pack to stay comfortable, relaxed and WELL.

     

    Here’s our List:

    Ghana Market Basket

    GoTubes

    Hydroflask

    Moso bags

    Mount Hagen Instant Coffee

    Preserve Recycled Toothbrush

    Dr. Tung Sanitizing Disks

    Olbas Oil Inhaler

    Giovanni Sanitizing Towelettes

    Incense Matches

    Stainless Steel Shaker Bottle

    Vega Protein Packets

    Urban Moonshine Bitters- Chamomile

    Enzymedica Digest Gold

    Green Goo First Aid stick

    Renew Life Ultimate Flora shelf stable packs

    Super Lysine Immune Support

    RX Bars

    Beef Sticks

    Nut Butter Packets

    MyChelle Sun Shield Coconut Sunscreen

    Astaxanthin

    Urban Moonshine Joy Tonic

    Urban Moonshine Sleep Tonic

    Monq Inhalers

    Dégagé Gardens Sleep Mask

    XClear Nasal Spray

    Pill Keeper

    Smarty Pants Gummi Vitamins in Packets

     

  • Postcards from Our 24 Stop Tour

    Postcards from Our 24 Stop Tour

    While you were going about your daily life these past six weeks, we were busy running around visiting local vendors, non-profits, artisans, and suppliers of ours in celebration of our 24th Anniversary in business. We had a TON of fun doing it!

    Each visit included a live broadcast to Facebook and Instagram. If you didn’t catch any of the action, you’ll want to head over to our Facebook page and check it out now. If you did catch one or more of our visits, you’ll notice a few things were made clear: we live in an amazing community filled with wonderful organizations, beautiful land, intelligent people, and fruitful wildlife!

    Read more about each of our stops below!

    First, we hung out with Olga, the owner of our favorite local kombucha company, Baba’s Brew. She taught us about some of the secrets behind her grandma’s (Baba herself!) famous recipe for this delightfully bubbly good-for-your-gut beverage that left us sipping daily.

    Then, we headed down the street from our Clinton location to visit our favorite local coffee shop on Main Street, Citispot Coffee. We said hi to a friendly barista and checked out their awesome selection of hot and cold beverages while we enjoyed one of our very own snack packs, for sale in the deli case at their café!

    Next, we stopped by Pulp Café in Frenchtown to get a behind-the-scenes tour of their kitchen with owner, Cody, and their vegetarian chef. We learned about how they make their vegan “bacon” and got to sample their delicious blueberry scones!

    Then we enjoyed a long visit with our four legged friends at Common Sense for Animals in Broadway, NJ. After dropping off a much needed donation of goods, we got a tour of the facility and spread the word about all the adorable animals up for adoption.

    Next, we visited staff at the Hunterdon Art Museum to check out the latest exhibit and learn about upcoming summer camps and learning opportunities for adults.

    Then we took a break for some much needed fresh air at Sandbrook Meadow Farm in Stockton, NJ. We got a tour of their beautiful grounds and saw seedlings growing in the greenhouse before making it to our shelves.

    The next visit was at Sugar Maple Jerseys where owner Heidi treated us to cheese curds and a walk through the pasture with her Jersey dairy cows! We met some of the calves and even got a chance to milk Emma – one of the ladies of the herd!

    Next, we had the pleasure of visiting Goats of Anarchy – a local non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates goats through crowd-sourced funding. We held, petted and chatted with each of the goats that the world has grown to love thanks to the work of the founder, Leanne.

    Then we pit-stopped in Flemington at Jersey Community Acupuncture to receive treatment and learn more about the practice. Owner Nicole, a licensed Acupuncturist and Oriental Medicine practitioner, educated us on the benefits of this popular and effective alternative treatment for pain, anxiety, infertility, depression, headaches, hormonal concerns, digestive issues and more.

    Next, we drove out to the beautiful, certified organic Comeback Farm in the Musconetcong River Valley in Bethlehem Township, NJ. Farmer Mark walked us through his fields and demonstrated some of the innovative organic farming methods employed by his team.

    The next place we stopped was the famous Red Mill in Clinton where we walked through the museum and got a live private demonstration from the resident blacksmith!

    Her Fitness in Flemington was our next stop. Owner/instructor Marie let us peek in on a morning group workout session where we learned about what makes her techniques effective and fun!

    Then, we hopped over the Delaware River to Upper Black Eddy, where Homestead Coffee Roasters is located. We enjoyed a tour and aromas of the roasting facility where we got to meet members of this family-run business.

    Next, we stopped at Addicted Chic boutique in Flemington – just across the street from our store. There, owner and stylish Annie treated us to personal style make-overs and fitted us into new pairs of killer jeans!

    A stop at Flemington Chiropractic Center got us straightened out again, as we received a free chiropractic adjustment from Dr. Lindsey, owner. We got a tour of her beautiful office and learned how chiropractic care can be a great alternative treatment for those suffering from pain.

    Woodlands Wildlife Refuge was our next stop in Pittstown, NJ. We learned how this great organization takes in and rehabilitates wildlife in our community and we dropped off a donation of fruits & veggie scraps for the animals.

    Next, we were paid a visit from the founder and owner or Trimona Yogurt. We learned what makes Bulgarian-style yogurt unique and how it is great for your digestive system. Sampling the different flavors was a real treat!

    Then, we visited the gorgeous Stanley at Riding With Heart. Stanley is one of many horses that work with children and adults with special needs, behavioral disorders, and emotional trauma. We took a walk through their sensory garden and learned how volunteers can help.

    Owner and Artisan, Jennifer of Bon Nut Butters graciously allowed us to stop by her production facility to see the making of her nut butters in action. We sampled each of her varieties and had way too much trouble deciding which one was our favorite!

    Next, we stopped by Dvoor Farms in Flemington to witness opening day of the Hunterdon Land Trust’s summer farmer’s market. As an annual sponsor of this weekly event, it was a joy to see the market crowded again this year!

    Then, we loaded up our van and brought a hefty donation of food and goods to Fisherman’s Mark in Lambertville. We learned how this organization helps support the needy in our community by providing them with access to nourishing food.

    A tour of the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter next generated a lot of attention. We met with kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs – all up for adoption. We also dropped off several boxes full of treats, food, and cleaning supplies to help support the good work of the shelter!

    Next, we visited Gardener Family Chiropractic to meet with Dr. Gardener herself and see several patients receiving care. We learned about her innovative alternative treatment method and gained fresh appreciation for chiropractic care.

    Then, we got a visit from Erin of Chia Star. We enjoyed sampling of the delicious, low-sugar, refreshing chia beverages outside on our patio in the sun.

    Our final stop was to Cotton Cattle Company in the Musconetcong River Valley in Bethlehem Township, NJ. We hung out in the grazing fields with the herd and Farmer Bryce where he taught us about the holistic approach to his grass-fed cattle company where cows enjoy freedom, stress-free living with a nutrient-dense diet.

  • June’s Featured Drink: Mermaid Smoothie

    June’s Featured Drink: Mermaid Smoothie

    This month we are SUPER excited to introduce our sweet, refreshing and very PINK:

     

    Mermaid Smoothie

     

    It’s hydrating- with a base of coconut water and filling with a scoop of Plant Fusion protein powder. Our fave ingredient in this one, though? Pitaya! Pitaya is from Central and South America and is rich in Magnesium, fiber and iron!

    What’s NOT in our Smoothie? Sugar, artificial colors, fillers, thickeners, etc. Our smoothies are made entirely of whole fruit and fresh ingredients. We choose the best produce, and the cleanest products to bring you smoothies that nourish you and leave you feeling AMAZING.

    We were inspired by summer and all the glorious warmth that it brings. Come in soon and try this refreshing, cool treat!

  • Non-Toxic Slimy Fun

    If you have kids, you’ve probably heard about the new slime craze. Kids everywhere are making different concoctions of slimy creations to play with. Different recipes yield different consistencies and colors and can create endless hours of tactile fun!

    Many recipes out there include some ingredients that are not great choices for some kids to play with including artificial dyes, Borax, and more. Our recipe is SO simple and includes just cornstarch and water with your favorite natural food coloring made from fruits and veggies.

    Check out the video to learn how to make it and try it for yourself! Have fun!

  • Meet May’s Featured Drink: Sunshine Smoothie

    Spring is in full swing and summer is on the horizon. Everyone is looking forward to warm evenings and days full of fun. What better way to celebrate this glorious anticipation than with something sunny and sweet?

    Meet our Sunshine Smoothie:

     

    We blended frosty chunks of mango with cool coconut milk, added tangy orange juice and a few creamy bananas to round it out. A scoop of turmeric adds not only a boost of inflammatory goodness, but it gives this smoothie its bright orange hue!

    Try one today!

     

  • Strawberry Rhubarb Yogurt Pops

    Strawberry Rhubarb Yogurt Pops

    Rhubarb is full of vitamin C, B  vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, manganese, and many other essential vitamins and minerals. Combine this with sweet strawberries and creamy Greek Yogurt and you have a not-too-sweet treat!

    Ingredients: 

    1 lb. strawberries, hulled and minced

    3/4 cup fresh orange juice

    1/4 tsp. kosher salt

    3 stalks rhubarb, trimmed and minced

    1/2 cup of plain Greek Yogurt (2% or whole)

    1/2 cup of your favorite local Honey.

    Bring strawberries, rhubarb, juice and salt to a simmer in a 4 quart saucepan. Cook until fruit begins to break down, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool! Transfer fruit mixture to a blender; add yogurt and honey puree until smooth. Divide mixture between individual ice-pop molds. Freeze at least 4 hours and enjoy!