Tag: produce

  • PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: COLD SESAME NOODLES WITH BROCCOLI & KALE

    PRODUCE RECIPE OF THE WEEK: COLD SESAME NOODLES WITH BROCCOLI & KALE

    On sale this week (4/1-4/7): Organic Broccoli $2.99 each & Green Kale $1.99 each!

    Spring time is the perfect season for new and refreshing recipes, just like this one! BONUS– Not only is it healthy and organic, but there are more savings on top of our produce sales! Also on sale this month, Sky Valley Sriracha for $4.79 each and Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Packets (3oz.) for $1.29 each! DOUBLE BONUS– If you don’t want to buy the large bag of sesame seeds from Shiloh Farms, we also carry them in our bulk section; you can even use your own containers from home too!

    Ingredients

    1 Large Head of Broccoli, cut into large florets

    2 Garlic Cloves, 1 grated finely, 1 sliced thin

    1 1/2 Teaspoons Sriracha (we used Sky Valley)

    1 Tablespoon Plus 1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar (we used Napa Valley)

    3/4 Cup Avocado Oil (we used Spectrum)

    Salt

    Black Pepper

    3 Scallions, sliced thin

    1 3-inch Piece Ginger, peeled, cut into 1-inch matchsticks

    4 Cups Kale, chopped

    2 Packages (3oz.) Dried Ramen Noodles (we used Lotus Foods)

    Mint Leaves, torn

    Sesame Seeds, toasted (we used Shiloh Farms but they’re also in our bulk section)

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

    2. Toss broccoli with grated garlic, sriracha, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1/4 cup avocado oil on rimmed baking sheet.

    3. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, toss occasionally, until tender and browned in spots (about 20-25 minutes).

    4. Mix scallions, ginger, sliced garlic, salt, pepper, and remaining 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup avocado oil in large bowl.

    5. Add kale and toss to coat thoroughly. Let sit at room temperature at least 15 minutes.

    6. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

    7. Add noodles and warm broccoli to kale and toss to coat entirely.

    8. Divide among bowls and top with mint, sesame seeds, and more scallions.

    9. Enjoy!

    Before you enjoy your refreshing cold sesame noodles with broccoli & kale, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek

  • Now Available in Stores: Fresh Aloe Vera

    Now Available in Stores: Fresh Aloe Vera

    For over 6,000 years, aloe vera has been known for its health and beauty abilities as well as its healing properties. There are hundreds of species of the aloe plant but the most commonly known and used is the Aloe Barbadensis plant, aka aloe vera. There are many aspects of aloe vera- the outside fleshy leaves with serrated edges, the thin layer of aloe latex right beneath the skin, and the inside gooey gel and liquid.

    The plant as a whole contains many vitamins and minerals that are helpful to us humans. It contains antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamins A, C, E, B12, and folic acid), enzymes, minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc), laxatives, and some hormones that help with its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

    There are many benefits from aloe vera. Some are listed in the picture below but there are even more than that!

    When most people hear “aloe vera gel,” sunburns are the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are more uses than just that! Aloe vera can also be ingested as capsules and juice which are used as dietary supplements to help with digestion and boost immunity. People who are in love with the properties of aloe vera have made their own DIY videos for various reasons. Here is a link to a YouTube video where one person makes their own hair, scalp, skin moisturizer from the fresh aloe vera plant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu6aP_UIuxE

    And lucky for us, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market not only has aloe vera supplements on our wellness shelves, but we now carry fresh aloe vera plants in our produce areas- but only for a limited time! Come in quick before it’s all gone!

    For more information on the properties of aloe vera, how to take care of your aloe vera plant, and more, check out these posts below:

  • 7 Reasons Why You Need to Eat Cherries This Season

    7 Reasons Why You Need to Eat Cherries This Season

     

    1. Cherries are a smart sweet. They score low on the glycemic index for a fruit, keeping us fuller longer and helping curb our appetites.

     

    1. Cherries will help you snooze. They are a natural source of melatonin, a compound found in our bodies that helps us regulate healthy sleep cycles.

     

    1. Our ancestors have been chomping on cherries for years (and years).  Archaeologists discovered fossilized cherry pits in prehistoric caves. The earliest mention of them was in the year 300 BC!

     

    1. Cherries come in many varieties. There are over 1000 varieties, including our personal favorite at Basil Bandwagon: Rainier Cherries!

     

    1. Cherries combat inflammation. All varieties: dark, sweet, Rainier, etc. all lower uric acid, which is a key contributor to the inflammation that can make us feel stiff, achy, puffy and sore.

     

    1. Cherries are rich in anthocynanins. Say what, now? Anthocynanins are a class of flavonoids found in many fruits that give them their vibrant colors. The health benefits of them can be far-reaching: boosting cognitive performance, supporting liver health, optimizing vision, and more!

     

    1. Cherries are fun! In fact, cherry pit spitting contests are no joke! The world record for spitting was made during the International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship in Eau Claire, Michigan, in 2004: 93 feet, 6.5 inches!!!

     

    Sources:

    http://mentalfloss.com/article/82858/13-sweet-facts-about-cherries

    http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2007/12/sf_cherries/page-01  

    http://www.naturallivingideas.com/7-reasons-to-eat-more-anthocyanins-and-top-foods/

    http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/cherry-stone-spitting-greatest-distance

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_pit_spitting

     

     

     

     

     

  • Produce Spotlight: Delicata Squash

    delicatablog

    While the world turns to the Pumpkin and Butternut Squash to fulfill it’s fall comfort needs, we offer a lesser-known alternative. The Delicata Squash looks like decor, and perhaps doesn’t reach the kitchen as often as it’s more traditional cousins, but theres good reason to try it!

    It’s considered a summertime squash, but you’ll still find it on the shelves into late fall. It shares some similarities with Zucchini and Summer Squash in that it’s skin is thin enough to be eaten our peeled with a vegetable peeler.

    Delicata squash has a similar flavor profile to Sweet Corn, and some say it’s similar to Pumpkin Pie. The texture is similar to Butternut, and some say it’s even creamier!

    Here’s how to make quick work of preparing it:

    •Pre-heat oven to 425 Degrees

    •Clean the squash by running under warm water and scrubbing gently with your hands.

    •Cut end pieces off, then slice the whole squash in half, lengthwise

    •Scoop out seeds with a spoon

    •Drizzle olive oil on bottom of baking sheet

    •Place squash halves face down on the baking sheet

    •Bake for 10 minutes, flip and bake 10 minutes more, or until skin can be pierced by a fork

    •Salt if desired, then enjoy!