Gourmet Greens - Foraging and Farming

I read a delightful story in the New Yorker this afternoon that made me recall how much I just love food. The article entitled "The Food At Our Feet" (by Jane Kramer) (click here to read it in entirety) recalls a summer of foraging for gourmet greens...

OK, so never mind that it's autumn in the U.S heading briskly into winter. Never mind that those tender wild greens won't be around anytime soon, but reading this article will bring you back to those wonderful summer months even if all you did was sit in your air conditioned office slogging through mounds of paperwork.

That said, I recently discovered our own little version of wild foraging - well, not exactly wild and, ok, not foraging. My weekly farm basket comes to me courtesy of a local organic farm just southeast of Tucson. Sunizona Family Farms is not only organic, it's vegan organic (who knew?) . I had seen a variety of farm basket programs but never signed up until I found one that was all organic all the time. Now, every week, I get delightful micro-greens along with spinach, kale, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and more.

My recent fave? Organic, unbelievably delicious spaghetti squash.

More importantly, I'm forced to get out of my habitual food grooves and explore new tastes, new cooking (or not-cooking) methods and flavors.

So, for those of you who have access to a farm basket program in your area, try it. Of course, if it's organic, it's primo, but supporting local farmers who are using sustainable methods is a good starting point. The point is to start.

Support your small local farmers, support your local organic farmers and support small businesses making a big difference (and yes, shopOrganic.com is a small business and one you can proudly support). Our motto - shop local, then shopOrganic.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. May your holiday be filled with family, fabulous food and perhaps a few foraged (or locally farmed) greens!

Read more!

Right2Know and Your2Cents

There seems to be a growing theme around 2's right now...This month, there is the Right2Know march heading down the East coast of the U.S. demanding the right to know what's in our food. There is growing concern about the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply. The march is intended to bring awareness to this often quiet but disturbing trend. You can read more about the Right2Know march and lend your voice and support by clicking here.

This month, we're happy to announce an initiative that is part of the answer to that problem. The Rodale Institute has launched the Your 2 Cents campaign to raise funds to support organic farms and the future of organic farming. Maria Rodale - and the Rodale Institute are working to help fund the future of organics through getting manufacturers to donate a portion of product sales to the Institute.

When we learned of the program, we contacted Rodale and asked to join in. So, starting October 8, 2011, we're donating 2 cents from every sale we make.

Now, that may not seem like a lot to you, but as a small company still competing with the 'big boys' out there, we're doing our part. We'll be looking to expand our participation through providing an opportunity for our customers to also put their 2 cents in -

As I like to say, one by one and all together, we can make a difference.

Visit Right2Know or Your 2 Cents today to learn more, or head to shopOrganic, buy healthy organic products and contribute to our organic future that way.

Now, go out there and enjoy your day! Read more!

Support Small Businesses In Your Town

There are over 20 million small businesses in America. They employ 2 out of every 3 workers in the US. Their owners and employees don't get golden parachutes, they don't get multi-million dollar salaries or stock options. They're regular folks like the rest of us.

So, while our politicians are busy bailing out the big guys, let's make sure we continue to support the small businesses in our communities and across the country. There are plenty of small businesses in your area - be sure to seek them out and support them in whatever ways you can.

No matter what happens on Wall Street, we can continue to support our friends and neighbors on Main Street. Read more!