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30 Mar Barley & Barley Flour for Bread

Posted at 06:00h in Cooking, Organic Farming, Organic Food, sfmart by Season Food 0 Comments

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Barley and wheat have long been an integral part of the human diet. Easy to domesticate, these cereals are used for food, drink, and feed production. They are similar in taste, look, and nutritional value, but have some significant differences as well. Knowing what wheat and barley offer and how they differ can help you make more informed dietary choices.

What to Know About Barley

Barley is a cereal mainly used in the production of livestock fodder. It’s also used to brew beer and make bread, stews, and other dishes. As a whole grain, it’s a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.‌

Most stores sell barley either as hulled or pearled. Hulled barley undergoes minimal processing. Only the inedible outer shell is removed, leaving the germ and bran intact. Meanwhile, pearled barley doesn’t contain the hull or bran.

Hulled barley has more nutritional value and can better help you meet the recommended intake of certain nutrients, including:

Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Potassium
Phosphorus
Fiber
Folate
Selenium

Barley is also a rich source of B vitamins, like niacin and thiamin, and contains a type of fiber called beta-glucans.

Scientists have found that eating barley may offer several health benefits:

Promotes heart health and lowers blood pressure. Barley contains several nutrients that support heart health. These include folate and vitamin B6, both which help reduce homocysteine, a compound that increases the risk of heart disease.

Boosts bone health. Barley contains calcium, phosphorous, copper, zinc, and magnesium. These all contribute to stronger bones. Zinc is crucial in this role and also helps in bone development.

May help prevent cancer. Barley contains selenium, an essential mineral that prevents inflammation.

If you have chronic inflammation, like in Crohn’s disease, you’re at a higher risk of getting cancer. Consuming foods containing selenium, which acts as an antioxidant, protects your cells against damage caused by free radicals.

Helps with digestion and weight management. Barley has a high fiber content that promotes the regularity of the digestive system. It also prevents constipation.

Eating foods rich in fiber, like barley, can also help with weight loss. Fiber functions as a “bulking agent” that makes you feel fuller for longer, reducing calorie consumption.

28 Mar Benefits of Baking with Sweet Rice Flour

Posted at 06:00h in Organic Farming, Organic Food, sfmart by Season Food 0 Comments

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Sweet rice flour, ground from short-grain glutinous sticky rice that is sticky and soft in texture. It is commonly a household staple in Southeast Asia and Japan. As sweet rice flour has high levels of proteins, fibers, amino acids, and other substantial nutrients, it has various health benefits that make it a great alternative to regular wheat flour.

The following are the benefits of baking with sweet rice flour:

An Easy to Use Alternative

Sweet rice flour has a high water absorption rate as a gluten-free alternative, giving it a chewy, moist, and soft texture for baking. Moreover, compared to regular flour, rice flour is less likely to become lumpy, so it does not require sifting, making the baking process faster and simpler. To prevent it from separating, it also easy to combine it with liquids, making it adaptable and useful for baking.

An Added Desirable Texture

Organic sweet rice flour has a high starch content that enables the flour’s proteins to glue together, making the texture of the baked goods soft and fluffy. Moreover, sweet rice flour is known to improve glazes and crusts’ shine due to the amylopectin starch. This amylopectin starch reacts to moisture, temperature, and shear, which gives the baked goods a soft texture.

Versatility

There is no unique flavor in sweet rice flour, making it a great addition to savory dishes. It is the best gluten-free flour for making delicious smooth, and cohesive sauces. Sweet rice flour has a quality that stops liquids from separating, so it is a useful thickening agent for gravies and sauces that does not make them gritty or grainy or have an overwhelming taste.

A Healthier Alternative

Apart from being flavorsome, bread, brownies, cookies, and other desserts made from sweet rice flour are a healthier alternative to classic desserts made from white wheat flour. For this reason, it is possible to eat them more often.

A Gluten-free Alternative

Organic sweet rice flour is an excellent substitute for wheat flour. Most wheat contains gluten which can cause problems with the digestive system, especially if someone has a gluten allergy or celiac disease, which is a digestive condition that triggers an immune system response to gluten. In contrast, baking with rice flour prevents these issues as rice flour has many added benefits that improve health.

23 Mar Fresh Herbs vs. Sundried Herbs: Which is Better?

Posted at 06:00h in Organic Farming, Organic Food, sfmart, Sundried by Season Food 0 Comments

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Herbs are an essential part of the culinary world. These luscious, aromatic leaves are found in both fresh and dried varieties, which can leave those new to using them confused. Before deciding whether to choose fresh or dried organic herbs, you should learn their health benefits. Basil, cilantro, oregano,

Many herbs, whether fresh or sun-dried, such as turmeric, rosemary, thyme, ginger, and basil leaves by McCabe, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

When you’re ready to cook an herb-infused dish, you have two main options to choose from: fresh herbs and dried herbs. Both types have their own flavors and uses, but you might be wondering which to choose. Though your choice depends on your needs and what you’re cooking, here are a few differences to keep in mind:

Fresh herbs

Fresh herbs are, well, fresh and super herby! They’re hand-picked from the plant and meant to be used soon after. You find fresh herbs usually at the local farmer’s market or at the grocery store (or in your own backyard or kitchen if you’re growing them). These leaves have a crisp, fresh, aromatic flavor and can be used in dishes that don’t require too much cooking, like salads, pizza toppings, sandwiches, etc.

Sundried herbs

Sundried herbs, on the other hand, are fresh herbs that have been dried under the sun or by using a dehydrator. These herbs carry a deeper, more complex flavor and have less water content. This makes less quantity more flavorsome, therefore, they’re best used for dishes that require longer cooking times such as braises, soups, and stews.
At SF Mart, our sun-dried herb varieties are natural and simple. They’re sun-dried on the McCabe Farm in a specialized sun-drying facility that uses traditional and modern technology to get the best results. Additionally, our herbs have a higher vitamin D and mineral content compared to products from companies that use dehydration machines. Our specialty includes organic dried basil leaves that elevate the flavors in soups, salads, pastas, and stir-fries.

21 Mar Sundried Radish Roots and Leaves

Posted at 06:00h in Organic Farming, Organic Food, sfmart, Sundried by Season Food 0 Comments

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Sundried radishes may not sound that appealing but you might be pleasantly surprised once you get a taste and learn about their high nutritional value. Whether you eat it in a salad or add it to your stew, radishes can take your meals to the next level. In addition to being tasty, they also work wonders for your health.

Radishes are low in carbs, making them an excellent choice for individuals watching their carb or sugar consumption. They have limited calories with a low glycemic index level. However, they are rich in numerous minerals and minerals. Some of them include:

Calcium
Vitamin C
Riboflavin
Niacin
Thiamine
Vitamin B6
Folate
Potassium
Iron
Manganese

Adding sundried radishes to your meals can work wonders for your body, as mentioned above. However, if you are unsure about how to use them in your meals, here are some ideas to help you get started:

Make sundried radish pickle
Add sundried radish to salads
Use sundried radish as a burger topping
Roast sundried radishes and eat them as a side
Make a sundried radish dip with onions and yogurt
Top meat with sundried radish

16 Mar Sundried Moringa Seeds

Posted at 06:00h in Organic Farming, Organic Food, sfmart, Sundried by Season Food 0 Comments

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The Moringa oleifera plant has been praised and known for its amazing health benefits for thousands of years. As a plant rich in antioxidants and several bioactive compounds, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when you hear about the healthy uses of sundried Moringa seeds. After knowing the excellent health benefits, you will keep looking for ways to buy organic sundried Moringa seeds and incorporate them into your diet. Also known as “The Miracle Tree”, the pod of the Moringa plants contains Moringa seeds. The plant is abundantly found in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Thanks to the prevalent health benefits, it has become quite popular in Europe and North America as well.

Sundried Moringa Seeds

May Control Blood Sugar Levels

Have a High Nutritional Value

Are Rich in Antioxidants

May Lower Inflammation

May Help Sleep Better

14 Mar Antioxidants and organic rice

Posted at 06:00h in Grain, Organic Food, sfmart by Season Food 0 Comments

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Organic rice is grown in completely natural conditions without any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Consuming organic rice is said to be beneficial because the cultivation process is clean, natural, and harmless. Even after it is harvested, organic rice is kept in its natural form, and only its hard outer shell – the hull – is removed. It is not treated with chemicals and retains its original shape, color, and form. In addition, organic rice needs to be certified by relevant authorities for it to be classified as organic. So, the next time you shop for organic rice, make sure you look for the certified stamp.

Antioxidants and Organic Rice

As mentioned above, organic rice is rich in antioxidants, combating increased oxidative stress. By consuming a bowl of organic rice daily, you can prevent or slow down the damage free radicals do to your body and your cells. Therefore, incorporating organic rice in your daily diet can slow down the aging process, help keep diabetes at bay, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Moreover, there are six types of antioxidants found in rice, including:

Phenolic acids
Flavonoids
Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins
Tocopherols and tocotrienols
Y-oryzanol
Phytic acid

Thus, it is safe to say that organic rice is a great source of getting your daily dose of antioxidants. You will have a healthy gut and heart, and better skin, and you will be at a lower risk for multiple diseases. Some other benefits of antioxidants in organic rice include:

Protect aging cells
Reduced risk of vision loss
Reduced risk of atherosclerosis
Lower risk of cardiovascular diseases

09 Mar Organic Rolled Oats vs Organic Steel Cut Oats

Posted at 06:00h in Grain, Organic Food, sfmart by Season Food 0 Comments

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While both steel-cut and rolled oats can be a part of a nutritious diet, they differ by the kind of processing they undergo. A hot steaming bowl of organic oats usually comes to mind when you think of a healthy and nutritious meal to kickstart your day. They taste delicious and leave you feeling full for a long time. Plus, they are great if you are trying to lose or watch your weight.

However, one common mistake most people make is choosing the wrong variety of organic oats. Although organic oats are easily available in several organic food stores like SF Mart, it all comes down to choosing a variety that is suitable for you. There are several varieties of organic oats: thick rolled oats, regular rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and whole oat groats. Steel-cut and rolled oats are two of the most commonly consumed varieties, which is why it is vital to understand how they compare and what they offer. This blog will compare rolled oats and steel-cut oats, highlighting how they differ in their processing methods and nutrient profile. Keep reading to learn more.

What are Rolled Oats?

Also referred to as old-fashioned oats, rolled oats start as whole oat groats, which are later steamed and flattened. As they are steamed, they become softer in texture and have a mild flavor. The best part about rolled oats is that they cook much faster than steel-cut oats, as they are steamed and flattened and absorb water faster. A single bowl of rolled oats might take 2 to 5 minutes to cook.

What are Steel-Cut Oats?

Also referred to as Irish or coarse oats, steel-cut oats are much less processed than rolled oats. The only process they go through is when the whole oat groats are chopped into fine pieces using steel blades. This is why they are known as steel-cut oats. As a result, steel-cut oats take longer to cook as they have not been steamed or flattened like rolled oats. They absorb water slower and take longer to prepare. They have a chewy and firm texture with a more robust and nuttier flavor than other organic oats varieties. Steel-cut oats’ average cooking time is between 15 and 30 minutes. However, you can try soaking them in water before cooking them to reduce the cooking time.

08 Mar McCabe Organic Tamalpais Hulless Barley

Posted at 06:00h in Grain, Organic Food, sfmart by Season Food 0 Comments

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If you are looking for ways to increase the intake of food grains, adding organic Tamalpais hulless barley to your daily diet is a great idea. As one of the most popular food grains around the world, organic barley is widely consumed and regarded as one of the healthiest food grain options. The best part about it is that it is available in many varieties and is very easy to prepare.

Organic barley is a popular ingredient in soups and stews, adding a rich taste and flavor. As a nutrient-rich whole grain, organic barley is packed with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Moreover, when it comes to the varieties of organic barley, there are many options, such as pearl barley, hulled barley, black barley, purple barley, pressed barley, and the lesser-known, hulless barley.

Hulless barley is as beneficial as any other variety of organic barley, but many people don’t know about its potential. This blog will serve as a guide to Tamalpais hulless barley, which is one of the hottest-selling products at your favorite online organic food store SF Mart. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Tamalpais Hulless Barley?

As more and more people recognize the numerous health benefits of organic barley, they are also becoming more interested in exploring the many varieties of organic barley, including Tamalpais hulless barely. Organic barley is the most beneficial in its unrefined form when it has not undergone any processing.

Thankfully, hulless barley fits the description accurately. It is one of the least processed varieties of organic barley and offers the maximum health benefits. Hulless barley is a whole grain that is minimally processed. The inedible surface layer of the barley – the hull or shell – is loosely attached to the kernel and falls off naturally during the harvesting period.

Thus, there is no further need for processing to remove the hull in this variety of barley. Plus, the layers of bran and endosperm stay intact as well. So it is fair to say that Tamalpais hulless barley is the healthiest form of organic barley.

How is Tamalpais Hulless Barley Different from Other Varieties of Organic Barley?

Now that you know what hulless barley is, let’s explore how it differs from other organic barley forms in more detail. Unlike other types of organic barley – hulled and pearl barley –hulless barley naturally loses its hull instead of undergoing any processing. Take a look at all three varieties below:

Hulled Barley

Hulled barley is also a whole grain and among the least processed types of organic barley. The inedible outer layer of hulled barley, also known as the hull layer, needs to be removed, but the bran and endosperm layers might stay intact. Hence, it goes through some extent of processing, but much less than pearl barley. However, it does take longer to cook compared to pearl barley.

Pearl Barley

Pearl barley is a highly processed and polished variety of organic barley. The outer hull layer is full of healthy fiber and the bran is removed. Additionally, some portions of the endosperm layers also need to be removed. Hence, pearl barley is not as healthy as hulled or hulless barley. However, it does not take a lot of time to cook and is easy to prepare

Hulless Barley

Hulless barley is different from both these types of barley as it does not need to be processed. The hull from this type of barley falls off naturally. Thus, it does not need to undergo any kind of processing.

Moreover, it ensures that hulless barley retains its nutrient content, which is why it is one of the healthiest forms of organic barley, as mentioned above. Plus, it has a nuttier flavor that you won’t find in the processed varieties of organic barley.

How to Cook Tamalpais Hulless Barley?

When cooking hulless barley, it is best to soak it overnight so that it cooks faster. As it retains its shape and has a chewy texture, it is a great addition to soups and stews. Follow a 3 to 1 (three cups of water and one cup of hulless barely) ratio when cooking barley. Once you have added the hulless barely, bring it to a boil, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer. It will be done in around 50 to 60 minutes.

04 Mar What are some benefits of sundried foods?

Posted at 06:00h in Cooking, Healthy Food, Sundried by Season Food 0 Comments

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These foods last a long time in the pantry and can be used in multiple dishes, but what are the benefits?

Sundried food products offer a variety of health benefits. They are high in nutritional value and have a longer shelf life. They retain large quantities of minerals, vitamins, and fiber even after the drying process. Additionally, they are versatile and can be used across several kinds of meals, from stews and soups to cereals and trail mixes.

Moreover, sundried food products are free from harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients, which makes them even healthier. Plus, since they shrink in the drying process, they don’t take up a lot of space. For instance, sundried jujubes are a rich source of antioxidants that fight free radical damage, have anti-inflammatory properties, and support heart and brain health.

02 Mar How are sundried foods different from regular food products

Posted at 06:00h in Cooking, Healthy Food, Sundried by Season Food 0 Comments

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Sundried food products are very different from regular food products. For starters, all their water content is removed during the drying process. They are smaller in size and portion. However, the best part is that despite their reduced size, sundried foods retain their nutritional value. This makes them an excellent alternative to unhealthy snacks.

Plus, they can be stored for a long time, unlike fresh fruits and vegetables. You don’t have to worry about sundried food products going bad. Thus, they are also more cost-effective than regular food products.