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Why You Should Buy Single Origin Foods

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If you’ve been following along on my 2016 goals, you’ll see I am continuing on the less is more, simpler lifestyle…

2015 was all about eliminating processed foods from our diets (okay not ALWAYS, sometimes a dirty water dog in Central Park is necessary).Then we looked into removing chemicals – from dish soap to shampoo. Then we started removing plastics and adding bamboo to cooking utensils and trading in our teflon skillets for healthier options for both us and the environment – cast iron. 

So, now that we’ve got a pretty good handle on understanding food, it’s time to figure out WHERE that food is coming from. We all know that fair trade is great for coffee and chocolate, but a new word emerging on the market? SINGLE ORIGIN. 

WHY SINGLE ORIGIN

I just LOVE what the The Real Co. is doing and more food retailers should take note. It is a global food company that partners with farmers and growers around the world who don’t have an established mainstream route to distribute their produce, allowing them a way to share their commodity with the world. Growing up as a farmer myself, I can appreciate the need for a direct line of food to consumer like this. Think about it:

rice

  • you’re receiving non-gmo, organic and/or vegan and fair trade certificated products
  • you’re supporting a local farmer, who can offer the minimum standards of living and working conditions for their staff.
  • you’re helping them utilize their land and local environment in an ethical and sustainable way.
  • you’re supporting their local community, whether it be through the creation of jobs, tourism or any other tangible means. 

WHAT TO MAKE

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Using simple single origin ingredients mean you can use less in your cooking – because they help flavor food in a natural way. Whether it’s raw sugar cane in your coffee, pink rock salt to season your stir fry or non-gmo basmati rice, these staples in your pantry will make a difference in your meals, the environment (since they are sustainable!), and in the lives of small farmers worldwide. 

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My favorite dish lately is concocting rice bowls. Pairing plain rice with protein-packed toppings can make for a fulling, healthy and satisfying dish, especially in the winter when you want something hearty! Right now my favorite way to top them is with brussels sprouts (in season!) and black beans to even out greens, carbs and protein. I like to add organic, raw local cheese since you know I am a dairy lover, and depending what else is in season like avocados, herbs we grow in-house (like cilantro!) or even fruit. Listen, brussels with cranberries and rice is phenomenal and all in-season!

real co pilaf fall holiday

[yumprint-recipe id=’8′]

 WHERE TO BUY

You can get all of The Real Co. products directly online as of now. Come on, you’re ordering your food online anyways! Plus, the prices are competitive with anything you would buy at your local store. The Real Co is also available nationwide in numerous stores in every state (The Market in California, Natural Grocers, ShopRite, Fairway Market, Westerly Natural Market, Kings, Balducci, Kroger and Healthy Goodness), and also on Amazon.com; Healthygoodness.com.

 A full list state by state is available at TheReal.co.

TRY FOR YOURSELF

Want to taste test the difference in single origin ingredients? The Real Co. has graciously offered to send one loyal reader a stacked package of goods including:

  • The Real Co Organic Raw Cane Sugar, x2 8 oz Bag
  • The Real Co White Basmati Rice, x2 16 oz Bag
  • The Real Co Himalayan Pink Rock Salt, x1 20 oz Shaker.

Here’s how you can enter to win:

Winner will be chosen on Valentine’s Day – February 14th. You must be 18+ and live within the United States to qualify to win.

Comments

  1. latanya t says

    the Himalayan Pink Rock Salt because it is such a strong salt and very flavorful, you only need a little bit

    dlatany at gmail dot com

  4. Melissa Chapman says

    As a vegetarian going on six months- I CANNOT wait to fill my pantry with all of these foods!

  7. SavvyMomNYC - Ker says

    I have the pink salt and love it. I would love to try the basamati rice because I bet it would be a family favorite.

  16. cynthiac says

    I would like to try the The Real Co White Basmati Rice because basmati is my favorite type of rice.

  19. Allison Cooper says

    This looks like everything that I love in a meal! Ordering my groceries now and going to attept this recipe!

  23. gaynycdad says

    I never cared about food sourcing until I had a kid. Now I see how important it is to follow the trail, we cannot trust the big companies to protect us, all they care about is money. We are responsible to do the research to find the healthiest foods for ourselves and our kids! Thanks for this!
    Mitch

  24. Monica says

    This looks delicious – and as a parent, I couldn’t agree more. We have to know the source of where our foods come from.

  30. susansmoaks says

    i would like to try the The Real Co White Basmati Rice first. i just got a new rice cooker so i am on a rice kick!

  38. Linda Bradshaw says

    I would like to try the The Real Co White Basmati Rice, x2 16 oz Bag first. I have not tried that kind yet.

    • Stephanie says

      Awesome! Linda you’re the winner of the giveaway! Can you shoot me an email? Stephanie [at] footballfoodandmotherhood.com!

      • Linda Bradshaw says

        I responded to your message through facebook this morning. Sending email in a few minutes. Thanks!!

  43. Kathy H. says

    I would love to try the Himalayan Pink Rock Salt because I have never tried it before and I love cooking with new ingredients.

  47. Sherry Conrad says

    I’d like to try the Himalayan Pink Rock Salt because I love the Himalayan Pinks I have tried and I have heard about so many benefits.
    discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com

  55. Kayci S. says

    I would really like to try their Basmati Rice. We eat a lot of rice dishes and Basmati is one of my favorite kinds of rice.

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