Cascadian Farm Organic Blog (RSS)

What is “Gluten” Anyway?

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:48:57 GMT

Lately it seems like everywhere I go I hear the term “gluten-free”. Many restaurants and most grocery stores carry gluten-free meals or products of some sort. I just assumed it was only for those with Celiac disease, a serious gluten intolerance, and moved on. It wasn’t until my mother-in-law discovered that her dog had a gluten allergy that I realized what a big issue this is. In fact, she found that while she does not have Celiac disease, she is sensitive to gluten as well. She has changed her diet and started a blog chronically her journey, My Gluten Free Canine and Me.

So I had to ask, what is gluten anyway? I thought it was wheat, so why is there a need for gluten-free ice cream?! Well, gluten refers to the protein in some grains (wheat, barley, rye) that gives dough its elasticity and creates structure and texture in bread. Gluten also gives bread its absorbent property. These characteristics are desired in vegetarian imitation meats (“mock chicken”, etc.) in which wheat gluten is often a primary ingredient. In other unlikely items, such as sauces, condiments, and even ice cream, gluten can be used as a stabilizer. The FDA considers gluten to be “generally recognized as safe” as a food additive, but some disagree.

What do you think? Are you concerned about gluten as a food additive?

Photo by Whatshername?

What is Community Gardening?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Gardening is a therapeutic past time. The fresh air and sunshine; the time spent focusing on the well-being of another living thing (that never talks back). It can be exhausting but it is always satisfying. Unfortunately, not everyone has a piece of land or even a balcony where they can have a garden. That's where community gardens come in. Community gardens allow groups of people to come together and grow plants and vegetables on a plot of land that is not being used. A community garden benefits the gardeners as well as the community in a variety of ways. Community gardens have been shown to have psychological benefits, provide food at a low cost, beautify urban areas, bring neighbors together and reduce crime! (Source: Surls, UCCE)

Some community gardens are in vacant lots, others on school or government grounds. Most gardens have at least 15 plots to which gardeners are assigned. There is typically a small fee to cover water and other miscellaneous expenses. Each gardener is responsible for the care of their own plants as they would be in their own yard. Some community gardens also have rest areas where neighbors can take a break and get to know each other, while other gardens include a children’s garden and/or play area.

If you are interested in being a part of a community garden you can visit the American Community Gardening Association's website to search for gardens in your area. If there are none, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has a fantastic Community Garden Start-Up Guide that thoroughly outlines how to start one. It requires a bit of work but can be an amazing asset to your community. Whether in your community or in your yard - get out there and grow!

Photo Credit: “The Gardens Community Garden, Haringey” by Department for Communities and Local Government

Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It's grilling season, and we're breaking out the grill for the upcoming weekend. However, this season I've been excited to try on a few less typical barbecue flavors. With the recent addition in my life of naan and pitas, Indian foods and flavors, traditionally baked in extremely hot tandoor ovens are a natural first step.

A slew of strong spices come together and are mixed with yogurt to produce a nice kick and keep this skinless grilled chicken dish moist and full of flavor. We serve ours on a bed of grilled fresh green beans, straight from the garden and alongside steamed rice or homemade naan.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

1 whole fryer chicken cut into pieces or 4-6 pieces bone-in chicken with the skin removed
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 dry red chili, crushed

1 tablespoon sweet paprika
3 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 teaspoons coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in a shallow bowl or dish and prick the flesh with a fork on both sides. In a separate bowl mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and all of the dry spices into a thick marinade. Pour marinade over chicken and spread to coat both sides. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook over a medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Brush with olive oil before flipping. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, flipping one more time before pulling off the grill. Juices should run clear.

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with grilled or steamed vegetables and naan.

Makes 4 - 6 servings.

Photo by Shaina Olmanson

Recycling 101: Earth Day, Every Day

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Recycling is a simple way for consumers to help the environment by taking a product that has reached the end of its useful life and transforming it into another product. Recycling helps to preserve valuable resources, and is essential for the health of our environment and communities.

Many of you are probably already utilizing curbside recycling bins for household paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic recycling. However, recycling goes well beyond the curb—there are recycling services available for an array of other common household products, from electronics and prescriptions to automotive parts and hazardous waste.

Read on to learn how to find recycling facilities in your area for products that you aren't sure how to dispose of properly.

1. Electronics: Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a huge problem for our environment, because if it isn't disposed of properly it can be hazardous. You can find an e-cycling center in your local area at E-cycling Central, which offers a huge array of electronic recycling services.

2. Rechargeable Batteries and Cell Phones: Although rechargeable batteries and cell phones do last quite some time due to their recharging abilities, they will eventually no longer work or become obsolete. Call2Recycle offers the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. You can find a drop-off location in your area here.

3. Hazardous Materials: Have you wondered how you should recycle that leftover paint from your kitchen remodel, or those toxic household cleaners? Earth 911 offers a database that allows you to find recycling centers in your area that can dispose of hazardous material properly.

4. Automotive Parts: If you have an automobile that is inoperable, or are wondering what to do with used auto parts that you no longer need, contact the Automotive Recycling Association (ARA). The ARA offers automotive recycling to help conserve the future. You can find an ARA recycler in your area here.

5. Plastic Bags: The best option when it comes to plastic bags is to refuse them. However, if you have some that you are looking to recycle, PlasticBagRecycling.org can help. PlasticBagRecycling.org recycles the plastic bags into composite lumber and “new” plastic items. You can find a drop-off location in your area here.

What items do you need to recycle?

Photo Credits: “Trash Recycling with Disposable Containers” by epSos.de, ”7^th Street e-Waste” by greenbk, “Beautiful Junk” by Rainy City.

Dos and Don’ts of Composting

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Many beginning gardeners believe that all you need to grow healthy plants and vegetables is water and sunlight. However, plants also need healthy soil rich in nutrients to be able to grow properly. And composting is a great way to do just that.

But before you start composting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Like what can and cannot be composted.

The IN List:

Animal (cow or horse) manure
Cardboard rolls
Clean paper
Coffee grounds and filters
Cotton rags
Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
Eggshells
Fireplace ashes
Fruits and vegetables
Grass clippings
Hair and fur
Hay and straw
Houseplants
Leaves
Nutshells
Sawdust
Shredded newspaper
Tea bags
Wood chips
Wool rags
Yard trimmings

The OUT List:

Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
- Release substances that might be harmful to plants
Coal or charcoal ash
- Might contain substances harmful to plants
Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
Diseased or insect-ridden plants
- Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
Fats, grease, lard, or oils
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
Meat or fish bones and scraps
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)
- Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
- Might kill beneficial composting organisms

Source: “Create Your Own Compost Pile” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Photo credit: "Bac a compost communautaire et bac a compost normal" by solylunafamilia

Change Really Does Flow

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hi friends! This past Saturday, we held our Change Flows cleanup of the DuPage River in Illinois, and it was a huge success. Hundreds of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds showed up to lend a helping hand. The volunteers spent three hours on a Saturday morning pulling all sorts of junk out of the DuPage River and its tributaries.

The volunteers were armed with Cascadian Farm T-shirts, trash bags, gloves, garbage pokers, water, and our Cascadian Farm granola bars to keep them going.

When this river was cleaned in previous years, it wasn’t unusual for volunteers to collect as much as 11 tons of debris. Now, that number has dropped to about seven tons. Part of the decline can probably be traced to a greater public awareness of our environment, but persistent cleaning also keeps junk from piling up.

It was amazing to see all the debris that was pulled out of the river. We found a grocery cart, a playhouse door, coils, and even a public hand-washing sink. Everyone left with a real sense of accomplishment seeing all the debris that was cleaned up. It’s truly remarkable what people can accomplish when they come together with a common goal.

Brett Adams, the Pioneer Park Cleanup Coordinator, had this to say:

“This is such a great project for people of all ages! We have a mix of middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults, and they all have fun and get something out of it. It’s amazing the types of items we found, and it’s awesome to see the difference you can make in just a few hours.”

Andrew Fahlund, Senior Vice President of Conservation for American Rivers, said:

“With the help of Cascadian Farm, we were able to raise awareness of the issues facing our rivers, and help people learn how important they are to a healthy community. Simple steps like participating in a local river cleanup can help our waterways thrive for generations to come.”

Thanks again to everyone for your support. We couldn’t have made this big of an impact without you! In the next month, we will have more details on how much debris was actually taken out of the river. Stay tuned…

Panko Asparagus Fries

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I'm reveling in the warm weather, soaking my toes in it as long as possible and loving every single minute of it. Just two days ago, I was driving to meet a friend and was blown away by how quickly the weather can change. What was cold and gray with no signs of life a few weeks ago has changed to a forest of green: the grass, the leaves, the plants popping up from the ground.

At our farmers market, one of the first things to show up on vendor stands (besides plants for the garden, which I stocked up on last week) is the asparagus, so crisp and fresh you can snap into it raw and eat the tender spears like carrots. Nothing can beat fresh-from-the-market asparagus.

We baked our asparagus in a crunchy breading and served them up in place of traditional fries alongside grilled fare. They were bright and easy and the perfect springtime substitute.

Panko Asparagus Fries

1 bunch thin fresh asparagus spears

2 eggs

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon salt

Black pepper

1½ cups panko bread crumbs

½ cup shredded Parmesan

Preheat oven to 425º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Rinse and pat dry asparagus spears. Snap asparagus ends off. (Ends can be saved to make a wonderful vegetable broth!)

In a shallow dish, beat together eggs, Dijon, salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, combine panko and Parmesan. One at a time, dip asparagus spears into the egg mixture and then roll in the panko, lining them up on the baking sheet about ½" apart until full.

Bake for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Remove from oven and serve with aioli for dipping.

Earth Day, Every Day: 7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Freshen your Home for Summer

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s always nice to freshen up your home right in time for summer. However, buying new things to brighten up your home isn't exactly eco-friendly. You can spruce up your home with very little impact on the environment and without breaking the bank. You have heard of the three Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle); read on to learn my seven Rs for freshening up your home. Then lay back, relax, and enjoy the summer to come in your “new” space.

1. Rearrange: By simply rearranging your current furniture, you can get a whole new look without buying anything new. Consider moving pieces of furniture, accessories, and even pillows and artwork from one room to another.

2. Re-cover: Do you have a sofa or chair that has seen better days, but still has great bones? Consider re-covering it with a slipcover, or have the piece reupholstered. It is much more eco-friendly to reupholster a piece of existing furniture than purchasing new. For a quick update without the larger price tag, consider swapping out your existing living room pillows with brighter, fresher ones for an instant makeover.

3. Reorganize: The quickest and simplest way to freshen your home is by reorganizing and de-cluttering. By simply recycling old paperwork, and tidying up closets, cupboards, and dressers, you can clean up a space in a snap. Take this time to go through your closets and decide on items to sell or donate. Then, take a few minutes to walk through your home, removing any objects that are simply collecting dust.

4. Revamp: It’s amazing what a new coat of no-VOC, eco-friendly paint can do to a room. Painting is the fastest way to give a room a new look and instantly freshen up your home. Paint can give an added pop of color to older pieces of furniture, giving them new life. Another option is to replace doorknobs and the existing hardware on cabinets and dressers, which will give furniture a quick, modern makeover.

5. Refresh: Give your bathrooms a quick makeover by switching out your regular towels with plusher, softer, eco-friendly versions. New linens add a newness to your bedroom and make you feel pampered every time you use them. Another way to refresh your home is by adding several potted plants and scented soy candles.

6. Repurpose: If you have a dresser that isn't being used, consider repurposing it as a buffet in your dining room or use it as kitchen island. An armoire can be easily converted to a toy closet or gift-wrapping station. And a small table that isn't being utilized can be used as a desk in a child’s room or a plant-potting station on the patio.

7. Reconsider: Above all else, the next time you consider purchasing a new piece of furniture, appliance, or accessory for your home, ask yourself these questions: Is this item something that I really need? Do I already own something that could be used instead? Is this item something that I could borrow from a friend or rent from my local hardware store? By simply asking yourself a few questions, you can save yourself a lot of money and save the environment at the same time.

How do you freshen your home for summer?

Photo credits: Repurpose photo via NolaClutterBusters, Refresh photo via sfllaw

Earth Day, Every Day: Recycling 101: How Do I Recycle That?

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Recycling is a simple way for consumers to help the environment by taking a product that has reached the end of it’s useful life and transforming it into another product. Recycling helps to preserve valuable resources and is essential for the health of our environment and communities.

Many of you probably are already utilizing curbside recycling bins for household paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic recycling. However, recycling goes well beyond the curb -- there are recycling services available for an array of other common household products from electronics and prescriptions to automotive parts and hazardous waste.

Read on to learn how to find recycling facilities in your area for products that have reached their end of life and that you aren't sure how to dispose of properly.

1. Electronics: Electronic Waste or E-waste is a huge problem for our environment because if it isn't disposed of properly it can be hazardous. You can find an e-cycling center in your local area at E-cycling Central . E-cycling Central offers a huge array of electronic recycling services.

4. Hazardous Materials: Have you wondered how you should recycle that leftover paint from your kitchen remodel or those toxic household cleaners? Earth 911 offers a database that allows you to find recycling centers in your local area that can dispose of hazardous material properly.

5. Automotive Parts: If you have an automobile that is inoperable or wondering what to do with used auto parts that you no longer need, contact the Automotive Recycling Association (ARA). The ARA offers automotive recycling to help conserve the future. You can find an ARA recycler in your area here.

6. Plastic Bags: The best option when it comes to plastic bags is to refuse them. However, if you have some that you are looking to recycle, PlasticBagRecycling.org can help. PlasticBagRecycling.org recycles the lastic bags into composite lumber and “new” plastic items. You can find a drop off location in your area here.

What items do you need to recycle?

photo credits: trash recycling by epSos.de, e-waste by greenbk, prescription by CarbonNYC, car parts by Rainy City.

3. Prescription Medication: Many of us have unused prescripton medications in our medicine cabinet and aren't sure of the proper way to dispose of it. The Drug Take-Back Network collects the unused prescription medication and incinerates it, which is the most effective and least polluting option available at this time. You can find a take-back location in your area here.

Explore Your Local Farmers Market!

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to get out and experience your local farmers market. Buying fruits and vegetables locally is a good way to support the farms in your area.

Find a farmers market near you!

For those of you who are new to farmers markets, here are some helpful tips to make your experience even more enjoyable.

If you’re in the Washington area this spring or summer, stop by our roadside stand for some fresh fruits and vegetables and homemade blueberry ice cream! We’d love to see you!

Do you visit your local farmers market? What has been your favorite find this spring?

Source Cited: Local Harvest

Photo Source: “farmers’ market” by perspicacious.org