Dissatisfied with the granola options in their local grocery stores, Brattleboro-based Ingrid and Franklin Chrisco (pictured above) decided to start the True North Granola Company from their home kitchen in 2006 while still actively working as educators. They believed that their family and friends preferred the homemade granola recipes they h ...

Amaranth is small in size, but packs a big punch when it comes to nutrition and flavor. It has been a staple in diets throughout Mexico and Peru for thousands of years. The Aztecs used it not only for nutritional sustenance, but religious offerings, too. It was so important and revered by the Aztec culture that Cortez ...

Thinking of spring? So are we! Just because the snow is falling doesn't mean you can't get a healthy dose of greenery in your everyday life...give sprouting a try! Here is a great video featuring from Dana Tomlin, the Deli Manager at Wheatsville Food Co-op in Austin, Texas (we love them). She'll show you all you need to start growing nutrient-packe ...

Recently, National Public Radio broadcast a story regarding the microscopic presence of arsenic in brown rice. There is no recall for the product. Here is what you need to know:

• arsenic is naturally present in water and soils to some degree, based on geography
• all rice, traditionally grown in flooded paddies, has a natural affinity to attract arsenic 
• The FDA has not determined standards for the presence of arsenic in brown rice
• organic rice is not immune to the presence of arsenic, though white rice may contain lower levels
• studies have yet to determine the effect microscopic levels from brown rice may have on the body

Still concerned? Try Fair Trade rice that is not paddy grown, like Madagascar pink rice or Volcano rice.  Both are available by special order at The Coop. White rice (which is essentially brown rice with the outer surface buffed off) is another option that may contain lower levels of arsenic.

 

Lundberg, the company that supplies us with many of our rice products, has posted some great information on their website, that may be helpful in your search for more information.