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Tag: rice

Prepare Your Pantry

Written by novagiant on . Posted in Wellness.

Being prepared for extra time at home is wise during this season of life. However, it’s very different than hoarding or excessive impulse buying. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds us that our food supply chains remain strong. However, it leaves many people asking how much is enough to be prepared? The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people keep enough food, medicine, and personal essentials to make it through two weeks. That way if quarantine or isolation is necessary you are prepared to spend that time at home safely.

Here are foods to keep stocked for a healthy pantry:

SHELF STABLE PRODUCTS
Healthy items such as olive oil, nuts, dried fruits, your favorite dried spices, beans, and nut butters are a must to have on hand. Canned or boxed soups, protein bars, and a variety of canned produce would also come in handy.  

PRODUCE
When purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables consider buying ones that last longer such as squash, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

GRAINS
The best grains to keep stocked would be oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta.

PROTEIN
When it comes to protein, two weeks of meat should fit in most freezers but eggs are an excellent choice for a quality lean protein that has an extended shelf life. 

Milk Options

Written by novagiant on . Posted in Wellness.

When it comes to milk we don’t just have to choose between 2%, skim or whole milk anymore. Options abound we can go with soy, coconut, cashew, rice, almond or traditional cows milk. This might leave you wondering what kind of milk is best for you and your family? The answer will likely be different for everyone based on your taste preferences, allergies and food sensitivities.

Cows milk alternatives became popular due to the growing number of people desiring a dairy-free milk choice. Almond milk, soy, coconut and rice milk (plus several others) are dairy free. They are also great if you’re vegetarian, vegan or lactose intolerant. However, some cows milk alternatives are lower in protein and higher in sugar, so like any food you purchase that has a label take a look and see what the product is offering. Some of the main things to consider when looking at a milk label are calories, protein and sugar content. Weigh your options and find what works best for you.

Rice Syrup

Written by novagiant on . Posted in Wellness.

Recently we received an online question from customer Maureen N. Her question was in regards to rice syrup. She was wondering what rice syrup is, and if a recipe calls for rice syrup what is a proper substitute if you don’t have this product? Thanks for your question Maureen, we’re happy to provide some clarity on this food.
Rice syrup or brown rice syrup are sweeteners often used in packaged foods. It is made by breaking down the starches and simple sugars in rice. When the simple sugars are separated out they are in a liquid form called maltose which is then boiled down into a syrup. Rice syrup tends to be less sweet than sugar and a little more nutty in flavor. When substituting rice syrup in a recipe it’s best to trade it out with another nectar-like sweetener such as agave nectar, corn syrup, maple syrup or honey.