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Did you know?...
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Agave: Not Your Average Sweetener
When at the supermarket, have you ever stopped to consider the different sweetener options available? Non-caloric alternatives are widely known to cause health problems, and we all know regular table sugar isn't the best for us, either. But what about agave? Many people don't know its advantages, or why it stands up above the rest, but hopefully this article will give some clarity.
First and foremost, agave nectar has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it will not alter your blood sugar levels dramatically. This also makes it a better option for diabetics. It is still fructose, as is the sugar from any kind of fruit, so like all sugars,it should be eaten in moderation. When you're craving a little bit of sweet, though, it's a great option.
While its glycemic index is low, agave is high in calcium, iron, and other minerals which increases bone density, overall health, and help to prevent osteoporosis. It also contains inulin, a probiotic fiber, which helps promote healthy functioning of your lower intestine and increases calcium absorption.
The agave nectar used in Fiona's products is pure, with no corn syrup added. It is also organic (which is important, as you will read in our featured article!), and comes from its native Mexico. This helps to promote and sustain organic farming and an ancient way of life in that country. The Aztecs regarded the plant as sacred, and found many uses for it. They made fiber from the thick skin, used the gel part of the plant on skin wounds, drank the sap as fresh juice, and allowed the juice to ferment. The fermented juice they named pulque, and it was used in religious ceremonies. Today if you travel around Mexico, you many find pulquerías, where this fermented agave sap is sold.
Fiona made the decision early on to use agave nectar rather than processed refined sugar in her products. All of Fiona's granola varieties feature the sweetener, as does her Quinoa Crunch cereals, energy bars, Cinnamon Almonds, and Walnuts à L'orange.
If you haven't already, stop by the store today and taste the wonder of agave!
Information extracted from fitday.com and other sources.
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Three Fun Facts about Agave! |
1) If you have a sweet tooth, agave nectar could be your best friend! Agave is roughly one and a half times sweeter than table sugar, which means you need less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness. This translates into fewer calories, so it's really a win-win!
2) Agave nectar may be used instead of honey for dedicated vegans who maintain a strict diet in which no animals are involved.
3) For all you party animals out there, you can thank agave for your next tequila shot. Tequila is made from distilled agave juice. How come all the good stuff comes from Mexico?!
Information extracted from fooducate.com
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Welcome to Fiona's Granola
It's hard to believe summer is almost through, but August marks back to school and back to boxed lunches! At Fiona's Natural Foods, we know how hard it can be for busy parents and students on the go to find nutritious, portable snacks. But never fear...Fiona is here!
Fiona's all-natural quinoa and granola bars provide sustained energy, all wrapped up nicely into a convenient one-serving package! Just by slipping one into your lunch, you or your child will reap the rewards of a delicious, nutrient-packed snack. The light, delicate taste is subtly enhanced by our unique flavor combinations, and will leave any brown bagger nourished and satisfied for hours.
Also in this issue is a cobbler recipe for those ripe summer peaches you just picked up at the market, a featured article describing why to buy organic, and the facts on agave nectar.
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Why Buy Organic?
Every shopper who's ever purchased organic goods has undoubtedly had this inner monologue: "Why are you buying that?! This apple is more expensive than the regular one. Does it really make any difference to me? To the environment?" While it may be hard to justify the price differences at times, this article outlines why buying organic may be more important than you think. Here are some reason why you should buy organic.
1) Reduce the toxic load--Only 0.5 percent of crop and pasture land in the U.S. is organic, meaning 99.5% of crops are at risk of exposure to unnatural chemicals. If more people buy organic, we could begin reversing those alarming numbers.
2) Reduce or help eliminate off farm pollution--Pesticides drift off farms and into communities, rivers, and oceans. In fact, huge dead zones the size of New Jersey exist in the ocean due to chemical runoff.
3) Protect future generations--Pesticides are known to increase the risk of cancer and decrease fertility. Detrimental neurological effects are especially harmful to children, and the chemicals are only becoming more prevalent.
4) Build healthy soil--Feeding the soil with organic matter instead of ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers has proven to increase nutrients in produce, with higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in organic food.
5) Taste a truer, fresher flavor--Who wants to taste chemicals? Yuck! Scientists have proven in lab tests that organic produce tastes significantly sweeter.
6) Help family farmers--The family farm is likely what we all picture when we think about where our food comes from. Sadly, this is rarely the case. By supporting the little guy, you ensure family farms will be around for generations to come.
7) Sloppy science in your food is no good!--30% of our cropland today is planted with genetically modified food. An organic sticker is the only way to assure your food hasn't been modified with hasty science.
8) Organic uses less energy--On average about 30% less! That's mighty good for our planet.
9) Promote biodiversity--Organic food is made the way nature intended. An organic farm is the equivalent of reforestation. Industrial farms, on the other hand, are the equivalent of clear cutting native habitats with a focus on high farm yields.
10) Celebrate the culture of agriculture--Every culture has food. Every culture has farms. Unless society modifies its practices, the spirit of agriculture and the beauty of farming will die as an art form altogether.
Every time you shop in a grocery store, consider it as if you were casting your vote for which products you would like to see on the shelves. By buying organic, you help ensure offerings are available that are healthy for you, your family, and the environment. And you can rest assured - all of Fiona's cereals are certified organic!
Information extracted from organic.org |
| Summer Peach Cobbler
Warm and bubbly, this dessert is a simple yet favorite summertime treat when peaches are their most ripe!
Note: If using frozen peaches, allow to thaw before making recipe.
5 cups peaches
1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 Tbls. flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbls. water (omit water if using frozen fruit)
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups Fiona's Granola
4 Tbls. melted butter
Combine all ingredients except granola and butter, stirring gently after each addition. Pour into a lightly buttered 9" x 13" baking dish. In a small bowl, pour melted butter over granola and stir until granola is well coated. Pour mixture onto fruit and gently pat down, pressing dry mixture evenly to cover the fruit. Bake at 350° for 25 - 30 minutes. Enjoy warm with cream, milk, or ice cream!
Fiona's Favorite: Ginger Walnut Note: Other fruits also work well, such as boysenberries, blueberries, apples, or blackberries! You can substitute barley flour for the wheat flour to make this recipe wheat-free. 
Peach Cobbler made with Fiona's Ginger Walnut Granola
and paired with coconut ice cream
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info@fionasgranola.com
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