| We drink to one another's health and spoil our own. - Jerome K. Jerome | OCTOBER 2010 |
Breaking News!
Still a few spaces left for the popular six-hour class "Raw Food 101" on October 2nd! Act quick if you're interested! RSVP 
|
To Sip or Not to Sip?
A look at Organic and Biodynamic Wines
 | | If you're a hard-core "I avoid all toxins at all costs" kind person, you might want to skip this story. But if you like to pair your healthful meals with an occasional glass of fermented grape juice, we've got some information for you to roll around on your tongue. Cheers!
Many of us embrace the concept of eating organically whenever possible, and a few have even committed the "Dirty Dozen" (12 of the most heavily sprayed conventional crops) to memory and work to avoid them. One of the unclean 12 is the grape. Because grapes have so many insect predators, most vineyards in the United States  like their vegetable growing counterparts use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. The thin skin of the grape does not offer much protection from the 35 different pesticides used as a standard in conventional vineyards, a number which are suspected carcinogens. |
What's in a label?
Many wineries grow grapes without added chemicals, and yet choose not to be certified as organic. The reason for such a decision may be cost-driven, or it could be that the winery does not agree with the established principles for certification. Whatever the reasoning, these wineries cannot use "organic" on their labels. When a wine label says "organic," that wine has met the standards that have been set by a government agency, and different countries have different standards for certification. In the United States, 100% Organic carries the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seal, which indicates that the wine has been monitored throughout the production process, and is made from 100% organically grown ingredients. No pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers are allowed on the vines or in the soil.
Organic wine can also bear the USDA organic seal and indicates the wine has 95% organically grown ingredients. Both 100% Organic and Organic can contain only naturally occurring sulfites, in less than 100 parts per million. (This restriction makes stability a challenge in wine production, and is probably why American organic wines are considered by some to be inferior.)
Made with Organic Grapes means the wine contains at least 70% organic ingredients. It may also contain artificial sulfites. It does not qualify for the USDA organic seal.
Biodynamic is a term that refers to the teachings of Rudolph Steiner, a 20th-century Austrian philosopher. Biodynamic is based on the observation and balance of nature: not only is it 100% organic, the grower may make their own compost and take astrological considerations into the growing process.
Vegan wines are those that contain no animal products. Bear in mind that winemakers whether organic or conventional are not required to indicate on the label that they use animal by-products as fining agents to clarify wine. For example, casein a milk protein is sometimes used to make wine taste softer, gelatin may be added to remove bitterness and red wine may contain egg whites, which is used as a brightening agent.
But should I drink it?
Perhaps you believe as Ernest Hemingway once said that "Wine is the most civilized thing in the world," or you may agree with Thomas Becon that "When wine is in, the wit is out." Either way, whether you choose to imbibe or not is up to you. If you do decide to tipple, organic, biodynamic or vegan are good things to look for on the label.
|
Calendar
For more information about events, including cost and how to register, visit Des Moines Raw Food MeetUp's page or call (515) 249-2992. October
October 2RAW FOOD 101 - A Comprehensive Intro Saturday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bolton & Hay, 2701 Delaware Avenue, Des Moines October 30Dehydrating Food 101 Class (half day) Saturday, October 30, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Glynn Village Clubhouse, 1400 SE Waddell, Waukee October 7Chips and Dips That Won't Go to Your Hips! Thursday, October 7, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Allspice, 400 E. Locust Street, Des Moines NovemberNovember 4Viewing party for "b. organic" episode featuring Sheree Clark Thursday, November 4, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Forté Conference and Banquet Center 615 Third Street, Des Moines November 11Show Your Raw Holiday Spirit! Thursday, November 11, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines November 19Happy Hour Yoga Friday, November 19, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Yoga Studio, 123 S. First Avenue, Winterset
|
| Recipe: Chai Spice Green Smoothie
With all this month's talk about adult beverages, here's something the designated driver can enjoy! Cheers!
Yield: 1 serving
Equipment: Blender
INGREDIENTS
1 medium ripe pear, chopped
1 medium apple, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
1 tablespoon soy lecithin
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
Sprinkle nutmeg
Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy!
|
Feel free to forward this newsletter (use the link in the footer of this email) to anyone who may be coming up to his or her own Fork in the Road! You may also reprint any tip on your website, newsletter or message board, just please include the following: © Sheree Clark, Fork in the Road 2010, www.fork-road.com.
|
 Sheree Clark is a holistic health and nutrition counselor. Through her private practice called Fork in the Road, Sheree helps empower individuals, families and corporate groups to get the most out of life by improving their health. She offers lectures, classes, hands-on workshops, coaching and consultations in Iowa and nationwide. She is a graduate of Living Light Culinary Institute and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. An inspiring author, presenter, teacher, motivator and raw vegan chef, Sheree has written and presented on topics ranging from raw food 101 to overcoming career burnout.
Find Sheree online
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
