Do you sell Scobies to make kombucha?

Yes we do! We now carry Kombucha Mill's Kombucha making kits that contain a live scoby that came from Maui. Kits are for green or black tea kombucha. The how-to's are in the box. We even have glass kombucha jars that you can make your fermented tea in! It's full service here at Foodstuffs.

Or if you in a rush, we sell Rise Kombuchas in several flavours that are ready to go when you want them. 

How do you brew loose tea?

There are so many great loose teas out there but how do you use them all? Well, here are some tips for making loose tea.

1. Use good quality water

2. Warm your mug or pot

3. Add about a teaspoon of tea per cup 

4. Here's the tricky part - some teas like cooler water, some warmer. Black tea needs to be on the boil. Most other tea needs to be off the boil. That means you let the water stop bubbling and cool for a minute or two depending on the type of tea you're using. Green teas like cooler water, herbal tea can take it a bit warmer but really only black tea should be poured over the leaves while boiling. 

5. Enjoy! Some teas can be re-steeped 2 or 3 times so don't throw out the leaves!

Inspirational Pewter Coins

Inspirational Pewter coins come from Pugwash, NS and we love them! Here's why...

People ask us: "What's the deal with these coins?"

Well...They remind you of things you need to do - like be "grateful" or "relax" or "let it be". They jingle in your pocket or in a bowl and that's a happy sound... And they inspire the memories and fondness and strength that the people who give them want to share with the people in their loves.    

Why don't natural bug sprays say they repel bugs?

Some of our skin soothers and outdoor sprays!

Why don't natural bug sprays say they repel bugs? That's because insect repellents are considered pesticides so they must meet strict safety standards. If natural bug sprays claimed they repelled bugs they would be subject to the same strict standards of other large commercial bug sprays and that just isn't an option for most small manufacturer's in  terms of cost or data. 

So instead they say things like "outdoor ease' and 'campers comfort'. But look for ones that contain lemon eucalyptus oil! Consumer reports did some research and besides DEET and picaridin, lemon eucalyptus works the best. 

Check out the article here. 

5-HTP vs Melatonin

We get asked a lot which is better? 5-HTP or Melatonin. 5-HTP  and Melatonin are both hormones but they do different things.

Melatonin is stored in the pineal gland and is only released when there is low light. Melatonin seems to work best when people have low melatonin levels, not if their levels are normal. It is useful for jet lag, ADHD, insomnia.

5-HTP comes from L-tryptophan and increases seratonin production and seratonin increases melatonin production in turn. 5-HTP bypasses the brain's light-regulation system and crosses the blood-brain barrier. As it increases seratonin levels and not just melatonin levels, it has other positive mood enhancing benefits like feeling happier and more relaxed. 

Overall, it seems that 5-HTP can help you get a deeper sleep (because it increases your REM sleep) and can help you stay asleep if you have problems waking up and getting back to sleep. It also makes you feel generally happier. Melatonin seems best suited for specific situations and will not make you feel tired unless you are already low on melatonin. 

Talk to your Health Care provider for more information on what might work best for you and always check with your pharmacist to ensure you will have no contraindications from medication and supplement use.   

DIY Natural Cleaners

DIY Natural Cleaners
From theprairiehomestead.com

DAILY SHOWER SPRAY
•    1.5 cups water
•    1 cup white vinegar
•    1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
•    1 teaspoon natural liquid dish soap (not castile soap)
•    15 drops lime essential oil
•    15 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil
Combine in a quart-sized spray bottle. Spray daily on shower door and walls after use (this is a preventative spray, designed to help prevent build-up)

GOO & CRAYON REMOVER
•    Lemon essential oil
•    1-2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil or almond oil (optional)
Mix together, then apply directly to sticker residue, random goo, gum, crayon marks, etc. (Test in an inconspicuous place first, if needed) Rub in with your fingers, then wipe away with a clean rag. Repeat as needed.

SWEET LAVENDER AIR FRESHENER
•    3/4 cup water (I use tap water, but distilled is fine too)
•    2 tablespoons vodka, rubbing alcohol, or real vanilla extract
•    10 drops lavender essential oil
•    5 drops chamomile essential oil
Combine in a 8 oz spray bottle, shake to combine. Spray throughout the house to eliminate odors or stale smells.

One Degree Organic Foods recipe!

SPROUTED BROWN RICE CRISPS WALNUT ORANGE BALLS

www.onedegreeorganics.com

INGREDIENTS

2 cups One Degree Organics Sprouted Brown Rice Crisps, crushed
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/8 tsp cardamom
Zest from one large orange
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
Powdered sugar for rolling

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Roll and press into 1″ balls. Roll in powdered sugar and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. For storage, refrigerate in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Los Chileros Mole Recipe

Mole Rub with Mole Turkey Recipe

From Los Chileros de Nuevo Mexico

Makes
1 1/3 cups

Ingredients

• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup salt
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
• 2 tbsp corn Masa (available in the flour section of most grocery stores)
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground LOS CHILEROS New Mexican Red Chile powder
• 1 tbsp LOS CHILEROS Ancho Chile Powder
• 1 tbsp LOS CHILEROS Chipotle Chile Powder
• 1 tsp ground Ginger
• 1 tsp ground star anise
• 1 tsp toasted and ground cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• 1½ tsp toasted and ground coriander seeds
• ½ tsp LOS CHILEROS Mexican Oregano

Methods/steps

1. Mix together all the ingredients. Use at once or store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.
2. For the Turkey1 (18-20-pound) turkey; neck, heart, and gizzard removed 5 ½ cups chicken stock 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
3. Place thawed turkey on rack set in large roasting pan; tuck wings under.
4. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon mole rub in main cavity of turkey and ½ cup spice mixture all over and under turkey skin; tie legs together to hold shape. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.
5.  Let turkey stand 1 hour at room temperature. Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 450 degrees.
6. Brush turkey with vegetable oil and sprinkle with an additional ¼ cup of the mole rub.
7. Pour 1½ cups chicken stock into pan with turkey.
8. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; place pan in oven and roast turkey 2 hours. Add 2 cups broth to pan; roast 1 hour.
9. Pour 2 cups broth over turkey; cover turkey loosely with foil. Continue roasting until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175 degrees, about 1 hour longer.
10.  Transfer turkey to platter, tent loosely with foil and kitchen towel, and let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
11. Skim fat from the pan reserving juices. Carve and serve with mole broth that is left in the pan after skimming.