Featured Products
Introducing Herb & Vegetable Soup/Dip Mix!
We’ve had our chef create another delicious soup and dip mix combo. Our Herb and Vegetable Mix can double as a soup and a dip for those cold nights and party lovers. The Herb and Vegetable Mix is a blend of red and green bell peppers, spinach, dill, salt, garlic salt, parsley, chervil, and white onions. It’s easy to heat up on a cold evening, for dinner, or a quick and easy lunch to go with your sandwich. And, it’s easy and stress free to whip into a dip for those house parties, nights watching TV, or for any type of get-together. Be sure to watch our awesome video all the way through to see how easy and convenient it is to bring the party with you.
If one soup isn't enough for you, be sure to check out our Three Onion Soup/Dip Mix!
Introducing Three Onion Soup/Dip Mix!
A tantalizing blend of white onions, leeks, garlic, parsley, celery, chives, salt, and black pepper is coming to a website near you – www.motherearthproducts.com. Not only are we debuting an incredibly delicious soup that will create a party in your mouth and belly, but will also be a great addition for your party as a dip! It’s easy to heat up on a cold evening or for lunch, and it’s easy to whip up right before your guests arrive or when you want some chips and dip for that movie. Be sure to watch the video all the way through to see how easy it is to make a party wherever you are.
Introducing Value Medley Packs!
We are making our incredible Medley Packs available on our site for you to order at your leisure. Not only do we make these medleys available for snacking (check out our Freeze Dried Medleys), but we also provide you with the convenient ingredients to make soups, and to even add to your recipes while you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or for others.
Each medley is packaged with three of our popular quart jar size of products. We put together a variety of different products, ranging from dried beans (our famous instant cook beans that don’t need soaking, and are ready to eat in less than 20 minutes), to freeze dried fruits (who doesn’t love a good crunch?), to our dried spices and veggies that are integral for cooking flavorful and exciting meals. Each medley is priced well; so, you will be getting a little discount for each package than if you bought the separately.
Freeze Dried De-lite Medley– Veggie De-lite, Tropical De-lite, and Berry De-lite: Perfect for snacking or setting out as mini-appetizers.
Freeze Dried Vegetable Medley– Freeze Dried Broccoli, Freeze Dried Sweet Potato, Freeze Dried Corn: Good for getting in some crunchy vegetables, without having to cook them, and to give to the kids who have issues with texture.
Freeze Dried Dark Fruit Medley– Freeze Dried Raspberries, Freeze Dried Cherries, Freeze Dried Blackberries: A great snack companion for those on-the-go, or to add to a lunch as a dessert.
Dried Spice Medley – Dried Onions, Dried Chives, Dried Sliced Garlic: Convenient spice mates for every kitchen.
Freeze Dried Autumn Fruit Medley – Freeze Dried Apples, Freeze Dried Apricots, Freeze Dried Whole Strawberries: Snacking, feeding to the kiddos, and adding to your breakfast and dessert – a snacker’s paradise.
Cream of Broccoli Soup Starter Medley – Dried Broccoli, Dried Potatoes, Dried Onions: Start making that cream of broccoli soup with this starter kit.
Freeze Dried Tropical Fruit Medley – Freeze Dried Bananas, Freeze Dried Pineapples, Freeze Dried Papayas: Delicious options for smoothies, busy professionals, and school lunches (along with a sweet note).
Instant Bean Medley – Dried Pinto Beans, Dried Navy Beans, Dried Kidney Beans: Handy for chili, making refried beans, or adding to your backpacking/ hiking meals.
Stew Starter Medley – Dried Green Beans, Dried Carrots, Dried Celery: Easy to reach options to add to that delicious stew simmering on that stove.
Black Bean Soup Starter Medley – Dried Black Beans, Dried Corn, Dried Celery: Make that black bean soup easily and enjoy the benefits.
Vegetarian Italian Soup Starter Medley - Dried Great Northern Beans, Dried Spinach, TVP Sausage Bits: Create a bowl of hearty, yet vegetarian, Italian Soup with this awesome medley.
Vegetable Soup Medley - Dried Vegetable Soup Mix, TVP Beef Bits, Dried Potatoes: Making vegetable soup is a breeze with this medley pack.
9 Ways to Eat Apples This Fall
Fall is the time to indulge in all things pumpkin. As much as we love a home-brewed PSL, the bright orange fruit pales in comparison to fall's true king - the apple. Packed with fiber, polyphenols, and vitamin C, this plump, juicy fruit is linked to a list of health benefits(1): reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, and asthma to lowering our cholesterol and keeping our heart healthy. Apples also taste great, making it easy to eat as many as we can in one sitting. Peeling and eating the thing raw is just one way to enjoy it, but, since we're fans of the freeze dried version around here, we have found 9 surprising ways to eat apples to get the most out of them.No, freeze dried apples are not a poor substitute of fresh apples. These bite-sized treats contain the same amount of nutrients as the real deal and taste wonderful! They don't spoil as quickly as fresh apples, which spares us the frequent trips to the nearest farmer's market or orchard.
Soups/Stews
Most people love cozying up with a bowl of warm, hearty soup during Fall. But chicken is not the only ingredient to count on for top-notch flavor. Apples thicken soups and stews, while adding tons of flavor, thanks to their high content of natural sugars. Plus, the apples subtly sweet taste compliments the savory tone of many veggies and meats, the best options being pork, carrots (which we have in our store, too), parsnips, butternut squash, and ginger.
Our top suggestion: Warm your insides with a bowl of carrot, ginger, apple soup.
Apple Butter
Move over, peanut butter! Apple butter is the jazzed-up spread we've been looking for, and it'll change morning toast for the better. Just hydrate a cup of freeze dried apples, simmer them for a while, puree them until smooth, and we’ve got ourselves a batch of the healthiest apple butter ever.
Our top suggestion: Enjoy apple butter as part of a grilled sandwich with a few strips of bacon, sliced eggs, and some arugula.
Salads
Salads taste great, but munching on just greens can get boring fast. To brighten up the salad menu, add a handful of freeze dried apples, and the juicy crunch will reward you..
Our top suggestion: In a bowl, add the salad greens (think lettuce, arugula, and romaine), along with a generous amount of freeze dried apple cubes, pecans, and blue cheese.
Baked Bread
Apple bread may sound like a #basic choice this fall, but it's the simple things that can sometimes sweep us off of our feet. This delicious combo is one of the simplest ways to sneak apples into the fall menu without adding up the calories. Pro tip: Use whole-wheat flour instead of regular for a healthier take on the classic treat; however, a quick search online can give many options for those who are gluten free.
Our top suggestion: There are various apple bread recipes online. Follow the simplest one, and drizzle some cinnamon glaze over the top. Yum!
Salsa
Salsa usually conjures up images of the classic tomato-lime-cilantro combo, we're here declare apple salsa is a thing and should be eaten! This unique take on the classic dip calls for a handful of hydrated freeze dried apples combined with lime, cilantro, red bell peppers (which we have in our store), a touch of spicy jalapenos (available in our store), and red onion. If that combo doesn't make sense, think that the apples' sweet taste will tame the spicy/tangy flavor of the lime and the jalapeno, creating a perfect balance among all the ingredients.
Healthier Apple Juice
Even though apple juice has a reputation for being healthy, a quick look at the ingredient list shows that drinking than 2 cups of the drink daily is not doing our health any favors. It’s not apple juice that's the problem; it's the added sugar and artificial flavorings that up the calorie count. Here’s a way to make a healthier, less sugary drink at home. Add two cups of freeze dried apples to a pot, bring them to a boil, strain the solid parts, and the juice is ready.
DIY Granola Bars
Another easy way to eat apples is to add them to homemade granola bars, which nixes the added sugar and artificial preservatives and flavorings found in the store bought bars. Besides, DIY-ing granola bars allows us to experiment with creative (and delicious) combos: apple/cinnamon, apple/raspberry, and apple/peanut butter. Drooling yet?
Our top suggestion: Chewy almond apple granola bars are a delicious bet.
Frittata
Frittatas can do it all for any meal of the day. Unfortunately, this it’s usually reserved for savory add-ins, and it's high time we changed that. Given their mildly sweet taste and crunchy texture, apples can add character to frittatas and take mediocre combos to a whole new level.
Our top suggestion: Lighten up the frittata by adding apples and leeks in the same pan. No regrets!
Pancakes
Ah, pancakes. Who doesn't love waking up to a stack of syrup-drenched pancakes? Looking for something a bit healthier? Swap sugar for freeze dried apples. This juicy fruit adds sweetness and a latke-like texture to the mix, adding to the pancakes' overall wow factor.
What's your go-to way to eat apples during fall? Share your experience with us in the comments!
References:
Why Dehydrated Bell Peppers Are Totally Worth A Spot in Your Healthy Eating Pantry
Keeping things exciting in the kitchen can be tough. In fact, somewhere between long work hours and stressful deadlines that require you to work beyond office hours, you are often forced to resort to the same old soup, salad, or frozen burger recipes just to keep your stomach from growling.
The good news is that there is an easy and nutritious way to spice up your boring weekday meals, and that's dehydrated bell peppers. These bite-sized treats are jam-packed with nutrients, taste fantastic, and sport some pretty impressive colors that can spice up even the moodiest of dishes. Still not convinced? Here are seven reasons why dehydrated bell peppers should be part of your weekly meals.
1. They Contain Lots of Antioxidants
By now you know that vitamin C(1) is one of the most potent antioxidants out there. That means that it keeps toxins from building up inside the human body and, thus, prevents oxidative damage as well as several other metabolic disorders from occurring. It is even linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke. But, contrary to popular belief, oranges are hardly the best source of the antioxidant nutrient.
Bell peppers also contain a hefty amount of vitamin C, reducing your body's overall free radical (toxin) activity. That said, consuming enough dehydrated bell peppers on a week-to-week basis can help prevent a variety of diseases, whether these are related to your heart, weight, or skin.
2. They Promote Eye Health
Besides ascorbic acid, bell peppers are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin(2). These two nutrients belong to the class of carotenoids and are known for their antioxidant capacity, especially when it comes to your eye health. In fact, lutein and zeaxanthin help the macular part of the eye avoid degeneration due to age.
But, perhaps the most essential eye-boosting nutrient found in bell peppers is beta-carotene, a.k.a. pro-vitamin A, which is the precursor of vitamin A. According to research(3), this vitamin is linked to the rhodopsin molecule, which is responsible for the eye's reaction to ultraviolet light, meaning it activates the retina when it's exposed to light and promotes your vision. Vitamin A is also considered an effective way to treat eye dryness, reducing their fatigue, and ultimately sharpening your vision.
3. They Improve the Brain's Function
You know what they say: Happy food, happy mood. That's the case when it comes to dehydrated bell peppers. This delicious food is high in vitamin B6(4), which plays a huge role in mood regulation and mental fatigue. In particular, this vitamin allows the brain to produce enough serotonin - an essential “happy” hormone that lifts your spirits.
Vitamin B6 also promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin(5) which is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the human body. So, this vitamin increases the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain and, thus, boosts your energy. No more #foggybrain. That's pretty much why dehydrated bell peppers can serve as natural memory enhancers and anti-depressants.
4. They Keep You Full For Longer
Bell peppers are also packed with dietary fiber. This macronutrient is known for curbing your appetite. This occurs because a particular type of the nutrient (soluble fiber(6)) turns into a gel-like substance once it reaches the stomach. This thick gel slows down the rate at which the body digests and absorbs the nutrients into the bloodstream. As a result, you feel fuller for longer.
5. They Are Low in Calories
One of the most impressive things about dehydrated bell peppers is that they contain very few calories. In fact, one cup of the colorful food has about 30 calories(7) which are nothing compared to many fruits and veggies. So, if you want to keep your daily calorie count as low as possible but don't want to tamper with your nutrient intake, dehydrated bell peppers are a no-brainer.
6. They Have A Long Shelf Life
Considering they contain no water and come in air-tight containers, dehydrated bell peppers can last for years if stored properly. That means that you can still reap their benefits even if they are not in season.
7. They Are Versatile
Despite their lack of water, dehydrated bell peppers can still turn any meal from OK to chef-worthy delicious. That's because they get to retain their original flavor which pairs with anything, from meat to quinoa. So, you can either eat them as is, add them to your soups, salads, etc. for an extra crunch, or hydrate them and use them instead of fresh bell peppers. After all, they are just like the original version – minus the water. Not to mention their vibrant colors will make any dish pop, no matter what.
The Takeaway
From helping you get rid of the harmful toxins to reducing your appetite, it seems that dehydrated bell peppers have a lot going on. However, they are still one of the most underrated foods when it comes to clean eating. If you want to change all that and actually benefit from their rich nutritional profile, just stock up and incorporate them into your meals as much as possible. So, are you ready to crush your healthy eating goals? If so, click right here to get started.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12569111
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5331551/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601037/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23603926
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002402.htm
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/InteractiveNutritionFactsLabel/dietary-fiber.html
- http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2536/2
Everything You Need to Know About TVP Bacon
Bacon makes everything taste better: breakfast, lunch, and a gourmet dessert (you read that right!). Unfortunately, bacon's reputation for being unhealthy and too heavy to consume on a regular basis pops up everywhere. The next best thing? Bacon bits TVP. This soy based food tastes and looks like our favorite breakfast staple, and is healthier and easier to cook with. If you've searched for a drool-worthy way to tone down your bacon addiction, here's everything you need to know about TVP Bacon Bits and their delicious affects on your taste buds.
TVP Bacon?
Short for Textured Vegetable Protein, TVP is a food product made from de-fatted soy flour. All the oils removed during processing make it healthier than the real bacon. TVP shows up in granules, so it looks a lot like ground beef or turkey. This vegan treat is also jam packed with dietary fiber and protein. While its slight spongy texture may put off some people at first, TVP's taste is unique, often putting many non-vegan bites to shame.
One of our most popular TVP flavors is Bacon Bits. After regular, unflavored TVP mixes with certain herbs and spices, it's then smoked to perfection. If you want to add this food to your weekly menu, we recommend since they are easier to handle, cook, and sneak into meals.
Cook With TVP Bacon
What TVP Bacon Bits lacks in water (they are dehydrated) is made up in flavor, ready to be consumed as is or to use them to season your salads, pizza, soup, toasts, etc. Note that some recipes, which promote the whole quick-cooking mantra, don't require you to hydrate the Bacon Bits: you just add them to the mix and let the moisture from other ingredients rehydrate. If your recipe calls for hydrated TVP Bacon Bits, make sure to add one cup of warm water for every cup of the TVP you use. Set them aside for about 15 minutes, and when you come back, the Bacon Bits will look like regular Bacon Bits. They'll be ready to flavor up any dish: pasta sauces, casseroles, chili, and Sloppy Joes. Yum!
Why TVP Bacon Is Worth A Spot in Your Pantry
From saving you money to loading your body with nutrients, TVP Bacon Bits are nothing like their distant, fatty cousin (a.k.a. regular bacon). If you can't go without bacon's rich flavor for long, but hate to see your body suffer the health consequences, here are six reasons to stock up on this TVP ASAP.
100% Vegan
Affordable
Versatile
Packed With Nutrients
Tastes Awesome
Long Shelf Life
Takeaway
If you love your bacon piled on pancakes, stuffed in sandwiches, or crumbled on top of your ice cream, TVP is the healthy alternative you've always been looking for. This vegan delicacy tastes as wonderful as the real deal. You want to enjoy your favorite treat without worrying about the calories and fat? what are you waiting for? Click right here and get your hands on our delicious TVP bacon bits.
