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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:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12569111
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5331551/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601037/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23603926
5. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002402.htm
6. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/InteractiveNutritionFactsLabel/dietary-fiber.html
7. 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

Despite their name, TVP Bacon Bits contain zero meat. In fact, they are solely made of soy flour (minus the oil) - 100% plant-based. Even though the product's description refers to bacon, this vegan treat has nothing to do with the favorite cured meat - except that it tastes like it. If you're thinking of vegan-izing your cabinet just a bit, TVP Bacon Bits should be at the top of your grocery list.

• Affordable

It's no secret that stocking up a vegan pantry can be expensive, but TVP, in general, and TVP Bacon Bits, in particular, are an exception to this rule. They are affordable and widely used. That's one of the reasons they are a weekly menu staple for facilities with limited resources, like schools. If you are on a budget, TVP Bacon Bits are a no-brainer.

• Versatile

Thanks to its granule form, this delicious meat substitute can be part of various dishes. You can add it in sauces, soups, baked goods, tacos, chili, and even desserts ( to balance the sweetness): from sautéeing and boiling to searing and simmering.

• Packed With Nutrients

TVP Bacon packs an impressive nutritional punch with several rockstar nutrients: fiber, protein, iron, calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. It also boasts zero to low fat, since it's all removed during the de-fatting process. TVP Bacon Bits are the perfect way to satiate your hunger, feel fuller for longer, and promote those muscle gains.

• Tastes Awesome

TVP's mild, almost neutral flavor absorbs flavorings very well. Even though TVP Bacon Bits have a slightly more intense taste than the regular version, they can still absorb the flavors of the surrounding ingredients (onion, fresh herbs, etc.) and create a unique and ultra-delicious flavor palate. Who said dehydrated foods are not tasty?

• Long Shelf Life

TVP Bacon Bits has a long shelf life, lasting for a couple to many years, depending on how well you store it. Whether you are a fan of camping and the great outdoors or want to stock your survival/emergency cabinet with something bacon-y, this product fits the bill.

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.

Yummy Broccoli: 5 Ways to Unlock the Benefits of Freeze Dried Broccoli

You must have heard about the tremendous health benefits of broccoli. It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber.¹  Freeze-dried broccoli is a favorite for hikers and campers. More so, it is ideal for busy families who don’t cook consistently and often have to throw away vegetables because they have grown mold.²
The process of freeze drying doesn’t interfere with the nutrient profile or flavor. The natural color, fresh taste, and flavor remain intact. When you rehydrate, it absorbs the liquid and goes back the same texture as fresh broccoli.¹
It is excellent for soups, casseroles, stir-fries, or as a snack.³ Moreover, you don’t need to wash, chop, or dice. It is ready to cook or eat straight from the bag.  Rehydrating the vegetable is fast and convenient. If you wish to save time on shopping and cooking, here are five easy ways to prepare freeze dried broccoli.

Straight out of the Jar

Snacking is a simple way to enjoy the benefits of broccoli. Add vitamins and minerals to your diet by munching broccoli straight from the bag/jar.¹ It is a perfect, healthy snack when doing outdoor activities, like hiking or camping. The packs are lightweight and ideal for backpacking. Since they have a great shelf life, you can store them for survival or emergency preparedness.³ Enjoy our crunchy broccoli that is natural and free from added fats, additives, or flavoring. They taste more delicious than candy or chips.¹ You can never have enough of it.

Make Soup

Freeze-dried broccoli is a healthy boost for homemade soup. It also adds flavor. To make soup mix the freeze-dried broccoli with our diced potato, onions, mixed pepper, and beans. Cook in a pot of water for about 20 minutes and season with salt. Remember to increase water by 2-3 extra tablespoons for every cup of vegetable in your broth to cover up for the amount of water that they would soak up.²
Alternatively, you can rehydrate it first before mixing it with the soup. To prepare: add two parts of water to one part of broccoli. Set it aside for about 20 minutes so it’s fully rehydrated.¹ A half cup of freeze-dried broccoli is equal to a cup of fresh broccoli. Therefore, freeze-dried broccoli would increase in volume by almost 3% when added to the soup.²

Boil or Steam

Rehydrate the broccoli by soaking it in water at room temperature for 30 minutes to one hour, or simmer for about 10-15 minutes to cook it faster until they are crisp and tender. Drain using a colander, and you shake it to remove the water.³
Because broccoli continues cooking even after you remove it cool it immediately by placing on a baking sheet to cool at room temperature.⁴
Alternatively, put water in a pot and bring it to boil. Put the broccoli in a steamer basket and put it over the boiling water and cover with a lid. Ensure that the water is low enough in the pot so that it’s not coming up through the holes of the steamer.⁴ Cover and cook for around 5 minutes. Remove it from the steamer. Serve them plain or with seasoning alongside your stew.
You can also enhance the flavor with lemon juice, flavored butter, or seasonings like oregano, basil, or thyme.

Sautéed broccoli

Sautéed broccoli has a golden crown. To prepare it, heat the broccoli in water until the water boils. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes or until crisp and tender. Drain and set aside.
Heat oil in a pan. Add the broccoli and a pinch of salt. Stir until it is glazed and tender. You can add our garlic, salt, and pepper and sprinkle lemon juice on it according to your preference. Then, serve immediately.⁵
You can also sauté the broccoli with butter and spices, then use as a filling for omelets.⁴

Make Sauces or Smoothies   

The easiest way to use freeze-dried broccoli is to add to sauces. Blend them into vegetable powder and add to your sauces.⁴ Smoothies are also a great way to sneak the benefits of vegetables into your baby’s diet. This method can add a ton of nutrients to your baby food, without them knowing that it is vegetable. Blend the broccoli with mango juice or yogurt and get the green awesomeness.³
Our broccoli is crispy and fresh, and the nutrient profile is just like the fresh state.  It is gluten-free, 100% natural, and doesn’t have any additives or preservatives. The packaging is done by hand for optimum quality, care, and freshness.¹
Try our freeze-dried broccoli today. It’s a choice that you won’t regret.

 


References

1. https://www.motherearthproducts.com/shop/product/84-freeze-dried-broccoli
2. https://www.livestrong.com/article/1011558-cook-freezedried-vegetables/
3. http://foodstorageandsurvival.com/8-delicious-ways-to-use-freeze-dried-vegetables/
4. http://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--1410/how-to-cook-broccoli.asp
5. https://www.thespruce.com/sauteed-broccoli-482862

4 Reasons Why You should try our Freeze Dried Peach Slices

As your health partners, we are introducing our new product: freeze dried peach slices. They make a healthy combo that you will love as a snack or healthy food in general. Here’s why you should try them.

High quality fruit

Our peach slices are 100% natural and GMO-free. They are picked at the peak of the maturity and freshness. They are gluten free and have no added sugar, additives, or preservatives. The fruit is handpicked and packed for optimum quality and freshness.¹ The freeze drying method is advanced and removes water from the peaches without interfering with the nutrients profile.
The moisture is removed using low temperature in a vacuum to preserve the nutrients, leaving only about 3% of moisture at the time of packaging. This process retains the natural color and crispy texture of peaches and concentrates the fresh taste.²
What’s more when rehydrated the peaches absorb water and resemble fresh peaches once again.

Rich in nutrients

They are an excellent source of minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and manganese - essential nutrients in the body. They are great for picky eaters, especially children, since they will get many nutrients in just one product.¹

Versatile

They make a healthy snack choice anytime and anywhere. Carry them with you when going to work, to school, when camping, or for picnics.
You can also rehydrate and add to your meals to give a boost of fresh peach taste. Apart from being a healthy snack, you can also add to your smoothies or yogurt. You can add to jam, pies, and smoothies or with fillings and toppings. Or add them to muffins and entrée dishes or breakfast foods.
The possibilities are endless.

Long Shelf Life

They have a long shelf life and are ideal for long-term storage. The peaches can last for 10-15 years in the sealed can, making them a perfect choice for survival and emergencies. Moreover, you can carry them with you outdoors for camping or picnics. They are lightweight and would take up little space in your backpack.¹

How to prepare

Freeze dried fruit rehydration and preparation can vary depending on each product. You can eat them as-is or rehydrate them to add them to your dishes or drinks. Depending on your personal preference, there are different ways to easily to rehydrate freeze-dried fruits: by soaking in water, boiling, or cooking in liquids.
Always use the 2:1 rule in that for every two parts of the product add one part of water. Soak for a while or simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Also, note that half a cup of freeze dried fruits is equal to one cup of fresh fruit. After rehydrating, you can add to the recipe of your choice.²
Enjoy our freeze dried peach slices today. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

 


References

1. https://www.motherearthproducts.com/shop/product/160-freeze-dried-peach-slices
2. https://www.motherearthproducts.com/freeze-dried-fruits