Informative

What You Need to Know about Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated every 5^th of May in the United States, gives us a chance to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage, and gives an opportunity for some to indulge in margaritas. But have you ever wondered how it came about or what it is? What exactly is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo 101

Most non-Mexicans believe that Cinco de Mayo is the day Mexico won her independence.¹ But, Mexicans celebrate their independence day on September 16, gained 50 years before the Battle of Puebla.²
Cinco de Mayo remembers the Mexican victory against French on May 5, 1862. The French, led by Emperor Napoleon III, invaded Mexico at Veracruz in 186,1 with an intention of establishing dominance in Mexico to favor French interests.² Mexico also defaulted on war debts to European nations, and France determined to gather up their debt.¹
The French army moved from Veracruz toward Mexico City after beating the Mexican government into retreat.¹ President Benito of Mexico then mobilized 2,000 men to fight the 6,000 French troops just outside of the city of Puebla, where they overpowered the French troops into retreat.²The well-trained and well-armed French suffered defeat d after losing nearly 500 soldiers; yet fewer than 100 Mexicans died. This victory symbolized Mexican unity, determination, and victory.²

Cinco de Mayo in Mexico

Despite this day being well known in America, Cinco de Mayo is only a holiday in Puebla and Veracruz. But other parts of the country commemorate the Cinco de Mayo with military parades, reenactments of the battle of Puebla, and other festive events. ²

Cinco de Mayo in the US

In the United States, the celebrations of Mexican culture and heritage take place majorly in American cities with large Hispanic populations: Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.² Other states, too, with non-Hispanic populations celebrate Cinco de Mayo.¹ It is marked with parades, music, and Mexican traditional foods like tacos and pinto beans.²Pinto beans are a staple of the Mexican diet, as a side dish, a filling for tacos, or by themselves. It's also an excuse to drink margaritas and indulge in delicious Mexican food. Come on: Let’s try these amazing Mexican recipes.

Pinto Beans Pizza

Mash our cooked pinto beans and spread on the pizza dough; then, you can add your favorite pizza fillings. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, just put the beans on without meat and add some veggies. If you wish to add some meat, add ground beef to your bean crumble.⁴

Pinto Bean Falafel

Mash our pinto beans together with crushed tortilla chips and cheese. Shape the bean mixture to form patties, and pass them through egg whites, and then shallow fry them in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Tuck them into with a guacamole spread, made from mashed avocado and topped with onions and greens.⁵

Refried Beans

Fry our pinto beans with garlic, cumin, and chili powder over medium heat. Mash the bean mixture for your desired texture. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and serve.⁶
Pinto beans are versatile and make delicious meals, and our refried bean mix (which uses pinto bean flake) makes our mouths water! Be sure to scoot over to our site to buy our instant dried pinto beans (refried bean mix), and try out these delicious recipes to celebrate Mexican culture during Cinco de Mayo!

References

Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Foods Are the Food of the Future: Interview with Chef Brian Meerbott

Food equals life. For Brian Meerbott, the culinary mastermind behind Mother Earth Products' delicious recipes, there's a good explanation for that: "At it’s best, food is the centerpiece of family gatherings, the glue that brings and holds people together over a shared experience," he expounds. Food is so much more than a way to satiate our hunger.
Meerbott, a military man turned chef, served in the US Navy for almost 20 years until he pursued his true calling: cooking. “It started out as an outlet I used to relieve stress while I was serving in the US Navy,” he confesses. “I would come home after a long day of work from a job that I didn't love and realize that cooking allowed me to forget about the stress of the day.” According to experts⁽¹⁾, cooking helps prevent a variety of mental disorders, such as anxiety, lack of focus, and even depression.
Along with his love for anything food related, Meerbott discovered the endless possibilities of cooking with freeze dried (FD) and dehydrated (D) foods. We decided sit down and pick his brain about everything: from the way he sees food to the delicious bite-sized delicacies with a longer shelf life.
His thoughts? It turns out that freeze dried and dehydrated foods ARE the food of the future. After all, cooking is all about trying out new ingredients, and freeze dried and dehydrated foods by Mother Earth Products are no exception.

The Pursuit of Happiness

Contrary to popular belief, happiness is not circumstantial. There's no point in waiting for everything to be perfect to feel happy with yourself. That's exactly how Meerbott realized that being a retired military man was not the end, but the beginning in his pursuit of happiness.
“It was a rewarding job; it served its purpose, but something was keeping me from being happy and fulfilled,” he claims. “Cooking was just the opposite; I loved it. I am so comfortable in a kitchen that it doesn't feel like work; it's fun.” By connecting with his inner chef, Meerbott managed to find happiness, and now he's ready to share his love for cooking - with a little help from Mother Earth Products.

It's All About The Senses

While taste is usually the one sense we rely on to judge whether certain foods are worth our time, eating is a much more sophisticated experience. According to Meerbott, we use all our senses when eating, even if we don't mean to. From seeing⁽²⁾ and smelling to touching and hearing⁽³⁾, every sense brings something different to the table, shaping each meal into a holistic experience.
Meerbott stresses on how much the looks of a dish may keep us from enjoying food to the fullest these days. “Most people aren't willing to try something they have never had before if it looks like garbage, but it may be the best thing they have ever eaten,” he says, reminding us that we should never judge food solely based on the way it looks.
Take freeze dried and dehydrated foods, for example. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also carry as many nutrients as their fresh counterparts. What's the lesson behind Meerbott's words? No sense alone is capable of determining whether certain foods are tasty or not.

Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Foods Are the Food of the Future

As consumers become aware of the planet's rapidly changing food supply, a lot of questions arise. As a result, factors, such as safety and convenience, climb to the top of the consumers' priority list and for a good reason. With these priorities in mind, Mother Earth Products embarked on a mission to supply consumers with foods that not only are safe to eat, but also have a long shelf life and cater their needs for convenient food.
Impressed by the team's passion for fruits and vegetables with longer shelf life, Meerbott decided to become part of this food-loving family and joined the ranks of Mother Earth Products doing what he does best - cooking. Even though it wasn't the food but the team's zeal that drew him in the first place, he came to realize the real value of freeze dried and dehydrated food.
“Freeze dried and dried fruit and vegetables are products of the future,” he concludes. “The rising demand for food products with longer shelf life, combined with the increasing demand for seasonal products throughout the year, supports the growth of the dehydrated food market.” So, the real question is: Are you ready to become part of this nutrient-dense food evolution?
Meerbott proves to us that with every twist and turn, something greater and more exciting may come along. “Mother Earth Products has been a major part of my personal growth and professional development,” he admits, and we couldn't be more grateful.

References:

How to Make Freeze Dried Food Even More Appetizing

There are so many reasons to fall in love with freeze dried and dehydrated food. For one, you don't ever have to worry about produce going bad. Just think of all the food (and money) you've tossed in the trash over the years, and you'll get our point. But, wait, there's more.
Freeze dried food (FDF) also allows you to enjoy the flavors of your favorite fruits and vegetables as if they are fresh out of the farmer's market. Plus, most of the nutrients remain intact, delivering the same health benefits as their fresh counterparts.
However, longtime freeze dried food fans know there's nothing wrong with adding some flavor to the mix. A little more seasoning and out-of-the-box cooking never hurt anyone, right? So, here are five game-changing ways to make freeze dried food even more appetizing.

Blaze Your Own Trail... Mix

Despite containing just a small percentage of water, freeze dried foods can still rock your palate in the easiest way possible. And, in this case, adding water is so last season. If you don't know it by now, freeze dried food can be consumed as is, requiring zero cooking skills and barely a second of your time.
In fact, the texture of freeze dried foods is easy-to-chew and crunchy, reminding you of crunchy candies rather than dehydrated food. Plus, the flavors are the same as if you were nibbling on fresh fruit and vegetables. However, we've got a way to up the stakes flavor-wise, and it involves you, a handful of nuts and your favorite freeze dried bites.
You've probably heard the news: Trail mix is going through a healthy renaissance of sorts. This once-fattening snack can now contain all the right ingredients, from energy-boosting fruit to fiber-rich nuts. Want to keep up with the trend? Then, start mixing and matching your favorite nuts, seeds, and freeze dried fruit by Mother Earth Products and (why not?) some treat-like goodies, such as dark chocolate chips or mini marshmallows. And as always, moderation is key.

Sauté Spices for An Instant Flavor Boost

If you want to take your dishes to the next level, then spices are the way to go and freeze dried vegetables are no exception. With that in mind, we're about to let you in on a little secret: Did you know that you can infuse your food with the pungent flavor of spices while sautéing?
Contrary to popular belief, you can actually sauté freeze dried food. Just heat some oil and cook the product as-is (no water needed) along with the spices for about 30 seconds. This way: not only do you save time, but you also enhance the flavor of the food from the get-go. Just make sure you add water as soon as you are done sautéing to avoid burning. It's high time you dusted off that spice rack, don't you think?

Hydration is Key

Add water first; ask questions later. Unfortunately, this is the way a lot of people approach freeze dried food hydration, only to end up with a soggy pile of products. Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way.
To keep the flavors intact, simply add the food you are about to eat in a clear bowl and add water. How much water is enough? There are two ways to determine that. Either the food will start floating, or the water will start pooling at the bottom of the bowl. So, don't get surprised if hydrating freeze dried food may require less water than you initially thought.

Dip Them in Chocolate

Eating healthy is on top of most people's bucket list. But, what's a chocoholic to do when the hunger for this delicious treat strikes? An ingenious way to mitigate the not-so-healthy effects of chocolate on your health and waist is to add freeze dried fruit to the mix. In fact, use this tasty treat to coat a variety of freeze dried superfoods by Mother Earth Products, from the potassium-rich bananas to the fiber-packed apples. Isn't that sweet?

Sneak Them Into Baked Goods

What's not to like about freeze dried foods? They are affordable, contain lots of nutrients, and they taste just like the real deal (and sometimes even better if you have an issue with the texture of fresh fruit and vegetables). But, here's an excellent way to enjoy their rich flavor to the fullest while making your meals taste even better: sneak them into your baked goods.
Whether you're in the mood for a fruity biscuit or want to sweeten your homemade cakes in the healthiest way possible, FDF makes for an excellent and nutrient-dense ingredient. In fact, due to their low concentration in water, freeze dried fruits and vegetables by Mother Earth Products don't interfere with the consistency of your baked goods, but instead, add to their delicious flavor.

The Takeaway

Eating tasty meals when there's enough time to cook is amazing. But, eating super healthy and delicious meals/snacks day in day out is even better. Now, there is a way. All it takes is these five suggestions and a handful of freeze dried foods from Mother Earth Products. Are you ready to give your everyday meals/snacks a makeover?

The Beginner's Guide to Summer's Most Delicious Produce

Sunny weather, refreshing cocktails, cookouts with friends and family... Summer has a lot going for it, but colorful and delicious produce is usually on the top of this list. Eating seasonally has always been an excellent way to not just treat your taste buds to new, fresh flavors but to also do your mental and physical health a world of good - thanks to all the nutrients. Plus, you may even reduce your carbon footprint⁽¹⁾ in the process and give the environment, local economy and personal budget a boost. How great is that?
Now that summer's in full swing, you have every excuse in the world to gorge on the summer's most delicious produce, from nutrient-dense fruits to downright delicious vegetables. Just fill your shopping cart with the following options and make your summer meals more appetizing than ever.

Summer's Most Delicious Produce

Fruit

1. Apricots

Looking for a versatile and nutritious addition to your summer cooking? Then, apricots⁽²⁾ are a no-brainer. But, don't let its colorful, fluffy exterior and sweet taste fool you. This orange-hued summer fruit packs a serious nutritional punch. From loads of slow-digesting fiber⁽³⁾ and vitamin C⁽⁴⁾ to high amounts of mood-boosting potassium⁽⁵⁾, apricots make for a phenomenal summer produce.
Eat 'em: Add freeze dried apricots by Mother Earth Products to your summer salads, smoothies, cereal, pancakes and yogurt for a refreshing summer treat.

2. Cantaloupe

What's better than drinking water on those hot summer days? Eating your water, of course! Containing more than 90% water⁽⁶⁾, cantaloupe is the most delicious way to stay hydrated when the heat wave strikes. This summer produce also contains a hefty dose of beta-carotene⁽⁷⁾ which protects your skin against the sun's harmful UV rays. Could it get any better?
Eat 'em: Enjoy cantaloupe raw as part of a fruit salad, smoothie or yogurt parfait.

3. Cherries

They work well in everything from fruit salads and desserts to refreshing drinks. Cherries are -without a doubt- one of the summer's best produce. And here's a fun fact: These bite-sized sweet treats don't just taste great, but they also contain massive amounts of anthocyanins⁽⁸⁾ (a.k.a. antioxidants) and melatonin⁽⁹⁾. That means that they are perfect for reducing inflammation⁽¹⁰⁾ and improving the quality of your sleep⁽¹¹⁾, especially on those hot summer nights when everything feels uncomfortable. So, ready to put that cherry on top?
Eat 'em: Throw freeze dried cherries by Mother Earth products in a smoothie, fruit salad or granola, or enjoy them as part of a summer dessert.

4. Grapes

A safe bet to sweeten any hot summer day, grapes are packed with all the right nutrients. Between high concentrations of phenolics, antioxidants⁽¹²⁾, vitamins, and resveratrol⁽¹³⁾, grapes are known to prevent several conditions such as skin aging⁽¹⁴⁾, heart diseases⁽¹⁵⁾, even cancer⁽¹⁶⁾. So, why not add this grape (pun intended!) fruit into your summer menus?
Eat 'em: Toss freeze dried red whole grapes or red grape halves by Mother Earth Products into a chicken salad for a fruity twist or make them part of your smoothie or morning cereal. You can also top your favorite ice cream with a spoonful for some extra crunchiness.

5. Peaches

In all their fuzzy glory, peaches⁽¹⁷⁾ serve as a tasty, low-calorie summer treat while nourishing your body with hefty doses of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. What's more, they are rich in antioxidants⁽¹⁸⁾ which not only reduce inflammation but also prevent skin cell damage. That's particularly useful as the damaging UV rays take a toll on your skin all summer long.
Eat 'em: Sneak freeze dried peach slices by Mother Earth products into various desserts, such as ice cream, pancakes, etc. or grill them along with other fruit for a decadent summer BBQ treat.

6. Strawberries

Newsflash: Strawberries and summer go hand in hand. And the best part? Even though you can eat them as-is, these bite-sized treats work well into various meals due to their tangy-sweet flavor and nutrient-dense profile. In fact, just one cup of this summer produce packs enough vitamin C, fiber and manganese to lower cholesterol⁽¹⁹⁾ and shield your skin⁽²⁰⁾ against the sun's harmful rays.
Eat 'em: Top your favorite ice cream, pancakes, etc. or sneak them into your summer salads.

Vegetables

7. Bell Peppers

Crunchy and super delicious, bell peppers are every cook's secret super ingredient. This colorful bunch contains lots of vitamins (A, C and K) as well as potassium and heart-friendly lycopene⁽²¹⁾ (especially in the red variety). So, how about you add some color and a healthy crunch to your summer dishes?
Eat 'em: Fold dehydrated bell peppers by Mother Earth Products into your omelet, top your pizza, or sneak them into salads and pasta dishes.

8. Corn

Corn screams summer. From BBQ side dishes to everyday salads, this delicious summer produce is always there to add some color and flavor to your meals. But, besides tasting and looking awesome, corn packs several good-for-you nutrients such as protein, magnesium, and iron. It's also rich in carotenoids⁽²²⁾ which enhances vision⁽²³⁾.
Eat 'em: Add dehydrated or freeze dried super sweet corn by Mother Earth Products into your salads, stir fries, etc. or enjoy as a side dish with a squirt of lime and a tiny bit of cayenne pepper and salt.

9. Cucumber

Want to make your meals “cooler”? Then, cucumber is the way to go. This summer produce consists of more than 95% water⁽²⁴⁾, adding some serious freshness in your dishes. Plus, cucumber is packed with phytonutrients⁽²⁵⁾ which not only lower cholesterol but also prevent diseases such as diabetes.
Eat 'em: Add freeze dried cucumber by Mother Earth products in practically every salad.

10. Eggplant

Serving as an excellent source of fiber, eggplant is a dream come true for those of you want to cut back on meat but are not willing to discount on flavor. This nutrient-dense summer produce also contains lots of antioxidants, flavonoids, and phytochemicals which not only boost your heart health⁽²⁶⁾ but also prevent cancer⁽²⁷⁾.
Eat 'em: Sneak them into lasagnas and stir fries or use them as a low-carb alternative instead of bready crust on pizza evenings.

References:

Independence Day: The History

Independence Day commemorates our independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776¹ as we declared ourselves a sovereign nation and no longer a colony of the British Empire.1
We've celebrated July 4th as a holiday since 1941, but the tradition of celebrating Independence Day dates back to the 18th century during the American revolution.²
Early July bustles with travel and vacation, as people get ready for the famous three day weekend.¹ July 4th is usually characterized by parades, fireworks, family gatherings, and barbecues.²

History

In April 1775, the Revolutionary War started.. Initially, only few (radical) colonists wanted to fight for independence from Britain; however, the hostility against Britain greatly increased by early 1776, and as the dissatisfaction and restlessness grew, most colonists wanted independence.²
Because of having to pay taxes to England without any representation in Parliament (among other things), the colonists cried out for independence throughout the 13 colonies. When reports of dissatisfaction and anger over the taxation without representation reached King George III, he sent British troops to quell the early signs of rebellion. But, the British failed to stop the rebellion.³
The Continental Congress met on June 7th in Philadelphia, where Richard Henry Lee, the delegate from Virginia, introduced a motion urging for the colonies’ independence. The Continental Congress decided to postpone the vote on Lee’s proposal, because a decidedly debate ensued; however, on July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted for Lee’s resolution for independence with a nearly unanimous vote. ²
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin and Robert R. Livingston - a committee appointed by the Continental Congress - drafted a formal statement justifying the break from Britain.² Jefferson led the committee in drafting this important document that would change our history forever, ³ and the Continental Congress made few changes to the draft. Adoption of the final version happened July 4, 1776. ³ The next day, distributions of the Declaration of Independence started throughout the colonies, and the Pennsylvania Evening was the first newspaper to print this significant document, seen as the nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty.³

The Origin

The Continental Congress voted in favor of America attaining independence on July 2, 1776, and only two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the historic document and referred to it as the Declaration of Independence. Since that monumental July 4th, Americans celebrate it as the birth of America’s independence.¹
Philadelphia celebrated July 4th with bonfires, ringing bells, and fireworks. Soon, the custom eventually spread to other cities and towns, and the day clamors with processions, games, military gun salutes, picnics, and fireworks.³
In the early years of celebrating the Declaration of Independence, some colonists held mock funerals for King George III - symbolizing the end monarchy in America, and the triumph of liberty.² Concerts, bonfires, parades, and firing of cannons and muskets were accompanied by reading the Declaration of Independence.³
The political importance of Independence Day has faded over the years; nevertheless, July 4th remains our most significant national holiday and a constant symbol of American Patriotism. Now, the original Declaration of Independence sits in Washington D.C., a testament to the courage and far-reaching vision of our forefathers.

National anthem

The American flag prevails as a symbol of the July 4th holiday, along with "The Star Spangled Banner." Our anthem endures to this day as a special feature for every Independence Day, and as a tribute at all of our major social, sporting, and political events. Even fireworks displays explode perfectly along with the familiar strains of our national anthem. Usually the fireworks occur later in the evening at parts, town squares, or even over golf courses and lakes. But, some cities put on an extravaganza.
New York has the biggest fireworks display in the USA, held at the East River. Other states with major fireworks displays include Chicago, San Diego, Boston,San Francisco, Washington DC,and St Louis.
Even military bases celebrate with the gun salute, one each for each state: referred to as “Salute to the Union,” fired on Independence Day at noon.

Food

Like with any celebration, food is a significant part of Independence Day: barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and family reunions. People take the opportunity, on July 4th, to gather with relatives and friends and reminisce about the past and the future, while surrounded with the wonderful patriotic red, white, and blue of our precious and wonderful country - America!
Happy Independence Day from us!

References

History of Freeze Drying

Freeze-drying, or lyophilization, is the removal of water from frozen food through a process called sublimation.¹This process is done under a vacuum and low temperatures, and the product freezing solidly during the process.²
Freeze drying removes water from the food to make it last longer. The water's vaporized through the process of sublimation, where water, in solid state, changes directly to vapor, producing a product with controllable moisture.² It's a perfect way to preserve food, since freeze dried food products don't shrink.³Freeze dried foods can be stored without cooking or refrigeration. They need no additional flavor or color modification. Freeze dried foods are also light and are ideal for space travel, camping, backpacking, and traveling.¹

The Process

Freezing - the product frozen to enable low-temperature drying.
Vacuum - placed under vacuum to allow the frozen solvent to vaporize through sublimation: it doesn’t pass through the liquid phase.
Heat - applied to the frozen product to accelerate sublimation.
Condensation - low temperature enforced by the condenser plates to remove the vaporized solvent from the vacuum chamber by converting it back to a solid. This completes the process of separation. The result is a dry product.²

The History of Freeze Drying

Freeze drying origins are traced back to the ancient Peruvian Incas of the Andes in the 15th century.² ¹ They stored their crops, like potatoes, on the mountain heights above Machu Picchu. The cold mountain temperatures froze the food stores, and water gradually vaporized under low pressure because of the high mountain altitudes - freeze drying the food.³ Buddhist monks living on the sacred mountain "Koya" used this technique. They stored tofu in the mountain snow, where the high altitudes and cold winds freeze dried the tofu. ³
In 1905, Benedict and Manning created the first freeze dryer, which dried the blood tissues using a chemical pump.³In 1910, Shackell modified the basic design of the Benedict and Manning pump to an electrically driven pump to create the required vacuum, instead of the displacement of air with ethyl ether used in the original design.²In 1934, the US patent was issued to Elser for creating the drying equipment that replaced Shackell’s design with a cold trap chilled with dry ice.³

Modern Freeze Drying

In the 1940s during World War 2, freeze drying took on the modern method, due to the need for blood.³ The blood sent to Europe from the US for the medical treatment of wounded soldiers required refrigeration.⁴Due to the lack of refrigeration and transport, blood supplies would spoil before arriving at their destination;¹ So, more modern freeze drying techniques had to be created to preserve blood plasma, making it possible for the blood to be chemically stable without the need for refrigeration. ²
The medical community implemented freeze drying for penicillin and bone.⁴ They recognized freeze drying as an important technique for preservation of biological matter.¹ A freeze dryer was used, and it had a large chamber for freezing and a vacuum pump for removing moisture.² From then on, freeze drying became a preservation technique for pharmaceuticals and food.¹ Since the 1960s, over 400 different types of freeze dried foods have been produced commercially using freeze drying.² NASA adopted this technique in 1968, and created freeze dried ice cream.
Freeze dried coffee outruns all other freeze dried products in popularity. ² First produced in 1938 by Nestle after Brazil requested the company to help them find a solution to the coffee surplus, Nescafe, an instant coffee powder, debuted in Switzerland. It paved the way to the production of powdered food products.²
Freeze drying evolves continually. More products pop up more every year, because freeze drying's popularity has grown for a variety of different foods and flavors. They retain their natural composition, and the integrity of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients.

References