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Informative — Mother Earth Products

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Would we starve without bees?

Would we starve without bees? 0

Do you ever think about where the food we eat comes from?

Bees are hardworking creatures with a laborious work ethic. They play a vital role in sustaining the world’s ecosystem. They pollinate around 84% of crops that are grown for human consumption. These crops rely on pollination to increase the yields and quality. These include fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, coffee, sunflowers, and tea.

What You Need to Know about Cinco de Mayo

What You Need to Know about Cinco de Mayo 0

Cinco de Mayo is here again. It is celebrated every 5th of May in the United States - chance to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage, and an opportunity for some people to indulge in margaritas. But ever wondered how it came about or what it is?
Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Foods Are the Food of the Future: Interview with Chef Brian Meerbott

Freeze Dried & Dehydrated Foods Are the Food of the Future: Interview with Chef Brian Meerbott 0

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.
Mother Earth Products
 
References:

  1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/minding-the-body/201505/kitchen-therapy-cooking-mental-well-being
  2. http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/20/4/A618-c
  3. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329316300271?via=ihub

How to Make Freeze Dried Food Even More Appetizing 0

How to Make Freeze Dried Food Even More AppetizingThere 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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?

  1. 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.

  1. 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?

  1. 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?
Mother Earth Products

The Beginner's Guide to Summer's Most Delicious Produce 0

summer's most delicious produceSunny 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.
Mother Earth Products
 












References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25027288
  2. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1827/2
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002136.htm
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19263912
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18466657
  6. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2274
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20516658
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1082898/
  9. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01528202
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16549461
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22038497
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21819404
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19770673
  14. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-resveratrol-may-fight-aging
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728695/
  16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728696/
  17. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1990/2
  18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4186376/
  19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19013285
  20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19013285
  21. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/554.html
  22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21299221
  23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23571649
  24. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/2958
  25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23098877
  26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21894326
  27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25821990

Independence Day: The History 0

Independence Day: The HistoryIndependence Day commemorates our independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776 1 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. 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!
Mother Earth Products
 
References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29
  2. http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
  3. http://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/history/history-independence-day/
  4. http://www.military.com/independence-day/history-of-independence-day.html