Monday, October 25, 2010

Organic Strawberries

Strawberry season is just beginning in Melbourne, I am so grateful, the selection of organic fruits was becoming a little limited. The strawberries that we have coming in from Melbourne are great, they are just a segue for the local silvan strawberries, which should be available within the next month or so. In celebration of the strawberry why not whiz it up to make a delicious fruit smoothie. This is the way we have taken to starting our day.

In a blender, blend the following:

1/2 organic red papaya-paw paw

6 organic strawberries

1 organic orange

1 organic banana

Blend until smooth, its soo yum. SO good for breakfast, afternoon tea or freeze them and make healthy icy poles for the kids


ORGANIC EMPIRE, organic home delivery melbourne, local organic foods

Monday, October 18, 2010

Organic Charlotte Potatoes




Organic Charlotte potatoes are a great all rounder, especially great for potato salads, roasting and they make the ultimate mashed potato. Try this delicious recipe out....


1 tsp organic olive oil
50g butter
2 organic garlic cloves, crushed
1.5 kg organic Charlotte potatoes , cut in half if large
1l hot organic vegetable stock
2 sprigs thyme, leaves only

Heat oven to 200C Heat the oil and butter in a large roasting tin. Add the garlic and cook over a medium heat for 2 mins. Tip in the potatoes and toss to coat in the garlic butter and oil.
Pour the stock over the potatoes and season with pepper and a little salt. Bring to the boil then transfer to the oven. Cook for 40-45 mins or until tender.
Transfer to the stove-top and toss over a medium heat until most of the liquid has been absorbed and turned to a shiny glaze - about 15 mins. Tip potatoes into a warm serving dish and scatter over the thyme and serve.

Organic Eggs


Organic Eggs are the most human choice when buying eggs they are:

Monday, October 11, 2010

Brown Rice Salad


¼ cup (50g) canned organic cannelini beans/lentils/red kidney beans


¼ cup (50g) organic brown long-grain rice


½ small organic red onion (50g), chopped finely


¼ cup finely chopped organic fresh flat-leaf parsley


¼ cup finely chopped organic fresh mint


1 medium organic tomato (150g), chopped finely


1 tablespoon toasted slivered almonds


2 tablespoons organic fresh lemon juice


2 tablespoons organic olive oil
METHOD
Place beans in small bowl, cover with water; stand overnight, drain. Rinse under cold water; drain. Cook beans in small saucepan of boiling water, uncovered, until just tender; drain. Rinse under cold water; drain. Meanwhile, cook rice in small saucepan of boiling water, uncovered until rice is tender. Rinse under cold water; drain.Place beans and rice in medium bowl with remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Whats in season-October






Strawberries
Cumquats
Grapefruit
Lemons
Paw paw
Bok choy
Asparagus
Avocado
Broccoli
Cucumber

Whats in season-October

Asparagus


Asparagus is a member of the lily family, that is super high in folate, a great source of potassium and low in sodium. The amino acid asparagine, gives asparagus a diruetic effect, and contrary to popular belief this is not the compound that can make urine odourous, the odour actually comes from the sulfur compounds.

Asparagus contains a unique kind of carbohydrate called inulin that we can't digest, but the health-promoting friendly bacteria in our large intestine, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, do. When our diet contains good amounts of inulin, the growth and activity of these friendly bacteria increase. And when populations of health-promoting bacteria are large, it is much more difficult for unfriendly bacteria to populate our intestinal tract.

Easy ways with asparagus

Eat it RAW
Grill asparagus, top with grated parmesan
Drizzle with olive oil and celtic sea salt
Sprinkle with balsamic and extra virgin olive oil
Sprinkle with fresh herbs
Steamed asparagus served with light lemon vinaigrette makes a delightfully refreshing salad.
Toss freshly cooked pasta with asparagus, olive oil and your favorite pasta spices. We especially enjoy thyme, tarragon and rosemary.
Chopped asparagus make a flavorful and colorful addition to omelets.