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Say No to GMOs

By Sarah on February 18, 2013 in Mission, Notes from the Field

The more we learn about GMOs, the scarier they get! A recent study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) discovered a gene in many genetically modified food crops that is toxic to humans.

Out of the 86 GM crops that were tested, such as corn and soy, 54 were found to contain the dangerous and potentially poisonous gene, now known as ‘Gene VI.’ In addition to begin potentially poisonous to humans who consume the gene, research shows that it interferes with plants’ natural abilities to fend of pests.

A review of the EFSA research in Independent Science News said the presence of the viral gene appears to have been missed by biotech companies, universities and government regulators. Of course, the big food companies who profit from sales of the GM crops insist that they are safe for consumption. However, their effects on human and livestock health are not well understood.

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Prepping You For Success!

By Sarah on February 16, 2013 in Central Texas News, Notes from the Field, Product Updates

Is time not on your side? Busy schedules make for fast meals, but that doesn’t mean fast food! Greenling is here to be your little kitchen helper with our Kitchen Starters. We’ve already taken care of washing and chopping those vegetables so they are all set to go when you are ready to step up to the stove.

We always use local or organic vegetables, so you don’t have to fret about pesticides or GMOs, and they are always squeaky clean! Greenling’s Prep Kitchen Ninjas have taken care to peel your butternut squashes and slice your mushrooms. No need to cry over dinner any longer because Greenling has already chopped those onions for you. While we may not be able to turn back time, we can at least help you make the most of the time you have!

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Green Bins, Come Home!

By Sarah on February 15, 2013 in Central Texas News, News and Announcements

Have you built up a stack of our special green bins? Has your cat taken up residence in one? Are you cursing us silently as you stub your toe on that stack for the fifth time this week? If so, we’re calling them home! Notice an abundance of those insulated bags sitting around as well? We love keeping your cold groceries cold, so pretty please return those too!

We miss our bins here at Greenling headquarters and we’d love to get them out of your way, along with any of those insulated bags that all your cold goodies come in. The next time you place your Greenling order, if you would just place your green bin along with any insulated bags on your doorstep we’ll trade you! We think it’s a pretty good deal, a green bin full of local and organic yumminess for an empty one!

If you’re on a break from deliveries, we’d still like to get those bins back! Please only call for a bin pick-up if you know that our little green bin is going to be lonely for more than a couple of weeks. We are still all about sustainability, and this refers to our routes and fuel consumption as well. If we can’t collect them with your upcoming order, give us a call at 512-440-8449 or email cs.grace@greenling.com so that we can add you to the round-up route! Thanks for the help!

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Don’t Leaf Those Celery Leaves Behind!

By Sarah on February 13, 2013 in Central Texas News, News and Announcements, Product Updates

When your are chopping up your local celery, don’t forget about all those beautiful leaves! Just like you can eat broccoli and cauliflower leaves, celery leaves are your next culinary adventure! Not only are they delicious, but they are super nutritious.

In fact celery leaves are more nutrient dense than the stalks you are used to eating. These leafy friends are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C as will as magnesium, calcium and potent antioxidant and anti-inflamatory compounds.

So, what to do with these nutritious leaves? They have a strong celery flavor and can at times carry some bitterness. Add them to soups, salads, and stocks. Use them instead of parlsey or cilantro or make this celery salt!

Stalk a few of these recipes:

Vinegar Braised Chicken with Garlic and Celery Leaves

Celery Leaf & Basil Pesto

Celery Soup with Asian Pear & Blue Cheese Relish

Celery Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Check out Mark Bittman ode to celery in the NY Times and his recipes featuring… CELERY!

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Get In The Mood With Food

By Sarah on February 13, 2013 in News and Announcements, Notes from the Field

Whether you’re bananas about your sweetheart, or they’re the apple of your eye, the connection between food and love is hard to deny. Nearly every food from artichoke to zucchini has been considered an aphrodisiac at some point in history, and these days you don’t have to look far from home for seductive foods. Here are a few local foods that are sure to stir up your senses and set the mood on Valentine’s Day.

Avocados- The sensuous pear shape and rich flavor of this fruit enhance its reputation for romance. Whatever the reason, avocados have been considered an aphrodisiac since Mayan times — when they were eaten to improve sexual desirability. Thanks to a little science and a lot of nice weather, G&S Groves has a bumper crop of these beauties in season now.

Eggs- Everyone knows that breakfast in bed is a romantic gesture, but did you know that adding eggs to the meal may help set the stage for love? Chicken eggs are high in B5 and B6 which relieve stress and balance hormones, and both are key ingredients for a healthy love life. We count on local, pastured chicken eggs from Vital Farms, Coyote Creek, and Fruitful Hill Farms for our B6 fix.

Cheese- Like cocoa, cheese contains phenylethylamine (PEA), one of the ingredients that gives chocolate its aphrodisiac reputation. PEA is related to the release of endorphins. However, some cheeses are reported to contain more than ten times as much PEA as is found in chocolate. Try pairing local a cheese spread from Full Quiver or local Gouda fromVeldhuizen with some sustainable wine for a romantic brain boost.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that playing around with aphrodisiacs for your Valentine’s Day dinner will lead to exceptional success in the bedroom, but it can’t hurt to excite your lover’s senses—even if it’s just his or her sense of taste.