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NATURALLY HEALTHY www.gourmetnews.com n MARCH 2015 n GOURMET NEWS N H 6 2 Introducing Ecolife – A New, 100 Percent Premium Organic Line With the introduction of its Ecolife brand of rice, grains and seeds, the company is real- izing its vision and longstanding commit- ment to produce the safest, purest and healthiest quality organic food products. It has achieved this via proven sustainable and ethical farming practices. From Farm to Fork, it can proudly state that its Ecolife 100 percent Premium Organic products meet the highest organic farming standards. While many companies offer organic products, not all accomplish this at a 100 percent level. Ecolife does. Years of committed work have enabled it to extend or- ganic cultivation throughout thousands of acres of land. This was accomplished by joining hands with more than 45,000 registered farming families, allowing it to offer the widest range of premium, organic rice, ancient grains, beans, lentils and seeds currently available under one brand name, Ecolife, and offered via a 20 SKU product line. Ecolife's extensive product range repre- sents items currently in high demand. Con- sumers have consistently shown a growing interest in eating healthier, responsibly sourced products. They also have a strong curiosity for livening up their meals with nu- tritious food items sourced from around the world. Rice is no longer just rice; it is now considered a main meal. What's more, rice is inherently gluten-free, which makes it a highly desirable ingredient. Grains are widely acknowledged as being an indispen- sable part of a well-balanced diet. And lentils and beans? With their high protein content, they are a favorite of vegetarians and a per- fect substitute for meat. Let's not forget the tiny powerhouses of nutritious snacking: seeds. Whether consumers reach for the ubiquitous chia seeds or the exceptionally tasty roasted pumpkin seeds to eat by the handful or sprinkle on a salad, seeds are al- ways certifiably healthy! The company can proudly affirm that all of its products are authentically sourced. Its Ecolife products are grown, cultivated and harvested from the premier growing regions of their country of origin, globally. It has cut no corners, spared no expense to source only the genuine product – no hybrids accepted. An illustration: Ecolife Bas- mati Organic Rice hails from the foothills of the Himalayas in India where the organic soil is fed by melted snow under natural condi- tions. Only Authentic Basmati Rice can claim this. Its Ecolife Jasmine Organic Rice is harvested from Thai paddy fields and car- ries the prestigious Thai Hom Mali govern- ment certification seal. Ecolife Organic Quinoa – a consumer favorite – is the "sa- cred food" of the Incas that is cultivated in the Andes (Bolivia/Peru). With its Ecolife Organic Quick Cook Brown Basmati Rice, the company is in a unique position to offer its discerning con- sumers the perfect combination of nutri- tion and convenience. With Ecolife's Brown Basmati Rice, the integrity of the rice grain is maintained. This is achieved via a hydration process where the raw grain is gently scratched, steamed and rolled. The result is a brown rice that of- fers the same great texture, nutrition and taste while reducing the cook time to just 12 minutes. Ecolife is a commitment, a devotion to the purest and healthiest way of living expressed via the ethical principles of its organic farm- ing practices. Visit booth #2910 to experience the Ecolife difference and to learn more about its or- ganic line of authentically sourced rice, grains, beans, lentils and seeds. Learn more at www.liveecolife.com. A Favorite New Product Line of the Season Wind & Willow introduces Farm Stand Fresh Pickle Mixes. The company promotes them saying, "Your own homemade pickles in 10 minutes!" This is one of those rare oc- casions in which the truth is actually as good as it sounds. Finally, those without the nor- mally required skill or inclination can expe- rience a sense of accomplishment previously enjoyed only by those amazing individuals who grow acres of veggies and have days to can. Directions: Stuff your jar with approxi- mately two cups of sliced cucumbers. In a small pan, combine the included mix with 1/2 cup vinegar and 3/4 cup water, bring to a boil and pour over your cucumbers. Cap the jar and allow it to cool. Refrigerate. It really is just that simple. The directions suggest they'll be even better the next day, but it can tell you from experience that they are quite tasty immediately. Four flavors are currently available: Dill- icious, Secret Recipe, Fire & Spice and Rosemary Bell. The most challenging step may be trying to choose a favorite. Each fla- vor is distinct and absolutely delicious. In its taste testing, everyone loved the Dill-icious. This is your classic dill only better. After that, everyone seemed to have their personal favorite. Rosemary Bell is an upscale take on the traditional pickle. Fire & Spice was a favorite of those who like some heat. Secret Recipe also has some heat, as the "secret" appears to include some horseradish and jalapenos! There are several things that make these products unique. In addition to cu- cumbers (or other veggies) the consumer needs only to add vinegar and water. The rest is included, even the jar. Consumers like the extra ideas and tips, such as using a variety of veggies and adding herbs from your garden. The ability to cus- tomize allows the individual to make pickles that are truly a unique creation. Consumers like that the labels on the jar peel right off, and love the blank label provided, allowing the consumer to put his or her name on the finished product. Whether as a gift for a favorite urban farmer or micro-gardener or for personal use, the Farm Stand Pickle Mixes are sure winners this spring and summer. Jar with pickle mix retails for $6.95. Refill bag which includes four mixes and a reusable burlap bag is also available and re- tails for $7.95. For more information, visit www.windand willow.com or call 888.427.3235. Salem Baking Company's Gluten-Free Delightfully Thin & Crispy Cookies Gain Loyal Following Everyone deserves a great tasting cookie, and Salem Baking Company's first-ever gluten-free cookies are no exception. Gluten- Free Delightfully Thin & Crispy Cookies are baked with care using the finest ingredients and decadent inclusions that fill every bite. Gluten-free flavors include Chocolate Chip, Caramel Chocolate Chip and White Choco- late Macadamia with Toasted Coconut. Each flavor features premium ingredients, such as rich artisan chocolate, crunchy macadamia nuts and rich award-winning caramel. Delightfully Thin & Crispy Cookies are baked in the Old World Moravian tradition using only the finest, most essential ingredi- ents, featuring homemade taste in each and every crispy, crunchy, buttery morsel. "Our gluten-free cookies have done very well since they debuted last year," said Scott Livengood, CEO of Salem Baking Com- pany. "Consumers shouldn't have to sacrifice great flavor in order to be gluten-free, and our customers love that these cookies are decadent and taste homemade." The Delightfully Thin & Crispy Cookie line is known for taking classic flavors to new heights to cre- ate naturally vivid flavors. "Our customers want to treat themselves and their families to food that they can feel good about enjoying," said Livengood. "These cookies are filled with high-quality ingredi- ents that are simple and familiar, which makes them supremely satisfying." Delightfully Thin & Crispy flavors also in- clude Oatmeal Cranberry Almond with Tu- pelo Honey, Dark Chocolate Mint, Caramel Chocolate Chip with a Hint of Sea Salt, Triple Ginger, Peanut Butter with Peanut Butter Chips, Butter Pecan Praline and Chocolate Chip. Salem Baking Company has been cultivat- ing the art of Moravian baking since it was founded in 1930 in Win- ston-Salem, N.C. and became beloved for crafting every product with care using classic recipes and coveted in- gredients. Over the years, the company's de- voted bakers have perfected a traditional baking style that celebrates the use of only the finest, most essential ingredients to con- vey the rich natural flavors in each and every product. Visit Salem Baking Company at booth #5176 at Expo West. For more information, call 800.274- 2994, email orders@salembaking.com or visit www.salembaking.com.

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