Friday, June 25, 2010

The Bounce 91.7 & National Cycling Championships

2010 Canadian Road Cycling Championships

Canadian Road Cycling Championships is on Sunday, June 27th! Canada’s top professional and elite cyclists will battle for the coveted Maple Leaf Jersey right in Edmonton’s river valley! Bike, walk or take the ETS shuttle from the U of A stadium car park to check out bike demos, children’s activities, Planet Food Feed Zone and the start/finish line!

Thank you for the shout Bounce 91.7 in Edmonton!

Planet Food Feed Zones Include:


Bicycling August 2010 about Lance Armstrong


Check out the feature in Bicycling Magazine August 2010. Page 28 tells all about Honey Stinger and Lance Armstrong's new partnership.

Nipika Crazy Soles Trail Run Success!

Lyle Wilson has done it again! The 2010 Nipika Crazy Soles Trail Run was amazing. Check out this YouTube Video and sign up for next years run!

Planet Foods wants to thank Lyle for the opportunity to be a partner in this oh-so-Canadian event! Cheers!

Strong & Healthy

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Mrs. Palmer's Pita Chips ~ Canadian

In the heart of the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains you will find Mrs. Palmers Pantry. We are proud to bring you our delicious oven baked Pita Chips. Using only the finest ingredients, we carefully hand make each Pita then oven bake [not fry] for a healthier snack alternative. For the crunch you crave with zero trans fats.. yet loaded with flavor. We hope you enjoy our Pita Chips as much as we enjoyed creating them.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Highwood Crossing ~ Canadian

Local, Organic, Family Owned, Sustainable, Real Food.

The farm where The Marshalls live, work, and raise their children has been in their family since 1899. They value the sustainable production of real food and believe that the relationship between the land, what we eat and our health is vitally linked. These values are reflected in the local, organic and delicious foods Highwood Crossing Farms offer to you.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Twisted Pit - Canadian

Using the highest quality organic Greek Olive Oils, the Twisted Pit Collection is guaranteed to please your palate with a melange of new-age flavour and old-world quality. Add drama to dinnertime, and transform any meal into a five-star event.

Monday, June 21, 2010

PatsyPie - Canadian

PatsyPie is the nickname of Pat Libling, a gifted cook and baker. In 1987 Pat was diagnosed with celiac disease, two of her three daughters were subsequently diagnosed with the troubling condition. Over the years Pat has put seemingly every gluten-free product to the test, but rarely did any measure up in taste, texture or quality to regular bakery or store-bought goods. Taking matters into hre own hands, Pat created PatsyPie a line ofGluten-Free cookies, biscotti, brownies and muffins. SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS... With our safe, celiac-friendly snacks.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Vastu Chai is Canadian.

Vastu Chai, Canadian Owned and Operated, based in Canmore Alberta.

Follow Vastu Chai’s Journey through Nepal and India on Twitter. Learn about balance and tradition while centering your self with a cup of chai.

Organic, Fair Trade Chai blends based on an ancient family recipe.

Serve it up cold or hot or with a kick this Canada Day!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Canadian Owned & Operated!

Canada Day is fast approaching. What Canadian owned and operated products can you serve & support at your next BBQ or gathering? Which products promote sustainability, economic stability, and provide essential building blocks for your communities and families? Each day we will be featuring 1 proudly Canadian product that Planet Foods (also a Canadian owned and operated company) brings to you.

Top Row Left to Right:
Vastu Chai, PatsyPie, Twisted Pit, Highwood Crossing Farms, Mrs. Palmers Pantry, Ruth's Foods.

Middle Row Left to Right:
Decacer Maple Flakes & Syrups, Kicking Horse Coffee, Arayuma Tea and Spices, Findlater, Shepherd Gourmet Feta (Top), quality Bakery breads (bottom).

Bottom Row Left to Right:
Attitude Cleaners, Galerie au chocolat, ShaSha Company, Covered Bridge Potato Chips, Theobroma Chocolat, GoBIO!, Simply Saskatoon juice.

More information and photos are available on the Planet Foods Website, Planet Foods Facebook Page, Twitter, as well as via our newsletter launching this fall. Sign up for the newsletter on the Planet Foods home page.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

mySmoothie & the Environment

mySmoothie's thoughts on environmental stewardship:

Our production process reflects our concern for the environment. For instance:
• Our grade A Swedish factory uses one of the best energy saving production processes around. The high heat recovery system used in our factory and offices results in no external heating.
• 1 truck can transport enough packaging material for 1 million cartons, whilst 58 trucks would be needed to transport the same number of glass bottles.
• 1 pallet can hold more cartons than the equivalent of plastic bottles. We only use recycled paper cartons and wooden pallets.
• Whenever possible, we prefer to purchase untreated whole fruit locally. Like our yummy Swedish blueberries.
• We use a combination of juices and pulps, also small amounts of concentrates. Not just for the taste and nutritional values, (as proven scientifically) also for the environment in terms of less shipping volume, 80% less.
• Both concentrates and non-concentrates go through the same heat process after harvest. Independent scientists have guided us through this process in detail, as we never compromise on nutritional values, taste, or the environment.
• For every business flight taken, we purchase carbon neutral points as compensation.

Our carton packaging is great for the environment because:
• Cartons are the only liquid food packaging type made predominantly from a renewable source
(in our case: trees).
• The raw carton material comes from sustainable forests, where two new trees are planted for every one harvested.
• Our cartons are made from parts of the tree that would normally otherwise go to waste.
• One tree can supply a household with a 1 litre carton every day for 30 years.
• They are 100 % recyclable (up to 5-7 times).
• Our aseptic cartons require no refrigeration and thus save energy.
• The minute amount of aluminium used is infinitely recyclable, both in the paper recycling plants and Tetra Pak’s own recycling plant.
• After consumption, the cartons can be squashed flat to 6% of the original volume. Therefore, far more quantities can be transported for re-cycling compared to some glass or PET bottles. (38% more to be exact)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Maple Syrup for Obesity, Diabetes & Antioxydents

On March 25, 2010 the federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers released a report on 2 independent scientific discoveries which show that Canadian maple syrup can be good for you. The examined the nutritional value of the syrup and noted antioxidant properties, as well as the discovery of substantial quantities of abscisic acid. Abscicis acid is a phytohormone known to stimulate insulin release through pancreatic cells and increase sensitivity of fat cells to insulin, which makes it a potent weapon against metablolic syndrome and diabetes.

Full Press Release here.

Here is a link to an old blog that has a delicious recipe for Maple Scallops.


Monday, June 14, 2010

GoMacro Owner's Story

Amelia of GoMacro shares her story of her "pause from pain" below.
One of the great memories of my childhood was living on a farm. We had a breathtaking orchard and a beautiful garden where we grew all our own fruits and vegetables. Although the majority of my adult life I lived in an urban environment, I always longed for what I had as a child. I attempted to nurture my love for horticulture in a small garden in front of a six flat, but it was nothing compared to my childhood. When I purchased the farm in the spring of 2000, I never dreamed it would become what it is today. All 120 acres were overgrown with weeds. The weeds were so tall that we didn't even know we had an orchard! But I knew it was someplace special. I saw its potential, in spite of the overgrown weeds and dilapidated barn. We called it Posilippo, which is Greek for "pause from pain" or "medicine for sore eyes". Posillippo had been a place in ancient Italy, located on the hills outside of Naples. Famous for its views, Plato and many other famous philosophers would go there to comtemplate.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, Posillippo became my haven, my "pause from pain." I was in the perfect place for converting to a macrobiotic diet; a diet in which all fruits and vegetables should be homegrown and eaten in season. As my health improved so did my appetite and I craved the sweets I used to eat. I immediately started to experiment with natural sweeteners and the grains and fruits grown on the farm to create macrobiotic desserts. This was the beginning of GoMacro. Who would have ever imagined that this farm we call Posilippo would become the source of not just something beautiful, but something healthy.

Wishing you a long and great life!

Amelia Kirchoff
Co-Founder

Friday, June 11, 2010

Cuban Chicken Wet Rub

Cuban Chicken Wet Rub
Inspired by our friend Jason Charles (www.SpiceEmporiumHamilton.com), try this amazing Twisted Pit (Mauntain Herbs, Chili, Lime) wet rub paste next time you bar-b-que or grill chicken.

- 4 Tbspns Emporium Blend sprice mixture (www.spiceemporiumhamilton.com)
- 1/4 cup Twisted Pit Olive Oil (Mauntain Herbs, Chili, Lime)
- 2 Tbspns Sour Cream (or plain yoghurt)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

Mix the Emporium Blend, Twisted Pit Olive Oil and Sour Cream in a large bowl. Mix to achive a runny paste consistency. Add more Twisted Pit if necessary. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture and mix well so that the chicken is completely covered in the wet rub. Allow to stand to 10 minutes, then grill on the BBQ for 10 minutes each side on a low heat.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Fair Trade Communities

Fair Trade Towns

The Fair Trade Towns campaign is an exciting initiative that allows communities to support Fair Trade at the local level. The campaign increases availability and awareness of Fair Trade Certified.

WHY BECOME A FAIR TRADE TOWN?

  • To distinguish your community as a leader and to confirm your commitment to supporting the principles of Fair Trade, including a fair price, respect for labour standards, environmental sustainability, and more direct and equitable trade
  • To improve the livelihoods of the millions of farmers and workers in the developing world who benefit from the Fair Trade Certification system
  • To create awareness and encourage local citizens to make ethical and sustainable choices
  • To unite your community in a common cause
  • To have fun and be creative

TO BECOME A FAIR TRADE TOWN, YOUR COMMUNITY MUST ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING 6 GOALS....

  1. The local council uses Fair Trade Certified products and supports the Fair Trade Towns campaign
  2. Stores & restaurants serve Fair Trade Certified products
  3. Workplaces, faith groups, & schools use and promote Fair Trade Certified products
  4. Public awareness events and media coverage held on Fair Trade and the campaign
  5. A steering group created for continued commitment
  6. Other ethical and sustainable initiatives promoted within the community

FAIR TRADE TOWNS IN CANADA:

  1. Wolfville, NS (April 17, 2007)
  2. La PĂȘche, QC (November 9, 2007)
  3. Port Colborne, ON (April 28, 2009)
  4. Nakusp, BC (April 29, 2009)
  5. Golden, BC (June 8, 2009)
  6. Gimli, MB (July 1, 2009)
  7. Olds, AB (November 9, 2009)
  8. Revelstoke, BC (December 8, 2009)
  9. Neuville, QC (March 31, 2010)
  10. Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, QC (April 19, 2010)
  11. Vancouver, BC (May 6, 2010)
  12. Barrie, ON (May 10, 2010)
  13. Sainte Anne de Bellevue (May 21, 2010)

    Fair Trade Towns in progress:

    • Cranbrook, BC
    • Creston, BC
    • Kimberley, BC
    • St. John's, NB
    • Centre Wellington, ON
    • Windsor, ON
    • Quebec City, QC
    • Montreal, QC
    note: Text exceprt taken from http://transfair.ca/en/get-involved/fair-trade-towns



    Planet Foods congratulates & supports all Fair trade communities.

    Wednesday, June 9, 2010

    Herbal Water ~ zero is good

    Through out history the tastes and aromas and healing powers of herbs have been used as beneficial substances that played a major role in preventing diseases, healing the sick, calming the agitated, stimulating the stagnant, restore and stimulate memory... to mention a few.

    Ayala's Herbal Water is an alternative to sugar-laden and artificially flavoured beverages. These blends of herb infused waters satisfy thirst and restore the spirit. Herbal Water uses herbs by infusing them into pure water. It's as simple as that. No artificial preservatives, no flavour enhancers, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no worries. This drink is truly 100% Good For you - Zero is GOOD! No calories, no trans-fats, no sugars.


    What can you do with Ayala's Herbal Water?
    Imagine how calm and serene our schools would be if the water we offered them was clean, pure, void of exitotoxins, artificial sugars, sugars, and artificial flavours and colours. It is time for change, add Ayala to your child's lunch box and encourage their schools to change their flavoured water program to something pure and nourishing.

    Concerned parents have successfully removed sugar laden beverages like sodas from schools by voicing their concerns. Now it is time to move forward and remove unhealthy and unnatural artificially flavoured and coloured waters from their schools. Contact us if you'd like to learn how you can make a difference.

    Strong & Healthy.
    Planet Foods

    Tuesday, June 8, 2010

    New Product ~ Galerie au chocolat

    Galerie au chocolat, a Canadian chocolatier, has teamed up with Planet Foods to bring his Fair Trade gourmet chocolate to Western Canada. This chocolate is not for the faint-of-heart; his flavours are intense!

    Incorporating real salt crystals, fiery chili, real honey nougats, crunchy maple, and flavourful cinnamon; Galerie au chocolat invokes a whole new experience while indulging in Canada’s favorite healthy snack.

    Try some Galerie au chocolat at your local specialty market or health food store today.

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