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What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains? ?And Why You Should Eat Them? ?

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What Are Gerbs Ancient GrainsWhat Are Gerbs Ancient Grains

What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains? And Why You Should Eat Them?

Many ancient grains, or heritage grains, are gluten-free and versatile. From amaranth to spelt, ancient grains are loaded with trace vitamins and protein to keep you going. This particular group of grains is revered for its age and history: Greeks and Romans offered spelt to the gods; Aztecs considered chia seeds worthy of tribute, and farro is noted in the Old Testament. A resurgence of the old and the antiquated has made these grains once again shine in the spotlight, but what are they really?

Ancient grains are more than just relics from the past that have stood the test of time; they are cereals and seeds that have a robust texture and stellar nutritional profile.

“They contain lots of essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, more amounts of iron and they also contain protective elements like fibres and antioxidants,” said Chris Chapman, a nutrition project officer with the Grains, Legumes and Nutrition Council, “They’re nutritionally similar to grains…but they’ve got a little more bit more, which is unique and that is part of their popularity.”

Quinoa, millet, sorghum, amaranth, teff, freekeh, chia seeds, farro, spelt and Kamut all qualify as ancient grains. The latter three are not gluten-free, but some people with gluten or wheat sensitivities can tolerate them.

The health benefits of these grains range from a high omega-3 content to a hefty amount of B vitamins and zinc. A serving of farro or emmer wheat, for example, is high in protein (7 grams), fiber (7 grams), and iron (12%), plus it’s an easily digested strain of wheat. 10,000 years ago, farro was cultivated in the Fertile Crescent at the dawn of the agricultural revolution where it spread to Asia, Europe, Northeast Africa, India and Arabic peninsula. This variety of hulled wheat was said to have sustained the Roman army, but it is not sustaining health foodies and the health curious alike. But, farro’s story is not unique: all ancient grains have their place in history because their nutritional profiles, packed with complex carbohydrates, landed them a spot in it, just look at these three grains below.

White Sorghum GrainBuckwheat GrainBrown Teff GrainRoyal White Quinoa Grain

Millet

The alkaline, complex carbohydrate and prebiotic, millet, is a staple of the Himalayan Hunzas, a people who have enjoyed superb health and longevity. The grain also contains serotonin for stress, niacin for cholesterol, and magnesium for migraines. Composed of 15 percent protein, millet is an excellent way for vegetarians and vegans alike to obtain sufficient protein requirements, plus it contains antioxidants, is gluten-free and hydrates the colon to ease constipation.

Sorghum

Hailing from Africa, this staple of Asia and West Africa is grown today in many countries, including the United States, India, and Nigeria, for it is the fifth most important cereal crop. Nutritionally, sorghum is high in fiber, protein, and B-complex vitamins. It is often used where conventional wheat is used.

Teff

This fun-size, quick cooking grain is super tiny and ideal for nomadic life, especially in the areas of Ethiopia and Eritrea where it has long-established ties. Teff can withstand many environmental conditions: it thrives in waterlogged areas, high altitudes, dry heat, droughts, and is not prone to plant diseases. Free of gluten, one cup of teff alone packs in 123 mg of calcium, a high dose of vitamin C, iron, protein, fiber, and resistant starch. Because teff is so tiny, it cannot be processed, so eating it in its whole form is necessary.

Ancient grains can be used in a multitude of recipes that traditionally call for wheat or rice. Pick up some freekeh, and make this delectable salad with earthy beets, crisp cilantro, and juicy lime. Vandana R. Sheth, RDN, CDE, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics claims that this freaky freekeh is “higher in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and lower in glycemic index.”

Try some amaranth in a to-die-for baked good with bananas, maple syrup, and flax seeds. Or, fall back on some quinoa and make a crunchy pizza crust that is sure to please.

Original Post: http://www.onegreenplanet.org (Annalisa Palmer is a whole-foods, plant-based vegan, avid reader, weekly runner, and regular yogi.)

Gerbs ground Super Seed Meal, man’s best friend, best friend!

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Gerbs ground Super Seed Meal

No need to wake up the house to grind our seeds, all the hard work is done for you by Gerbs! Whether big (pumpkin and sunflower), small (hemp hearts, chia, flax) or grain-like (quinoa, millet amaranth), seeds supply an extra buzz of protein, along with fiber, amino acids, fats, vitamins, minerals and other useful micro-nutrition morsels. You can add them as an ingredient in your dog’s home-cooked meals or sprinkle them on as a topper.

In order for your fluffy friend to benefit most from super seeds, they need to be ground fresh and should be refrigerated and stored in an air tight container to avoid rancidity. Our lines of seed meals are ground at cold temperatures at high speeds, with full oil content. Gerbs seed meals are protein packed & calorie-rich, use them judiciously. Finally, try a single variety at a time in small quantities until you know how your dog responds to and tolerates them.

Quinoa and amaranth are “ancient grains,” seeds from plants that have been cultivated the same way for thousands of years. Amaranth contains all nine amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Chia and flax Seeds are best refrigerated. Chia is said to be an immune-system booster and is credited with supporting dogs’ electrolyte balance. Flax is high in fiber, and both are high in anti-inflammatory.

Hemp seeds are a high-protein, easily digestible source of immune-system support.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds supply extra anti-oxidants. Pumpkin seeds rank high in zinc, a mineral recommended for dogs with copper toxicosis, aka copper storage disease. (Sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are high in copper, so if your dog has liver problems, check with your vet before feeding.) Pumpkin seeds are unusual in that their nutritive value has been shown to improve with age—those pumpkin seeds that have been languishing in the back of your pantry since Halloween are better now than when you bought them!

Article first appeared in The Bark, Issue 93: Spring 2018

Gerbs Raw Super Seeds for your Dogs Health

Gerbs Gingerbread Cookies

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Food Allergy Safe Recipe perfect to make with any ‘kiddo’s’
Gerbs Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies by Gerbs

These taste amazing, so much fun to make with your children, and as always are safe for anyone with a major food allergy. You can also incorporate our dried crystallized ginger into the recipe (not pictured) with the frosting and/or decorating.

Make sure you set up your kitchen for success because this can be fun, or just deal with the mess and enjoy this new festive holiday tradition. We like to our boys roll out their own gingerbread and cut out their favorite shapes. Some year we will make a Gerbs shield or Logo cutout for you guys. Make sure you put on the oven light because they will want to watch theirs bake.

Make Christmas/Holiday memories today, our favorite memory is the simple joy on their face when they finish their first masterpiece or sneaking the first bite. Hint: secretly bake a few broken pieces so they don’t gobble down the ones made for family and friends.

Once you have the frosting ready, we offer so many product ideas for eyes, hair, mouths, buttons, ornaments, presents, or outlines. Like Gerbs crystallized ginger (cut into pieces), dried cranberries, pumpkin kernels, sunflower kernels, chia seeds, goji berries, dried blueberries and hemp kernels. Check out the Gerbs Shop Storefront now for all these category’s!

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARDGingerbread Cookies by Gerbs

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together the flax seed meal and 3 tablespoons warm water. Let stand for about 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, molasses, oil and water. Add the flax seed meal and water mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet mixture and mix well. Roll the dough into a ball, cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.

Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface (I use rice flour). Using cookie cutters cut into desired shapes. Place cookies onto an ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9-10 minutes in a preheated oven or until cookies are firm.

Gingerbread Cookie

Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

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Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal RecipeWarm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Before you head out to play, fill your belly with this hearty Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Gerbs Rolled Oats (Instant)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Gerbs ground cinnamon
  • Pinch Gerbs Sea Salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup Gerbs Dried Apple Cinnamon Cubes
  • 1/4 cup Toasted Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1 apple, rough chopped & sliced

 

Combine the oats, dried apple, cinnamon, and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl, and stir in the water. Cover and seal with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and heat in the microwave on high until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup. Divide between 2 bowls and top with the toasted pumpkin seeds & Fresh Apples. Serve immediately.

Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Ingredients & Directions

Why #Shop Small Saturday should start with Gerbs

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Shop Small SaturdayShop Small Saturday

Why Support Local Business on Shop Small Saturday:

So maybe you’ve decided to skip out on Black Friday this year. You might want to consider starting your local holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday by heading to Gerbs extensive online store. Held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving since 2010, SBS is an awesome way to support local businesses in your community.

Here are a few reasons why it’s a great idea to shop on Small Business Saturday:

  1. You’ll help create jobs in the community

Money spent in the community will go back into it in the form of creating employment opportunities. According to the Small Business Administration, the 28 million small businesses in America account for 54 percent of all sales in the U.S. Plus small businesses have provided 55 percent of all jobs and 66 percent of all new jobs since the 1970s. When you make a purchase at a small business, you are doing your part to stimulate the local economy.

  1. You’ll help create jobs in the community

Money spent in the community will go back into it in the form of creating employment opportunities. According to the Small Business Administration, the 28 million small businesses in America account for 54 percent of all sales in the U.S. Plus small businesses have provided 55 percent of all jobs and 66 percent of all new jobs since the 1970s. When you make a purchase at a small business, you are doing your part to stimulate the local economy.

Shop Small

  1. Your tax dollars stay local.

Shopping at small businesses helps keep money within the neighborhood. A series of studies by the research firm Civic Economics found that 48 percent of purchases at local independent businesses go right back into the community, compared to less than 14 percent of sales made at chain stores. Your tax dollars stay locally, going toward public services, better schools, and libraries.

  1. Small businesses give back to the neighborhood.

Small businesses go beyond writing a check to a local cause. They’re more likely to develop partnerships and strengthen ties with people in the neighborhood. Brick and mortar establishments can serve as community hubs, such as the coffee shop that holds open mic night or the pizza parlor that sponsors little league fundraisers.

  1. Shopping at one local business helps other local businesses.

By shopping at a business in the neighborhood, you’ll most likely stop by other independent retailers in the vicinity. On top of that, some small businesses tend to offer products that are made locally, creating a ripple effect in the local economy. You can use this handy store locator tool to find businesses in your neighborhood that will be participating in this year’s SBS.

  1. Small businesses offer more unique products.

You can get away from the mass-produced items found at big box chains by shopping at an independent retailer. You’ll be able to find locally made gifts that are perfect for your significant other or enjoy a one-of-a-kind specialty drink at the local watering hole.

  1. It helps keep communities diverse.

Sure, we all love and go to mainstream retailers, but can you imagine what it would be like to live in a place with nothing but non-descript strip malls? By participating in Small Business Saturday, we’re making sure independent businesses thrive by adding to the vibrancy and uniqueness of a community. It would be tough for the charming trinkets shop or the mom-and-pop deli around the corner to stay afloat without your patronage.

#shopsmall with us

Tips to make Thanksgiving Safe (when eating away from home)

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Tips to make Thanksgiving Safe

  • Make a quick call to the host family in advance to ask about the menu (remember they will be stressed so make their life easier by doing this in advance). Offer to bring a side dish and/or dessert that will compliment their menu and your family’s allergy(s).
  • Prepare your day ahead of time, eat a solid breakfast in the morning and bring a snack for your travels if they are planning a late Thanksgiving dinner. Appetizers often contain nuts, dairy, seafood or other allergens, so its best to watch out for cross contamination (especially if other children are there).
  • Talk to you children or teen’s about which foods will be safe for them and about avoiding foods that may be at risk for cross-contact (e.g., a buffet-style set-up).
  • This may sound outrageous but depending on the severity of your allergy, get a good insulated cooler and pack a trusted meal for you or your child and leave it in the trunk (just in case). This will give provide you such peace of mind for unknown items being brought buy other guests.
  • Tell your children to be careful about sharing glasses, if possible bring bottled water or juice.
  • Don’t assume that food contains only traditional ingredients that you know are safe. For example, cranberry sauce could be prepared with pecans or peanut butter could be added to gravy and many desserts.
  • Pack two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times (that cooler in the trunk will be perfect to keep them at the right temperature).

cranberry sauce

Delicious & Safe Dried Cranberry Sauce

By Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Gerbs dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/3 cup pure cane granulated sugar (substitute stevia)
  • zest of 1 orange
  • zest of ½ lime
  • 1/4 tsp powdered sea salt
  • juice one Blood Orange
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch (sub. Arrowroot)
  • 4 Tbsp water (sub. Sparkling cranberry wine)

Directions

Add all everything (minus the cornstarch) to a large non-stick sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until cranberries become tender and plump up. Remove from the direct heat, slowly stir together cornstarch, add this slurry slowly to your sauce, simmer until the sauce thickens. Makes 2 cups.

Delicious & Simple Dried Cranberry Sauce

Gerbs Ancient Quinoa & Raisin Stuffing

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Wow them!

Wow your Thanksgiving guests with our protein packed, flavorful and ‘fall’ color themed Ancient Grain turkey stuffing!  Millennials or any health-conscious guests will thank you, put simply this dish will surely stand out among all your sides this season, compared to a traditional turkey stuffing; plus, there are so many options with our grains, rice, dried fruits and seeds to make this stuffing different each and every occasion. This will have all the feelings of a traditional stuffing but with the added nutritional benefits of quinoa, specifically its high fiber content, makes this dish a superfood. One study that looked at 4 varieties of quinoa found a range of 10–16 grams of fiber per every 100 grams. This equals 17–27 grams per cup, which is very high — more than twice as high as most grains. Boiled quinoa contains much less fiber, gram for gram because it absorbs so much water. As well, Quinoa is high in magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants. Given its high beneficial nutrient content, it makes sense that quinoa could improve metabolic health. To date, two studies, in humans and rats respectively, examined the effects of quinoa on metabolic health. The human-based study found that using quinoa instead of typical gluten-free breads and pastas significantly reduced blood sugar, insulin and triglyceride levels.Gerbs Ancient Quinoa & Raisin Stuffing

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 75 min

Total time: 80 min

INGREDIENTS – Makes 8 servings

  • 5 Cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Cup Gerbs Royal White Quinoa
  • ½ Cup Gerbs Red Quinoa
  • ½ Cup Gerbs Black Quinoa
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Large Sweet Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Stalks Celery, including green ends, chopped
  • 2 Fresh Apples, cored, pealed & rough chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Gerbs Dried Jumbo Raisins
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Whole Leaf Savory, rubbed
  • 1 Teaspoon Rubbed Sage
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Gerbs Himalayan Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Gerbs Ground Black Peppercorns
  • 1 Tablespoon Gerbs Rosemary Garlic Seasoning Blend
  • Fresh Rosemary, Parsley, and Chives to garnish (optional)
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (water optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease inside of 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish; set aside.

Combine Gerbs red, white, & black Quinoa with vegetable stock in large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes, until grains are cooked through. Let stand for 5 minutes removed from heat, and fluff with fork.

While grains cook, heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 3-4 minutes, and celery, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.  Add diced apples, Gerbs Raisins, savory, rubbed sage, Gerbs Rosemary Garlic blend, salt, black pepper and 1/4 white wine. Cook, stirring, until apples soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in cooked grains, tossing to evenly incorporate all ingredients.

Transfer stuffing to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil, transfer to oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, and bake additional 10 minutes, until lightly browned on top.

red, white, black quinoa

Gerbs Ultimate Cranberry Turkey Stuffing

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Gerbs Ultimate Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Gerbs Ultimate Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly chopped
  • Pouch Fresh Thyme, Parsley, Sage (bouquet garni)
  • 1/2 cup Gerbs Dried Cranberries
  • 1 small sweet onion, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped/grated
  • ¼ cup grated Carrots, julienned
  • 4 cups Gerbs Bread Crumbs
  • 1 cup Gluten-Free bread, cubed ½”
  • 3 large scallion stalks thinly sliced
  • Sea Salt & Fresh Black Pepper

Gerbs Ultimate Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Ingredients

Directions

Sauté onion with Olive Oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes; add garlic and stir for another minute.

Stir in vegetable broth, celery, bouquet garni, cranberries, carrot, in a 3-quart saucepan. Over medium-high heat, heat to a boil, add scallions, and sea salt & pepper. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, remove Garni.

Add bread crumbs, cubed bread and mix lightly. Bake 350 for 30 minutes, top with Gerbs dried cranberries and scallions.

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Kid Friendly recipe - with many substitute options

Cranberry Apple Granola Cookies

Cranberry Apple Granola Cookies

Ingredients

1½ cups brown sugar

1⁄4 cup allergy-safe vegetable shortening

1⁄2 cup coconut oil

2 eggs – replace with Flax Egg recipe

1½ cups Gerbs all-purpose flour

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Gerbs ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups Gerbs Rolled Oats

½ cup Gerbs Original Granola

1 cup Gerbs Dried Cranberries

1 cup Gerbs dried Apple Cinnamon Cubes

 

Instructions

 

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

In a stand mixer, beat together the first four ingredients. Add flour, vanilla, cinnamon and baking soda, stirring until smooth. Mix in Rolled Oats, cranberries, and apples until just combined. You can easily substitute fresh apple cubes.

Spoon large tablespoons of dough onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, spaced 2-3 inches apart.

Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and serve.

Superhero’s need supermom’s to make them cookies!

https://www.mygerbs.com/blog/16875-2/

Blueberry Granola Smoothie Recipe

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Blueberry Granola Smoothie Recipe

Blueberry Granola Smoothie

Gerbs Blueberry Granola Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

2/3 cup Flax Milk – (sub any milk)

1/2 cup blueberries fresh or frozen

1/2 banana fresh or frozen

½ cup Gerbs Granola (any flavor)

¼ cup Gerbs Super 5 Seed Meal

1/4 cup kale chopped, stems removed (sub. Spinach)

1 ripe avocado – sliced

½ Tablespoon Pure vanilla extract

Touch sea salt

Directions

In a food processor, blend the milk, kale (substitute baby spinach), 5 seed meal, and avocado together until well combined. Scrape sides and add vanilla, yogurt if you want a thicker smoothie, blueberries, banana’s, and blend again until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass, top with granola and fresh mint.