Families are Forever

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Interesting...

How I try to blog about family and funny stories and I just never do it faithfully! It makes me laugh to think that I would actually stick with it but nevertheless...I will try again!

Nate and I, wait, Nate's not really doing this, I am trying my hand at heirloom gardening this year so that I can save my own seeds...So far I have only killed 2 radish plants...but this is day 1...so we will see. I'm honestly praying over them!

So here's to gardening success this year!! I planted: Pink Caspian tomatoes, Black Krim tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes and Thessaloniki tomatoes, crookneck squash, zucchini, 4 different varieties of watermelon, 3 different colors of bell peppers, strawberries, green beans, white icicle radishes, and then all the herbs which are: rosemary, marjoram, thyme, dill, parsley, and sage. We'll see how it goes!!! Oh, we are also composting...

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Nutrition of Freeze Dried Strawberries

Nutrition of Freeze Dried Strawberries by Andrea Cespedes

FD STRAWBERRIES on sale at SR this month only!
#10 Can $20.02, 25% off!
Case (6 - #10 cans) $102.98, 30% off!

E-mail us to get on the Q and get this deal!


Nutrition of Freeze Dried Strawberries
by Andrea Cespedes

http://www.livestrong.com/article/280942-freeze-dried-strawberries-nutrition/
Overview
Freeze-dried strawberries are sliced strawberries that have had most of the water removed. This concentrates their flavor and nutrients while extending their shelf life. They may be rehydrated in water, tossed into cereal or baked goods, or eaten on their own as a snack.

Calories and Macronutrients
One oz. of freeze-dried strawberries, about 1 1/4 cups, contains about 90 calories. Of the 24 g of carbohydrates, 12 g are from natural fruit sugar. Freeze-dried strawberries contain no fat and 2 g of protein.

One oz. provides 316 percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA of vitamin C, based on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet. As noted by the USDA, values may be higher or lower depending on total calorie intake. In addition, an ounce of freeze-dried strawberries contains 4 percent of calcium needs and 8 percent of iron.
Flavonoids
Compounds in strawberries called flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the "Journal of Nutrition" issue from September 28, 2009, researchers from Oklahoma State University tested freeze-dried strawberry powder's effects on cholesterol and markers of stress and inflammation. After four weeks, women with metabolic syndrome who consumed 25 g of the freeze-dried strawberries two times a day experienced significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol -- the bad kind.

Method
Unlike conventional dehydration methods that allow the texture, flavor and appearance of fruits deteriorate, freeze-drying maintains fruits' appearance and flavor. The method of freeze drying strawberries begins with partially freezing the strawberries at a temperature that breaks down their cellular structure and freezes 25 to 45 percent of water within the fruit. The strawberries are then sliced and frozen completely. They are dehydrated in a vacuum, resulting in a product with a moisture content of approximately 3 percent.

Considerations
Freeze drying does not affect the nutrition content of strawberries as do other preservation methods like microwave drying notes a study in an issue of "Food Science and Technology International" published in February 2006. Many companies sell bags or cans of freeze dried strawberries. They are also found in packaged cereals listing "with real strawberries."

About the Author
Andrea Cespedes is a professionally trained chef who has focused studies in nutrition. With more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, she coaches cycling and running and teaches Pilates and yoga. She is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer and has degrees from Princeton and Columbia University.



http://www.livestrong.com/article/280942-freeze-dried-strawberries-nutrition/

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Taking the Plunge!


Ok, my Mom and I have been trying to help people prepare by getting some food into peoples houses and the food that we have fallen in love with are in the Thrive line from Shelf Reliance. We have been getting some food from them and now are trying to get it into other peoples homes. It's the BEST food we have found. Nate and I are taking the plunge as well! Super excited and LOVE the food! The quality is the best we have tasted and they also have a monthly program called the Q that lets you pick what you want to get and how much you want to spend monthly. From that monthly amount you get points to get more food free and they also send you the new products, recipes, sometimes you get free shipping, coupons, etc. It's a great deal and no contracts! Plus they deliver it straight to your home. They have also gone direct sales and do home demonstrations so that everyone can taste what they are buying before they buy! Fabulous idea right?! Anyway, I love it. :-) We will keep you posted about different specials, recipes and other fun things! If you haven't tasted it and you want to I'll send you samples!! Woohoo for yummy food storage and convenience in everyday cooking! Their chicken and cheeses are already chopped, cooked, grated etc. They taste really good and it's super easy and convenient to use! Plus the shelf life is 25 to 30 years unopened and opened it's good for 6 months to 1 year. It's so great!! Gonna try to post the specials here... :-)