Studies show that preservatives and chemicals are a source of serious health issues, including undue stress, accelerated aging, and weight gain. You'll find these 'bad guy' ingredients in:

• Diet soda, juices, drink mixes, processed tea drinks
• Prepackaged dinners or frozen meals.
• Conventional cookies (non-organic)
• Chips
• Diet foods

From a scientific name that means "most useful," flax earns its status as a health food staple, especially for vegetarians and vegans looking for those ever-elusive omega-3s. Flax seeds are a smidgen larger than sesame seeds and can be brown or golden with a smooth and shiny shell. The warm, earthy and subtly nutty flavor of flaxseeds combined with an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids make them an increasingly popular addition to the diets of many a health conscious consumer. You can find flax in its whole seed form, ground or as an especially healthful oil.

For all of us jumping back onto the fat wagon, Flax Oil is one to be reckoned with (one of those 'good' fats). It's long been revered for its healing properties - growing for some 7,000 years in Southern Mesopotamia! According to ancient folklore, the seeds were crushed and blended with mustard to make a poultice for inflamed skin, as well as used to regulate the bowels and as an antidote for poisoning. And: Did you know that Flax Oil and Linseed Oil are the same thing? But, you certainly shouldn't ingest the industrial types of Linseed Oil found in hardware stores, for they likely contain poisonous additives...

Squash blossoms stem from, you guessed it, squashes. The flowers from either summer or winter squash are edible and delicious, known as squash blossoms and available in varying shades of yellow and orange. Their flavor is light and airy - as the blossoms are themselves - and hint of the squash from whence it came. Squash blossoms can be used for much more than pretty garnish; they are large enough for all manner of cooking, including stuffing!

Move over blackberries! Mulberries are in town and they are begging for a picking. Mulberry - also known as Morus fruit - comes from the same tree used to raise silkworms, where the worms feed off the plant's leaves. The fruit, similar to blackberry, is an aggregate fruit that is composed of many smaller fruits called drupes. So, botanically-speaking, it's not a berry... but otherwise, it is. The skin is smooth and fragile, and the color changes from green to red to dark purple as it matures and ripens. There are also white mulberry varieties that exist (the ones used for silkworms). Mulberries have a stem attached once picked from the tree, distinguishing them from blackberries and raspberries. One plus to mulberry picking: No thorns!

Rice is the staple food group in much of the world, a starch used like bread in many meals and cuisines. But rice is getting a bad rap. As a refined carbohydrate with little of the actual grain left, white rice might as well be pure sugar - at least that's how your body processes it, anyway. Brown rice has taken its place on our plates, but can be a little boring and bland. The solution? Black rice, a nutty superfood that brings a new flavor and texture to your dinner table. Also known as “forbidden rice” or “longevity rice,” black rice is a type of sticky rice produced by heirloom plants in China, Thailand and Indonesia. In Ancient China during the Ming Dynasty, only the emperors were allowed to eat black rice, which promised a long life of good health.

This recipe is a seasonal twist on any ooey, gooey Panini melt sandwich. Sautéed quince (which is like an aromatic pear) is layered with sharp cheddar cheese and a horseradish-infused cabbage slaw, and it’s cooked Panini-style into total autumnal comfort.

Maui’s lush and versatile landscape, ideal crop growing conditions, serene atmosphere and receptive people provide the means for a rich restaurant culture. You’ll find local strawberries, apples, greens, tomatoes, root vegetables and meats from the cooler Upcountry region, tropical fruits from the Hana side of the island, and fresh seafood straight from the sea. Check out our 8 favorite restaurants on Maui below, all of which are offering up delightful culinary creations made from local ingredients.

Spinach might seem like an odd choice for a smoothie, but its flavorful sweetness is actually enhanced by being paired with the bananas and almond milk. Get your iron, calcium and a good bit of veggie protien in this delicious green smoothie recipe. Don't like spinach? Try subbing in your favorite green such as kale, chard, or romaine lettuce. You can even choose powdered greens if you're out of the fresh stuff.

Small, sweet, creamy, and a little funny to look at, these literally finger-shaped potatoes are so simple and quick to cook, they make a perfect side dish for a large crowd or just a few for two. The citrus-laced yogurt with basil is a bright and elegant twist on the traditional sour-cream-and-chive potato topper.