The Organic Foodie
Juice It Up!
You know organic food has hit the big time when the Campbell Soup Company enters the marketplace.
The company has launched its first certified organic product: Campbell’s Organic Tomato Juice. Made from 100% certified organic tomatoes, the juice carries the U.S. Department of Agriculture Organic Seal and is now available in 46-ounce, multi-serve plastic bottles.
“Campbell recognizes the tremendous growth in organic products and, as the No. 1 national brand, we wanted to expand our offerings to give consumers an organic option within the tomato juice category,” says Aine Scallon, business director in Campbell’s Beverage Division. “We are very excited about the opportunities that this new product represents. Based on its success, we will consider expanding our organic options to other juice products or brands within the Campbell portfolio.”
Campbell’s first organic tomatoes were bred from seedlings selected by Campbell’s Seeds Company in Davis, California. Campbell contracts with certified organic farmers in California, who meet the highest standards to grow organic vine-ripened tomatoes. The juice is processed on certified lines in Campbell’s Sacramento facility.
Hot Stuff from Icy Alaska
Donna Maltz began her career as an organic farmer before opening a health food restaurant in Homer, Alaska. She became an entrepreneur after her son developed food allergies and sensitivities that prevented him from enjoying a frosty glass of chocolate milk or a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
Maltz decided to put her culinary skills to the test, creating an alternative to mainstream products like Hershey’s syrup and Nestlé’s Quick. So began AH!LASKA, an organic line of dairy-, gluten- and peanut-free cocoas and chocolate syrup.
Maltz never dreamed her tiny homegrown project would become a national phenomenon. Today, you can find AH!LASKA in supermarkets and health food stores across the country. They are the best-selling organic cocoa products in the United States, available in four varieties:
- Organic Chocolatey Chocolate Cocoa Mix (12-ounce canister).
- Non-Dairy Organic Chocolatey Chocolate Cocoa Mix (12-ounce) canister.
- Low-Fat Organic Baker’s Cocoa (8-ounce canister).
- Organic Chocolate Syrup (22-ounce bottle).
All products are cholesterol free.
PB&J-A Whole New Way
No matter your age, there’s nothing like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when you crave comfort food.
Health Valley has developed a twist on the traditional favorite, with Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars available in three scrumptious flavors: Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly, Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jelly and Peanut Butter & Chocolate. Made from organic wheat and all-natural ingredients, they’re a great snack for the entire family and a nutritious addition to a child’s schoolbag.
“Peanut butter and jelly is a favorite in my household, and I’m thrilled that Health Valley is offering our customers new varieties on this American classic,” says company CEO Irwin Simon.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars are free of hydrogenated oils (trans fatty acids).
Souper Supper
For a quick, no-fuss lunch or dinner, try Imagine Natural Organic Soups, now available in nine flavors. Two new varieties have just debuted: Creamy Tomato Basil and Creamy Chicken, joining a lineup that includes classics like Creamy Sweet Corn, Creamy Broccoli, Creamy Portobello Mushroom and Creamy Butternut Squash. The soups are sold in family-sized or single-serving containers.
“We take the same care in making these soups as people would if they started from scratch in their own kitchens,” says Robert Nissenbaum, president and company founder. “They’re 100% natural, heat and serve, and are made with fresh vegetables, organic herbs and spices, and the most simple, yet delicious, recipes.”
Imagine soups are low in fat and certified organic (except for the Creamy Portobello Mushroom; the company has had difficulty in locating a supplier of organic portobellos). All varieties are vegetarian (except for the chicken flavor), dairy free and shelf stable in resealable cartons. Creamy Broccoli, Creamy Sweet Corn and Creamy Portobello Mushroom contain organic soymilk.
Organic soups can also be used as a base for creative sauces. Here’s a great pasta recipe from the Imagine kitchens.
Shells With Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce
(3-4 servings)
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, diced (about 1½ cups)
½ red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon umeboshi vinegar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ lb. small pasta shells, cooked and drained
3 to 4 cups Imagine Natural Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
In a large sauce pan, sauté the garlic, onion, mushrooms, zucchini and red bell pepper in the olive oil. Cook until tender, about 6-7 minutes. Then add the soup, umeboshi vinegar, shells, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring well. Serve hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
