Blue Mountain Organics

Review: Chocolate Kale Chips…Say what?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:08:00 GMT

Another nice kale review in from Marni Wasserman at Fully Nourished. Click the link after the quote for the full review!

"Well they have done it – matched two unlikely combination’s to make the perfect tastiest snack. Chocolate Kale Chips, can you think of a better combination? These are two foods that I tell people to eat just about everyday but why not eat them together? Not only that, their nutritional profile proves to be loaded with magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and fiber – delicious!" — Marni Wasserman, Fully Nourished.

Thanks to Marni for the kind words, we're really happy everyone's enjoying the chocolate kale chips. Have a great holiday this weekend everyone!

Earth Chips a Hit with Go Dairy Free

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:31:00 GMT

Go Dairy Free.org has a new review up of our kale chips. Here's a excerpt, follow the link for the full review:

"Holy Velveeta Batman! When I first spotted Earth Chips, I thought "Kale chips? Been there done that – boring!" But these are definitely not your run of the mill, roasted in the oven and sprinkled with salt pieces of kale. These are perfectly crunchy, bursting with cheesy flavor, clusters of seeds and kale... I was shocked but pleased by the savory flavor rush." — Go Dairy Free.org

Snap, Crackle, Crunch!

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

... and even more great reviews for our Earth Chips came in over the weekend! Read the excerpts below and follow the links for the full reviews...

"These are perfectly crunchy, cheezy (without the cheese!), and flavorful. The kale is bathed in a red pepper cashew, sauce. I like the addition of extra seeds on the outside which add to the crunch factor..." — read more at Sweetly Raw

"All I can say is wow. I would have never thought kale and chocolate would go well together. I was wrong because these chocolate kale chips were the bomb! They are crunchy and perfectly sweet from the cacao powder. Not overly sweet but is right on the spot...." — read more at An Apple A Day

Earth Chip Chocolate Kale Chips Reviews

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

We've recently received some glowing reviews for our Earth Chips Chocolate Kale chips that we'd like to share. Made with organic, raw cacao and coconut sugar, our chocolate covered kale chips are a unique and delicious treat, and healthy too! Check out the reviews below and see what others are saying about Earth Chips Chocolate Kale chips:

"How could you put chocolate with kale and expect it taste good? But the chocolate coconut coating was so, so deep and rich and flavorful! A few bites that weren’t totally covered definitely tasted like kale, but I like kale so it wasn’t a big surprise. I think my favorite part was just how thick the coating was. It really made these kale chips crunchy, not thin and crispy like when you make them at home in the oven. Two thumbs up from me!" — read more at Bran Appetit!

"The first thing I noticed when biting into these chips was their sweetness. I was concerned about bitterness, but those fears were quelled instantly. This is because in addition to chocolate, these kale chips are flavored with various forms of coconut, including coconut sugar, flakes and oil. It's a hard-to-describe flavor combination, but it's so sweet that these chips are not only perfect for snacking, but they're also an amazing dessert on their own." — read more at The Health Sleuth

"What I really loved was their Chocolate Kale Chips!! Yes, I said chocolate and kale in the same sentence. Who would of thunk of this combination. It is YUM! It satisfies my chocolate 'tooth' (yeah, you know you’ve got one too) without being overly heavy. The chips are like ethereal wisps of feathery crisp chocolate." — read more at Healthy Simple Living

Omega Fatty Acids and Why They Matter

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

We've all heard the hype about omega fatty acids and their reported health benefits. Omega fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that are vital to optimum health. Other than the fact that these acids exist, little was known about them until the last few years. Omega 3, 6 and 9 are the three main types of fatty acids, however omega 3 and 6 have been more widely studied than omega 9.

Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans must consume for good health, mainly because the body requires them but can't make them from other food components. The term refers to fatty acids required for biological processes, and not those that only act as fuel or energy. Apparently omega 9 fatty acids can be produced by the body and are therefore unnecessary as a supplement.

Some of the known health benefits of EFA's are the nourishment of skin and hair, reduction of blood pressure, reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, prevention of arthritis and inflammation and the reduction of the risk of blood clotting. Additionally, essential fatty acids help protect the body from cardiovascular disease, candidiasis, eczema and psoriasis. EFA's also play a critical role in brain development and the transmission of nerve impulses.

Almost all the polyunsaturated fats in our modern diets are essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids play an important role in the life and death of cardiac cells and are thought to prevent or inhibit a number of diseases ranging from cardiac issues to breast cancer. Some of the most popular food sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are fish and shellfish, flax seed, hemp seeds, soya oil, canola oil, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, leafy green vegetables and walnuts.

Here at Blue Mountain Organics we have an increasing number of products that are rich in omega fatty acids, from organic kale chips to organic chia seeds! If you're looking to try any of these tasty treats, check out our extensive selection at www.bluemountainorganics.com.

Faucette Farms Growing Kale for Blue Mountain Organics' Earth Chips Brand

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:30:00 GMT

Faucette Farms of Summitt, North Carolina is now growing kale for the Earth Chips brand distributed by Blue Mountain Organics. Earth Chips are low-temperature dehydrated snacks made from organic kale. Making sure the kale is sourced from the most conscientious producers is important and Faucette Farms certainly meets that criteria.

"After touring the Faucette farm, we were so impressed with the farms attention to detail and their sustainable approach to modern farming. These are the types of farms we strive to support and in doing so we are able to pass that quality on to our customers," said Colleen Flynn of Blue Mountain Organics.

If you are interested in a sustainable farming partnership with Blue Mountain Organics, then please contact us. However keep in mind that we only purchase our ingredients from certified organic growers. To learn more about how your farm can become a certified organic producer, click here!

Blue Mountain Organics Releases the First Chocolate Kale Chips

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The wait is over! Earth Chips is announcing three delicious new flavors of organic kale chips! "Nutty Cheeze", "Cheezy Spice" and "Chocolate" are the latest editions to the brand produced by Blue Mountain Organics. Earth Chips are low-temperature dehydrated and never baked or fried like many traditional snacks! This process allows for a more nutrient dense and enzyme rich super snack food.

As the popularity of kale chips has increased over the years, so has the variety of flavors. Earth Chips is proud to be the first to combine the decadence of chocolate and the crunchy goodness of kale! Made from the finest organic ingredients, raw cacao and raw coconut sugar combine to make a kale chip like no others currently on the market.

"Kale and chocolate have such different flavor profiles that people don't normally think of them as being a good match. Let's face it; chocolate makes anything taste better!" says Joanne Woodward, Sales Manager at Blue Mountain Organics.

Chocolate kale chips are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and loaded with manganese, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C and K. These crunchy treats are truly a nutritional powerhouse, making them the perfect guilt-free snack!

This isn't the first time that a Blue Mountain Organics brand has led the pack in product innovation. The company has developed eleven unique brands that are quickly becoming known as market leaders. You can find many of these unique brands in your local health foods retailer or you can purchase all of the company's products on their website, www.bluemountainorganics.com.

Healthy snacking has never been so easy and it certainly has never tasted this good! Just one bite and your taste buds will thank you!

Knowing Where Your Food Comes From

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:14:00 GMT

Knowing where your food comes from is becoming an increasingly popular and important trend. People are beginning to focus their attention on learning the facts about the companies and farmers who produce much of what we find available on our grocery store shelves. Did you know that the average product in your local supermarket has traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles to reach that stores shelves? A truly amazing fact that many Americans do not know!

While it is near impossible to keep track of where every morsel of your food originated, we can all make a difference by gradually making smarter and more sustainable choices. Choosing to buy from farmers markets, food coops and local health food stores is perhaps the best way to begin to make those changes. Not only are these types of markets becoming more prevalent, they are often more affordable than traditional grocers. Buying local also helps to support the local farmers and businesses in your region. That means healthier food for you and a healthier economy in turn.

Buying your food via the internet is an increasingly popular option as well. While produce and perishable goods are hard to come by online for obvious reasons, a plethora or other products are available. This option is often best for purchasing products that are not grown in your region or products that are simply hard to find in traditional stores. Here at Blue Mountain Organics we maintain a catalog of those very products. From organic chia seeds to coconut sugar and purple corn, we carry a variety of hard to find organic products on our online store.

Next time you are shopping for your next meal, read the labels, ask questions and most importantly, make the right decision. Ask yourself, is there a more responsible and sustainable replacement for this particular product? Can I buy this locally? Ultimately your choices will play a big part in making a difference and your actions will serve as a catalyst for others to do the same. Bon Appetit!

What is Lucama?

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

What is lucama? This is a question that we get at Blue Mountain Organics on a regular basis and the easiest answer to that question is that lucama is a vegan friendly sugar substitute.; The lúcuma (Pouteria lucuma) is an ancient sub-tropical fruit that originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. The fruit was first used in Ecuador, Peru and Chile.

Unlike many fruits, the lucama fruit has a particularly dry flesh which makes it perfect for creating a powder-like sweetener that resembles sugar. The nutritional profile of lucama is impressive. Loaded with extremely high levels of beta-carotene and B vitamins, lucama has long been a staple for many South Americans. You may even notice that we have added lucama to our Blue Mountain Cashew Creamery products!

Go ahead, get a bag and experiment! Sweet, vegan friendly, certified organic and nutritious; lucama has endless possibilities!

Try Lucama today!

BMO Nominated for 'Best Vegan Ice Cream'

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:39:00 GMT

ATTENTION Blue Mountain Fans!!! We have been nominated by VegNews Magazine in their annual 2010 Veggie Awards! We are listed under the 'Best Vegan Ice Cream' category! Please VOTE by clicking the banner above! And while your at it, you can insert Blue Mountain Organics into other categories by simply choosing "Other" and typing it in.

We ask that you vote as many times as you can! The contest will continue through the end of this month, so the clock is ticking!

The winner will receive a full feature in VegNews, both print and online. Not to mention the amazing PR that this is generating for our Blue Mountain Cashew Creamery brand!

We thank each and every one of you for your continued support!

Almonds...A Nutritional Powerhouse

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

by Teri Levanthal

Heart-healthy and Cholesterol-Lowering

Eating almonds regularly lowers blood pressure, reduces "bad" cholesterol, and promotes heart health. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol", where HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "good cholesterol". Almonds regulate cholesterol by reducing the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing the level of HDL (good cholesterol) (Novelli, 2002) (Spiller, 2008). A controlled trial showed that 73g of almonds in the daily diet reduced LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) by as much as 9.4%, reduced the LDL:HDL ratio by 12.0%, and increased HDL-cholesterol (i.e., the good cholesterol) by 4.6% (Jenkins, 2002). This can be partially attributed to the fact that almonds are an outstanding source of bioavailable alpha-tocopherol, and therefore increasing their intake improves the resistance of LDL against oxidation (Chen, A Nutrition and Health Perspective on Almonds, 2006). The flavonoids from almond skins act synergistically with Vitamins C and E to help keep the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) down.

Consumption of tree nuts such as almonds has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (Chen, Flavonoids from Almond Skins Are Bioavailable and Act Synergistically with Vitamins C and E to Enhance Hamster and Human LDL Resistance to Oxidation, 2005). Consuming almonds on a regular basis can effectively regulate blood pressure; the potassium present in almonds helps to regulates blood pressure, and almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in lowering blood pressure. Almonds contain several phytochemicals including beta-sisterol stigmasterol and campesterol which are thought to contribute to a healthy heart (Wilkinson, 2008). Almonds are an excellent source of bioavailable alpha-tocopherol, which is a compound that helps regulate cholesterol levels (Chen, Flavonoids from Almond Skins Are Bioavailable and Act Synergistically with Vitamins C and E to Enhance Hamster and Human LDL Resistance to Oxidation, 2005). One study proved that eating nuts and nut butters significantly reduced the incidence of death due to cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases (Blomhoff, 2006).

The high levels of healthy mono-saturated fat, protein, and potassium found in almonds promote heart health. Almonds are a great source of folic acid. They therefore act to lower the amount of homocystein, which causes fatty plaque accumulation in the arteries. The existence of magnesium in almonds helps to ward off heart attacks. Eating almonds regularly reduces C-reactive protein which causes artery injuring inflammation. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Almond’s high monounsaturated fatontent, a key healthy fat found in classic Mediterranean diets, gives them many more benefits than simply heart health; nearly every research study shows that those who eat a traditional Mediterranean diet not only have a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, they also live longer (Wilkinson, 2008).

Rich in Antioxidants and Flavonoids

Almonds are rich in Antioxidants and Flavonoids, which have been shown to significantly reduce cancer risk in humans. In a study printed in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, scientists revealed that almonds contain polyphenolics and flavonoids in their skins analogous to those of certain fruits and vegetables (Mandalaria, 2009). For example, a one-ounce serving of almonds contains a similar amount of polyphenol as a one-half cup of broccoli. The polyphenolic constituents of almonds have been and found to possess strong antioxidant abilities (Chen, A Nutrition and Health Perspective on Almonds, 2006). The flavonoids, found predominantly in the skin of almonds, contribute to their many health benefits, including a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (Chen, 2005).

Contribute to Weight Loss

Although almonds contain nearly 50% fat, regularly consuming almonds does not lead to weight gain, and their inclusion in low-calorie diets appears to promote more weight loss than a comparable carbohydrate-based low-calorie diet (Chen, A Nutrition and Health Perspective on Almonds, 2006). In fact, many studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Physicians’ Follow-up Study, show that people who ate the most nuts tended to have lower body mass indexes. It has therefore been scientifically proven that although almonds are high in healthy fat, eating them in moderation can actually significantly aid in weight loss (Wilkinson, 2008). One study, pertaining directly to almonds, compared two groups of dieters eating the same amount of calories and found the group eating 500 of their calories from almonds lost more weight. One theory to explain this phenomenon is that the almond cell walls may limit the amount of calories that can be absorbed from the almond. Unsweetened almond milk has also been proven to help people reduce weight; this is because the healthy mono-saturated fat in almonds prevents over-eating and satisfies the appetite.

Good for Diabetics, People with Gluten Intolerance, and High in Protein

Almonds are high in protein and are good for diabetics because, "almonds have a low glycemic index and do not adversely impact insulin sensitivity" (Chen, A Nutrition and Health Perspective on Almonds, 2006). Almonds are high in protein; they contain around 18 percent protein (for comparison, chicken has 23% protein by weight). Because of their low glycemic index they are ideal for diabetics, pre-diabetics, or anyone with blood sugar issues (Wilkinson, 2008). Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals, which is important for diabetics. Almonds are also gluten-free and therefore a healthy food for gluten-sensitive people and people with wheat allergies and coeliac disease (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 2010).

Nowhere will you find higher quality organic, sprouted, raw almonds that Blue Mountain Organics. We offer our full line of 'Better Than Roasted' almonds which make the perfect snack! Check out the link below for more!

Try Our Better Than Roasted Almonds Today!

Blue Mountain Cashew Creams...perfect for summer!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Our cashew creams are raw, which means their temperature-sensitive enzymes are intact, so it's easier to digest and assimilate their vital nutrients. We developed our cashew creams out of the desire to create healthy desserts for everyone that are dairy-free, without compromising satisfaction. Our cashew creams have about half the saturated fat content compared to dairy ice cream. Half of the fat in cashews is oleic acid, the same heart-healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil.

Our frozen dessert is sweetened with agave nectar, a raw pure sweetener. Agave nectar has a low glycemic-index, so it does not spike your blood sugar levels like other sweeteners do. To top it off, we add superfoods such as lucuma, maca, mesquite, and camu, making our cashew creams nutritious and delicious frozen desserts.

Our cashew creams are made of the highest quality raw, organic ingredients available. Organic, raw foods are good for your body and our planet. The Cashew Creamery is exciting news for those who are lactose intolerant, and those who simply want to enjoy an exotic alternative to dairy ice cream. You will love this exciting, innovative new dessert that will show you how sweet an ice cream revolution can be.

National Ice Cream Month and the Cashew Creamery

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Anytime is a great time for ice cream, however summer is often the season when this sweet indulgence crosses our minds the most. Perhaps that is why July has been deemed National Ice Cream month. While a staggering 90% of the U.S. population consumes some variety of ice cream, many are no longer able to enjoy their favorite treat for a variety of different health reasons. From lactose intolerance to diabetes, an increasing number of Americans are turning to non-dairy ice cream alternatives.

Blue Mountain Organics is at the forefront of providing consumers with those non-dairy alternatives. Under the brand Blue Mountain Cashew Creamery, the company is now distributing this non-dairy frozen treat to customers and stores around the world. Made in small batches from the best organic ingredients available, raw cashews are ground into a cream base in which other natural flavors are then added. We are currently producing six unique flavors. No traditional sugars are used in the process. The cashew cream is sweetened with organic raw agave nectar instead.

Blue Mountain Organics is also one of the few companies that will ship ice cream to your doorstep. We are able to achieve this by shipping the product in dry ice. Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Mango, Coconut, Mint Cacao and Cappucino are some of the flavors currently being offered. Check it out online to learn more!