Category: Products We Love
What Is It? Yuca (Cassava) Root
One of the joys of shopping at the co-op is discovering unique foods to try. If you’ve ever been browsing in produce and spied what looks like a small club a cave man might use to go hunting — that’s yuca! What is yuca Yuca, pronounced YOO-ka, is the root of the cassava plant. Its … Continued

Plant-Based Wellness 101
The benefits of following a plant-based diet can include increased productivity, improvements in anxiety, fatigue and general health (American Journal of Health Promotion, March/April 2015). In addition to the benefits outlined by the AJHP, incorporating plant-based products into other areas of our life, including beauty products and supplements, can be helpful too. We’ve included a … Continued

The Ethical Shopping Cart: How to Bring Home Products that Do Good
Consumers are starting to see the direct connection between what they eat and how it affects our world. But do you ever get confused when picking a product? What’s the difference between cage-free and free-range? Does it matter if coffee is grown in the shade? There are so many choices; it’s easy to get confused. … Continued

Makeup Clean Up: Discovering Better Beauty Products Part 2
Because of harsh chemicals in makeup, I wore little or no cosmetics for about a year. However, I recently decided that instead of omitting makeup, I would find better, natural beauty products. I knew that Lakewinds thoroughly assesses its skincare products and holds them to the highest safety standards, so I went there to start … Continued

Makeup Clean Up: Discovering Better Beauty Products
Most of us have become accustomed to checking ingredient lists on the food we buy, but there’s another aspect we need to think about — what we put onto our body. It’s just as important as what we put into it, yet turning the bottle around and inspecting the lengthy ingredient list can be daunting. … Continued

Veriditas Botanicals | Local Producer Q&A
Speaking with Melissa Farris, you quickly grasp her passion for her life’s work. Part chemist and herbalist, part innovative business owner, 100% environmentalist, Farris is the founder of Veriditas Botanicals. She’s also the U.S. agent for S.A. Plantes Aromatics du Diois (SAPAD). The largest selling EO cooperative in the world, SAPAD sells over one-third of … Continued

The Bacon Fever has Broken: Review of 2015 Food Trends
What an exciting year in food! What new food trend or cooking method did you try in 2015? Did you find a new favorite recipe or farm-to-table restaurant? This year was full of great new local products, continued focus on health, growing interest in new technology and a return to the tried and true. Here … Continued

Top 10 Wellness Items for the Holidays
This is one time of year when you really want to feel your best. But travel, family gatherings, gift shopping and numerous get-togethers can be minefields of health woes—from cold and flu bugs to hangovers. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks to staying well this winter and enjoying it all. Here’s your cheat sheet … Continued

Top 10 Local Gifts from Minnesota for the Holidays
When you’re shopping for the holidays, you want that “just right” gift – one that’s unique, special, and fits your friend or loved one. Whether you’re sending presents in the mail or shopping for someone who “has it all,” here are our top 10 gifts from Minnesota. 1. Tey Art alpaca socks | For cozy … Continued
