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10367 San Pablo Ave.
(510) 526-1155
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10387 San Pablo Ave.
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Home / Archives for Health foods

Roasted Salmon & White Bean Salad Recipe

June 20, 2023 by The Natural Grocery Company

If you’re looking for a healthy, gluten-free meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Roasted Salmon & White Bean Salad recipe is just what you need. Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health. When paired with white beans, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, this dish becomes a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

 

Not only is this Roasted Salmon & White Bean Salad recipe delicious, but it’s also a great option for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. By using gluten-free ingredients and skipping the bread, this meal is completely gluten-free. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying gluten-free meal, give this Roasted Salmon & White Bean Salad recipe a try. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

 

Roasted Salmon and White Bean Salad

Serves 4

Total time: 30 minutes

Gluten-Free

 

2 pounds salmon fillet

¼ cup smoked paprika

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

¼ cup olive oil

 

Salad:

½ pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

2 Persian cucumbers, diced

½ cup crumbled feta

1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

½ small red onion, julienned

 

Dressing:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon tahini

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 large garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon sea salt

 

2 cups pea shoots

1 cup prepared tzatziki

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Place salmon skin side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Combine paprika, salt, and cumin. Rub salmon with spice mix then drizzle on oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145° F.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the salad by tossing together tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, beans, and red onion in a serving bowl. Whisk together dressing ingredients until well blended then toss with salad. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Place salmon on a platter and spoon dressed salad over salmon. Garnish with pea shoots and serve with tzatziki sauce.

Filed Under: Blog, Eating Well, Health foods, Recipe Ideas, Stores_both

Rainbow Veggie Onigirazu Recipe

June 17, 2023 by The Natural Grocery Company

Are you tired of the same old lunch options? Do you want to add more plant-based protein to your diet? Look no further than this Rainbow Veggie Onigirazu recipe, featuring tempeh! For those who are unfamiliar, onigirazu is a Japanese rice ball sandwich that’s wrapped in sheets of seaweed called nori instead of bread. It’s a convenient and portable option for lunch on-the-go. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite fillings.

In this recipe, we’re using colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage, along with tempeh, a fermented soy product that’s packed with protein and nutrients. Tempeh has a nutty flavor and a firm texture, making it a great meat substitute for those who are trying to cut back on animal products.

Not only is this Rainbow Veggie Onigirazu recipe beautiful to look at, but it’s also delicious and satisfying. The combination of nutty tempeh, crunchy veggies, and fluffy rice is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in a variety of nutrients in one meal. Give this recipe a try for your next lunch or meal prep session. You won’t be disappointed!

 

Rainbow Veggie Onigirazu

Serves 8

Total time: 1 hour

Gluten-Free

 

Rice:

2 cups sushi rice

3 cups water

1 teaspoon sea salt

⅓ cup rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons cane sugar

3 tablespoons furikake sushi seasoning (See Notes)

 

Pickled Vegetables:

½ cup red bell pepper, 2-inch julienne

½ cup orange bell pepper, 2-inch julienne

½ cup yellow bell pepper, 2-inch julienne

⅓ cup julienned carrots

 

Pickling Liquid:

⅓ cup rice vinegar

2 teaspoons cane sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 large garlic clove, minced

¼ teaspoon crushed red chilies

 

8 12-inch square nori sheets

⅓ cup vegan sriracha mayo

2 8-ounce blocks seasoned tempeh

½ cup cucumber, 2-inch julienne

⅓ cup purple cabbage, shredded

 

  1. Place rice, water, and salt in a medium pan and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for 15-18 minutes. Turn off heat and allow rice to rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together the pickling liquid ingredients and toss with vegetables. Allow to rest for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir together rice vinegar and cane sugar until dissolved. Place rice on a large baking sheet and pour over mixture, sprinkle on furikake, and fold rice to incorporate. Divide rice mixture into 16 even portions.
  4. To assemble: place a nori sheet on a dry surface, lay a rice portion in the center creating a flat 3-inch square shape, use wet hands to keep rice from sticking. Next, dollop 2 teaspoons sriracha mayo in the center then place a piece of tempeh on top. Arrange pickled vegetables, cucumber, and purple cabbage to form a rainbow pattern. Finish off with another portion of rice, forming it into a square and covering the fillings. Fold up nori sides, using water to seal the seams. Tightly wrap completed sandwich in plastic film and allow to rest for 15 minutes before eating.

 

Note: Some furikake seasonings contains fish, you should check when you are buying it.

Filed Under: Blog, Eating Well, Health foods, Recipe Ideas, Stores_both

Reishi Mushroom Smoothie: A Nutrient-Packed Way to Start Your Day

June 7, 2023 by The Natural Grocery Company

If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option that will boost your immune system, improve your focus, and give you sustained energy throughout the day, look no further than the reishi mushroom smoothie. This delicious and nutritious smoothie is packed with powerful ingredients like reishi mushrooms, dates, and cacao that offer numerous health benefits.

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi mushrooms, are one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms in the world. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to boost immunity, improve energy levels, and promote longevity. Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties.

In addition to reishi mushrooms, this smoothie contains dates, a natural sweetener that is a great alternative to refined sugar. Dates are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and they have a low glycemic index, which means they won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Dates also contain essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Cacao is another superfood that adds flavor and nutrition to this smoothie. Cacao is the raw form of chocolate and is a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, and fiber. It also contains theobromine, a natural stimulant that can improve mental focus and enhance mood. However, it’s important to note that cacao is not the same as commercial chocolate, which often contains added sugar and other ingredients that can negate its health benefits.

This Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie is an excellent way to start your day with a boost of nutrients and health benefits. Reishi mushrooms, dates, and cacao are all powerful superfoods that can support your overall health and wellness. So, try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits!

 

Reishi Cappuccino Smoothie

 

Serves 1

Total Time: 5 minutes

Gluten-Free, Vegan

 

1 frozen banana

1 cup oat milk

2 tablespoons almond butter

4 deglet dates

1 tablespoon cacao nibs or powder

1 teaspoon reishi mushroom powder

 

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy.

Filed Under: Blog, Eating Well, Health foods, Recipe Ideas, Stores_both

Voting Open for EBX Best of The Bay

April 13, 2023 by The Natural Grocery Company

It’s that time of year! Time to vote for the Best of the Bay in the East Bay Express Reader’s Poll.
 
We are very proud that readers have chosen The El Cerrito Natural Grocery Store as the Best Natural Foods Store in the East Bay for 2021 and 2022. Let us know how we’re doing with your vote for 2023. The category is Everyday – Best Natural Foods Store.
 
https://vote.eastbayexpress.com/

Filed Under: Blog, El Cerrito Store, Health foods, Non-GMO, Organic foods, Sustainability

In Local News…

April 4, 2023 by The Natural Grocery Company

It’s all about us!

The Richmond Standard is talking about The Natural Grocery Company, our origins and evolution. Check out the article.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Business Practices, El Cerrito Store, Health foods, News, Organic foods, Stores_both

Women’s History Month: Granola Guru

March 11, 2022 by The Natural Grocery Company

We are celebrating Women’s History Month by calling attention to some of our local vendors that are women owned!

Granola Guru

Owner: Anaya K.

Meet Granola Guru, a women-owned and women-powered Oakland, California company, committed to excellence. Anaya started The Granola Guru as a personal mission to transform and elevate a timeless classic. Their small batch artisan granola is designed to provide you with sustainable energy throughout the day.
They thrive off their 5 core values:
  1. Quality locally sourced ingredients

  2. Healthy Living

  3. Purity

  4. Nourishment

  5. Outstanding Flavor

 

We love what they do!

We’ve put together raffle baskets that feature this great women owned business along with several others. Stop by the Berkeley or El Cerrito Stores to enter.
 
Thank you Anaya and Granola Guru!

Filed Under: Health foods, Local Producers, Stores_both

Women’s History Month: Cult Crackers

March 3, 2022 by The Natural Grocery Company

We are celebrating Women’s History Month by calling attention to some of our local vendors that are women owned!

Cult Crackers

Owners: Dianna Dar & Birgitta Durell

 

Meet Cult Crackers, a women-owned and women-powered Bay Area company, makers of delicious small-batch organic crackers. Cult Crackers co-founders, Dianna and Birgitta, are local moms who met while volunteering at their daughters’ school in Berkeley. They became good friends and business partners when they launched their artisan cracker company. The two women are passionate about what they do, making a good-for-you snack that people love. Their biggest fans are their teenage daughters who also help out at their family-run small business. Cult Crackers, in their colorful red and blue recyclable bags, are a customer favorite.

Their totally addicting crackers are filled with good-for-you organic ingredients and packed with flavor and crunch. They bake their crackers at the Berkeley Kitchens, a wonderful community of small food producers in Berkeley, California.

They want you to enjoy their crackers knowing they’re made with your health and our planet in mind. From the very beginning they decided if they were going to do this, they were going to do it right, using their business as a force for good. They are commited to using only the highest-quality organic ingredients they can find, are certified organic, mix and bake every batch of crackers by hand, package in sustainable packaging, pay their employees a living wage, and do things with care and intention.

They love what they do, and that Cult Crackers nourish people in so many different ways.

We love what they do too!

We’ve put together raffle baskets that feature this great women owned business along with several others. Stop by the Berkeley or El Cerrito Stores to enter.
 
Thank you Cult Crackers!

Filed Under: Blog, Business Practices, Health foods, Local Producers, Organic foods, Stores_both

Thank You Cult Crackers

February 10, 2022 by The Natural Grocery Company

Cult Crackers is one of our 40th Anniversary Sponsors. In every raffle tote you will find their crackers.
 
Birgitta and Dianna make and sell Swedish crackers with a healthy California twist from their headquarters in Berkeley, California.
 
Their totally addicting crackers are filled with good-for-you organic ingredients and packed with flavor and crunch.
 
Birgitta’s favorite cracker is their best-selling Crunchy Cassava Crackers because of its crunchy goodness. Dianna favors the Classic Seed Crackers for their sweet, rich flavors. But hold on, because according to their website, they’re working on a new cracker flavor which is becoming a new fave for both of them.
 
Cult Crackers wants you to enjoy their crackers knowing they’re made with your health and our planet in mind. From the very beginning they decided if they’re going to do this, they’re going to do it right, using their business as a force for good. Cult Crackers is committed to using only the highest-quality organic ingredients they can find, are certified organic, mix and bake every batch of crackers by hand, package in sustainable packaging, pay our employees a living wage, and do things with care and intention.
 
We love what they do, and that Cult Crackers nourish people in so many different ways. Thank you Birgitta and Dianna!

Filed Under: Blog, Eating Well, Health foods, Local Producers, Organic foods, Stores_both

Staff Pick – Violife

September 23, 2019 by The Natural Grocery Company

STAFF PICK – VIOLIFE by Kristy, Housewares Buyer

“Many people know this about me; I am … was a cheese junky. Cheese on pasta, cheese on sandwiches, cheese on crackers… you get the idea.  Then one day my world changed, and I could no longer digest lactose or casein (milk sugar and protein). Oh, no! Now what?

I tried all kinds of alternatives, none of which satisfied me in the same way as “real” cheese, and none of them tasted too great either. I soon gave up, and while brushing a small tear from my eye, realized that my cheese-eating days were over.

Luckily, my despair was short-lived, as it appeared one day, at El Cerrito Natural Grocery – Violife! I couldn’t believe it! Finally, an alternative cheese that tasted like the real thing! No soy, no gluten, no funky aftertaste! This is a non-GMO plant-based cheese that has the same feel and consistency as “real” cheese, and the flavors are spot on. I put it to the test and ate it plain – fantastic! I melted it on a burger – beautiful!

If you’re vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, lactose intolerant, or if you just want to cut down on cholesterol, this may be a good choice for you. I could go on about how great these products are, but really, I think that it’s best that you try it yourself.”

Filed Under: Blog, El Cerrito Store, Health foods, Non-GMO, Staff Picks Tagged With: Staff Picks

Broccoli and Quinoa Salad

October 9, 2017 by WineAndBeer

RECIPE

Broccoli and Quinoa Salad (adapted from Bon Appétit Magazine)

Good make-ahead side dish or vegetarian entrée.

Serves 6 as a side or 2-3 as an entree.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup Alter Eco dried white or red quinoa, rinsed (ON SALE)

2 small or one large head of broccoli, stalk end trimmed (about 1 pound)

6 pitted dates, chopped

3 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced

4 ounces (about 1 cup) Rumiano sharp cheddar cheese, cut into ¼-inch cubes (ON SALE)

1/3 cup diced roasted almonds

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons or more fresh lemon juice

Salt—for boiling the quinoa and to season the dish

PREPARATION

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 cup of quinoa and return to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a lively simmer, uncovered, 12-15 minutes. Taste quinoa to make sure it’s tender. Once tender, drain quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, shaking off as much excess water as possible. Dump the drained quinoa back into the saucepan and cover saucepan, placing two layers of paper towels underneath the lid.

Shave off thin layers of the broccoli florets with a knife, rotating the stalk, until you reach the thicker stems. Trim stems off the stalk and peel the stalk with a vegetable peeler until you reach the tender, light green interior. Chop stalk into ¼-inch cubes and add to the bowl.

Add the dates, scallions, cheese, almonds, and quinoa. Add several generous pinches of salt and the red pepper flakes and toss to combine. Add olive oil and lemon juice and toss again. Cover salad with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the salad. Let sit at least 30 minutes before serving (or transfer to an airtight container and chill for up to 3 days). Toss again, taste, and re-season with additional salt, red pepper flakes, and/or lemon juice if needed before serving.

Quinoa

Broccoli

Filed Under: Health foods, Recipe Ideas Tagged With: Recipe

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EL CERRITO STORE
10367 San Pablo Ave.
(510) 526-1155
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EL CERRITO ANNEX
10367 San Pablo Ave.
(510) 526-5150
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Wine: 9am-8:30pm
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1336 Gilman St.
(510) 526-2456
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