…A prequel to our “What’s For Dinner?” meal helper.
Stock Your Pantry: a selection of basic ingredients any natural foods cook loves to have on hand. Minimally-processed organic basics make the simplest meal taste gourmet!
Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Full of healthy, cholesterol-free saturated fats. Withstands high heat without oxidizing. Anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. Can also be used topically for hair or upset skin. Worth researching: coconut oil benefits to the liver and heart.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Versatile, supports many flavors. Withstands heat due to an abundance of stable Omega-9 fatty acids. Olives are high in polyphenols (anti-oxidants). May be used topically on skin or hair.
Raw Honey
Not heated or filtered. Contains myriad minerals and enzymes. May reduce allergies to pollen when sourced locally. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties. May be used topically for skin upsets.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Fermented, boosting digestion, providing beneficial bacteria and enzymes, as well as necessary acid to the stomach. After metabolism, ACV is surprisingly alkalizing. Suitable for salad dressings, braising, or as a digestif. Wonderful hair rinse.
Maple Syrup
The highest in minerals of all sweeteners. Bob’s sweetener of choice.
Ghee
“Clarified” butter contains minimal lactose while preserving the high Omega-3 content of grass-fed dairy. Withstands high heat beautifully. Delicious on steamed vegetables.
Pasture Butter
Grass-fed dairy has an impressive healthy fats profile. Vitamin-rich pastured butter aids absorption of other nutrients. Find grass-fed butter in the dairy case.
Sea Salt
Never bleached, free of caking agents, extremely high in minerals.
Miso
Fermented legumes provide flavor, probiotics, and enzymes. Good for marinating meats, in salad dressings, or as a soup base. Find miso in the fermented foods refrigerator, next to beverages.
Soy Sauce, Liquid Aminos, or Coconut Aminos
Provide flavor in a variety of applications.
Mirin
Sweet, slightly fermented rice seasoning can take the place of white wine in cooking. Takes the edge off a dish sharp with vinegar. Great for braising.
