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Archive for the ‘Nutrition’ Category
Paneer Cheese and Its Health Benefits!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Paneer, also called Indian cheese, can be produced from the milk of sheep, goats, cows, and other mammals. It is prepared by heating raw whole milk and then adding food acid (usually lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid) to it to separate the curds from the whey. When the milk coagulates, the curds are drained and the excess liquid is pressed out. It is similar to Ricotta cheese except that it is in block form. The resulting paneer is dipped in chilled water for 2–3 hours to give it a good texture and appearance.
From this point, the preparation of paneer in India diverges based on its use and regional variation. In most cuisines, the curds are wrapped in cloth and placed under a heavy weight, such as a stone slab, for 2 to 3 hours and then cut into cubes for use in curries. Pressing for a shorter time (approximately 20 minutes) results in a softer, fluffier cheese.
In Eastern Indian and Bangladeshi cuisines, the curds are beaten or kneaded by hand into a dough-like consistency. In these regions, it is distinguished from ponir, a salty semi-hard cheese with a sharper flavor and high salt content. Hard ponir is typically eaten in slices at teatime with biscuits or various types of bread, or deep-fried in a light batter. In the area surrounding the Gujarati city of Surat, surti paneer is made by draining the curds and ripening them in whey for 12 to 36 hours.
Health Benefits
Paneer, prepared by the most simple method, has many health benefits and it is good to know about them. Indian cheese is a treasure of good nutritional elements. It is easy to digest and can be used in a number of preparations. It is used in most Indian homes. Paneer can be used in sweets, savories, and in gravies of dishes too.
Indian cheese is a rich source of calcium. This helps in building strong teeth and bones. Paneer has the health benefit of helping to prevent osteoporosis, which is a curse of old age. Women who have attained menopause and men above the age of 65 should make it a rule to include such foods in their diet to get 25% of calcium through food.
Paneer eaten in moderation could help reduce weight. It is good to note that many people who wish to lose weight include Indian cheese in their daily diet.
Paneer also gives the health benefits of reducing the development of Insulin Resistance Syndrome. Hence, it is all about tackling the problem of insulin-dependent diabetes.
Including paneer in one’s daily diet helps to give the health benefit of providing the protein required by the body for growth and renewal.
It is, however, also interesting to note that Indian culture believes that paneer cheese provides protection against cancer. Equally interesting is Indian culture states that this cheese helps prevent stomach disorders in people as they grow older. One thing that health practitioners can agree on is that paneer is a storehouse of calcium, which has the benefit of making bones stronger and helping prevent brittle bones as we age. Since it promotes strong bones, paneer also helps to prevent and reduce back and joint problems.
To conclude, anyone who has realized the health benefits of paneer should make it a rule to include this delightful cheese in their diet. The ways in which Indian cheese can be used are many and varied and most people would enjoy the taste and flavor also. We definitely enjoy cooking with paneer here at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. and the Getaway Studio.
Please note that Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. is working very hard to become a licensed WSDA Grade A Dairy! We are currently following all their guidelines to produce safe goat milk and goat milk products. We are following the law here at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc. and we will not sell any goat milk until our WSDA license is finalized and approved. In the meantime, we are making and testing various cheese recipes for our family. When our license is finalized we will know exactly which is the best recipe to sell to our customers.
Please pre-order Paneer Cheese from Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
We will not sell any cheese until we officially receive our WSDA Grade A Dairy license. Until then, we are keeping a waiting list of all future customers so we can also evaluate the volume of cheese we will need to plan for once we have our license.
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Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide
4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Website: www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Online Store: www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com
Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:
Monday – Saturday
8:00 a.m. – Noon; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.
Getaway Studio Dining Room
& Bed and Breakfast
Phone (509) 928-8900
Directions to Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
From I-90 East or West
Take the Sullivan Exit (291B) – South for about 3 miles
Turn left on Saltese (east), and continue straight for .5 mile
Turn right on South Chapman Road (south), and proceed .9 mile
The farm will be on the left-hand side of the road – 4301 South Chapman Road
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The History and Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate form Mountain Valley Farm
Friday, July 15, 2011
Historical and Archaeological records show that the cacao bean used in making modern chocolate has been used for thousands of years. Mesoamericans, pre-Columbian Paleo-Indians dated to circa 3500 BCE, drank the cacao been ground with other ingredients to make a bitter beverage. These ancient people whose remains are found in southern north America were originally hunter-gatherers who established agricultural settlements due in part to the cacao tree. The Classic Maya Period (circa 250-900 CE) the ancestors to the Mesoamericans took the trees from the ancient rainforest settlements and replanted it into their fields to harvest, ferment, roast and grind the cacao seeds into a paste.
In the 1400’s, the Aztecs began trading for cacao or were given “tribute” in cacao seeds from those whose territories were conquered. The Aztecs mixed the cacao with peppers and other native spices to create a beverage, much like their ancestors. Most of these bitter drinks were consumed by rulers and royalty, and by priests while performing sacred ceremonies. These seeds were also given to their gods as offerings. It was during the conquests of the conquistadors in 1521 that the Spanish saw the benefits of cacao and imported it back home. This would be the beginning of modern consumption of Cacao. Within 100 years, cacao spread across Europe, and with the addition of sugar, a product unknown to the Americas, chocolate was born and quickly became loved by nearly all who consumed it.
Today, there are many forms of chocolate, mainly dark, milk and white. Dark chocolate, has the purest cacao bean; milk chocolate, the most popular form of chocolate, includes milk and sugar which dilutes the cacao. White chocolate is a chocolate that contains no cacao at all. And with so many marketed products, there are nearly as many urban legends about chocolate. We hear that chocolate causes acne, causes cavities and headaches, gives consumers the jitters, and is an aphrodisiac. Because of these claims, many studies have been done to find out what the properties of chocolate really achieve. Below are the findings of various universities’ studies:
- The Pennsylvania School of Medicine and US Naval Acadamy sought to find out the truth behind the claim that chocolate causes acne. The result? Cacao DOES NOT affect our skin; the many other added ingredients, however, can.
- Chocolate has often been the blame of cavities; but, according to the Osaka University in Japan, “cacao contains antibacterial agents that actually fight tooth decay.”[1] It is the sugar from the mass production of the candy that can cause cavities.
- At the University of Pittsburgh, studies were done to find out if chocolate should really be blamed for headaches. An average headache IS NOT related to the consumption of chocolate. As a matter of fact, the small amounts of stimulants found in processes cacao are also found in some headache medicines and, in fact, can stop headaches. Their studies do suggest that chocolate can trigger migraines.
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that the polyphenols (the antioxidants inhibiting oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol) in red wine and green tea are comparable to the polyphenols in cacao.
- Cocoa butter found naturally in dark chocolate, according to NUMEROUS studies, does not raise blood cholesterol levels; rather, it acts more like the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil.
In short, the benefits of dark chocolate are exemplary. Much like medicines given to us for high blood pressure, headaches, coronary artery disease and so on, the consumption of dark chocolate is a natural way to keep out bodies in good health, without the concerns of side-affects from the synthetic alternative.
To learn about available Dark Chocolate Goodies:
Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Organic Dark Chocolate Cookies & Fudge for Sale
Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide
4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949
www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com
Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:
Monday – Saturday (Pacific Time) 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m. Daily
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.
Please visit all our farm sites:
Blog Sites:
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com
Drupal Sites:
Flash Sites:
www.getawaystudiobedandbreakfast.com
www.getawaystudiodiningroom.com
OS Commerce Sites:
www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
We ask that you bookmark these sites and share them with your friends.
Check back often, as we will be adding more products and information.
We look forward to hearing from you!
[1] A Sweet Life. “The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate.” Accessed at: <http://asweetlife.org/a-sweet-life-staff/featured/the-health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate/14405> ©2011
The History and Benefits of Sheep Milk from Mountain Valley View Farm
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The history of milking sheep can be dated all the way back to the times of Herodotus of Halicarnassus, the famous Greek historian living in the fifth century BCE. He spoke of two kinds of sheep in Arabia (only described as having long and broad tails), both used in the production of not only animal sacrifice, but also of the milking industry. Jason and the Argonauts, Greek mythology composed in roughly the third century BCE, also discusses not only the story of the Golden Fleece, but the consumption of sheep milk as well. In the image below, sheep can be seen in the relief found in Pompeii, the Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Basically, sheep milk has been consumed for its amazing rejuvenating properties for thousands of years. But what are those “magical properties” found in sheep milk?
- Relief found on the walls of Pompeii
Sheep milk is richer in vitamins A, B, and E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium than cows milk and goats milk combined. Although most of us know these vitamins are good for us, we may not know exactly why. Vitamin A, in basic terms, functions as a metabolite used in the retina allowing us the ability to see color. Vitamin B increases our metabolism, keeps our skin healthy, enhances our immune and nervous systems, promotes cell growth, and can also reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Calcium is not only good for bone health, but also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and even helps pregnant moms stay healthy. Phosphorus also helps our bones as well as assisting in our digestion, protein formation, energy, cell repair, and hormone balance. Potassium helps our heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system function properly and magnesium helps the transmission of nerve impulses, detoxification, body temperature regulation, and energy production. It also helps the formation of our bones and teeth.
There are however even more benefits to the consumption of sheep milk. It has higher short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Unlike long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) better known as saturated fat, SCFA and MCFA are absorbed in the GI tract more efficiently and contribute to metabolism boosting and hold potential as weight loss agents.[1] Sheep milk also has more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than the milk from cows, pigs, goats, horses, or even humans. CLA is a relatively newly discovered good fat that some say is a cancer fighter. In some recent studies, CLA has slowed the growth of tumors in the skin, colon, prostate, and breasts of lab animals (Human studies are now underway). As a matter of fact, women with CLA in their diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 60 percent. And although there is a synthetic version of CLA used mostly for diet and muscle building, there are potentially serious side effects. Synthetic CLA can cause a raise in glucose levels and a reduction in HDL, otherwise known as “good” cholesterol. Natural CLA, however, has no known negative side effects. Thus, grass-fed sheep produce over two and a half times the CLA found in cattle raised in feedlots.[2]
In short, sheep milk is an amazing, all natural way to nourish our bodies, both inside and out, as well as reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. It boosts our metabolism, helping to reduce weight gain and even makes us look and feel rejuvenated by giving us energy and a healthy glow. It is the attainable fountain of youth, a bottled immune system, and all you have to do is ingest it either by drinking milk or eating sheep milk cheeses like humans have been doing for thousands of years.
To purchase your own attainable fountain of youth, otherwise known as sheep milk, see flier below for prices and directions to our farm and/or delivery options!!
Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
Your Source for Northwest Farm Fresh Foods Shipped Worldwide
4301 South Chapman Road
Greenacres, Washington 99016-8732 USA
Phone (509) 928-1800 | Fax (509) 922-9949
www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
Email: sales@mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
Blog with us at www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com
Mountain Valley View Farm Hours:
Monday – Saturday (Pacific Time) 8:00 a.m. – Noon
Closed Noon – 1:00 p.m. Daily
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Other farm hours by advance appointment only.
Please call (509) 928-1800 to schedule an appointment.
Getaway Studio and Tasting Room
Phone (509) 928-8900
Directions to Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc.
From I-90 East or West
Take the Sullivan Exit (291B) – South for about 3 miles
Turn left on Saltese (east)
Continue straight for .5 miles (east)
Turn right at South Chapman Road (south)
Keep going south (.9 miles)
The farm will be on the left hand side of the road – 4301 Chapman Road
Karen’s Pet, Animal, and Farm Store is also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online for our customer’s convenience.
Feel free to order online at your convenience.
Please visit all our farm sites:
Blog Sites:
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmblog.com
Drupal Sites:
Flash Sites:
www.getawaystudiobedandbreakfast.com
www.getawaystudiodiningroom.com
OS Commerce Sites:
www.mountainvalleyviewfarm.com
www.mountainvalleyviewfarmstore.com
We ask that you bookmark these sites and share them with your friends.
Check back often, as we will be adding more products and information.
We look forward to hearing from you!
[1] U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Medium chain fatty acid metabolism and energy expenditure: obesity treatment implications”. © 1998. Accessed from <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9570335>.
[2] “A literature review of the value-added nutrients found in grass-fed products.” Nutrition Journal, June 2006 (In Press). Accessed from < http://www.eatwild.com/cla.html>
Raw, Organic Sheep Milk For Sale!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The delicious, creamy milk produced by our East Friesian sheep is not only gentle on the stomach and naturally more nutritious than cow and goat milk, it is also raw and organic. We also craft handmade, all-natural sheep milk soaps that are soothing and moisturizing for the skin.
Benefits of Raw, Organic Milk
Raw milk comes fresh from the animal, unpasteurized and unhomogenized. Organic milk comes from healthy animals that have never been given growth hormones and are fed a natural grass diet free from pesticides and other chemicals. Both raw milk and organic milk have significant health benefits, and the goat milk provided by Mountain Valley View Farm is both.
Many people are already aware of the factors in favor of organic milk: a tasty beverage that is free of chemicals (particularly pesticides) that accumulate in the body, causing an increased risk in cancer and other health problems. Organic milk is also higher in nutrients, particularly Vitamin A, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. But not everyone is aware that the health benefits of raw, unpasteurized milk go even deeper. The pasteurization process uses extreme heat to kill all bacteria found in raw milk; however, this also kills all of the good bacteria that aid in digestion and destroys the naturally occurring enzymes that make raw milk so nutritious. Furthermore, in removing fat from the milk, commercially processed dairy is lacking in significant portions of fat-soluble vitamins and triglycerides—good fats that the body needs. Even more importantly, pasteurization destroys the immunoglobins (antibodies) in raw milk that provide a boost to the immune system that can help fight off viruses and bad bacteria. For more information about the benefits of raw milk, click here.
Benefits of Sheep Milk
Like goat milk, sheep’s milk is naturally more nutritious and healthy than cow’s milk—but even better, for it contains significantly higher levels of protein, calcium, Vitamins A, B, D,and E, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous than goat’s milk. Although sheep milk is higher in fat than cow or goat milk, these are mainly heart healthy unsaturated fats that have no negative impact on cholesterol. Sheep’s milk also contains the highest concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) found in any type of milk. CLA is known to have cancer-fighting properties.
Sheep milk is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, even for infants and those who are lactose intolerant—once again, even moreso than goat milk. Up to 75% of lactose intolerant people, even those who cannot tolerate goat milk, are able to drink sheep’s milk without any adverse side effects. Most people find sheep milk tastier than cow or goat milk: rich, sweet, and creamy without the slight tanginess of goat milk. Many who try sheep milk once never want to go back to anything else. For more information about the benefits of sheep milk, click here.
With all the nutrition of raw, organic milk and the added benefits of sheep’s milk combined, our farm fresh milk is an excellent choice for your family! Please note that we do understand any caution you may have about raw milk, and will be happy to pasteurize it upon request.
Benefits of Sheep Milk Soap
Commercial soaps are not as kind to the skin as most people expect. The commercial soap making process removes naturally-occurring glycerin, a key moisturizing ingredient that is retained in all handmade soaps. Furthermore, the additives in traditional soaps are rarely gentle: harsh chemicals, alcohol, and sometimes even petroleum products, all of which can irritate and dry out the skin, leaving it itchy and red. In contrast, our handmade soaps are made with natural ingredients that are gentle and soothing—and our organic goat milk provides many excellent benefits.
Sheep milk soap is rich with butter fat and proteins that nourish the skin, as well as almost double the vitamins and minerals of other milk soaps. In sheep’s milk, the milk and cream do not separate, so that soap made from sheep milk contains all of the rich, moisturizing properties of the milk and cream combined. Sheep milk soap also contains lactic acid that acts as a natural, gentle exfoliant, leaving skin soft and glowing, feeling revitalized. It is particularly soothing for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Prices
Raw Sheep Milk*
- $5/pint
- $10/quart
- $15/half-gallon
- $30/gallon
Organic Sheep Milk Soap
- $2/oz
*Plus refundable jar deposit of
- $0.50/pint jar
- $1/quart jar
- $1.50/half gallon jar
- $2/gallon jar
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Sheep milk products are available for pickup at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc:
4301 S Chapman Rd
Greenacres, WA 99016
You can also find us at the following area farmer’s markets:
Spokane Public Market
32 W. 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99210
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed – Fri
Spokane Farmers’ Market
5th Ave between Division & Brown
Spokane, WA 99210
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed & Sat
Spokane Northside Farmers’ Market
315 E. Francis
Spokane, WA 99205
Wed 3 – 7 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market
1421 N. Meadowood Lane
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sat
Or you can arrange to have products delivered to your home. Delivery charge will vary depending on your location. Call 509-928-1800 for more information, or to schedule a time to pick up your delicious organic sheep milk!
Farm Fresh, Organic Eggs For Sale!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Mountain Valley View Farm is proud to announce that we are now selling farm fresh, organic eggs. We have 3 different types of chicken: Plymouth Barred Rock, Red Star, and the unusual Aracauna that lays beautiful blue and turquoise colored eggs. We also have 7 breeds of duck that lay eggs for us, and we are planning to add geese and turkeys to our flock soon. All of our birds are free range, hormone and antibiotic free, and fed a fresh grain feed that contains no soy or animal bi-products so that you can always be sure you are getting the best quality organic eggs.
Benefits of Organic Eggs
Organic eggs are extremely nutritious and contain significantly higher ratios of Vitamins A and E, Omega 3, and beta carotene than commercially produced eggs. They are also lower in cholesterol and saturated fat, making them an excellent choice for anyone concerned about their health. Furthermore, trace chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers have been detected in commercial eggs, and many of these chickens are given growth hormones and antibiotics to make them produce more. Chickens at Mountain Valley View Farm are fed an all-natural grain and allowed to roam and forage for food to supplement their diet. We do not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers on our farm, nor do we give our animals growth hormones or antibiotics, so you can be assured that our eggs will not have the toxins so common to commercially produced eggs. You will also love the taste of our eggs, as studies have shown that organic eggs from hens that eat a varied diet have a noticeably stronger and more pleasing flavor than commercial eggs.
Benefits of Duck & Goose Eggs
Duck eggs are significantly larger than chicken eggs, and goose eggs are larger still. One goose egg, when cooked, will be roughly equivalent to four chicken eggs, and both duck and goose eggs also have more yolk than the average chicken egg. Thicker shells lend themselves toward a longer shelf life (at least 6 weeks in the refrigerator), and goose eggshells are so thick that they are perfect for the delicate art of carving and embossing beautiful designs directly onto the shell. Both duck eggs and goose eggs are slightly higher in protein content, as well as containing greater concentrations of other nutrients like iron, potassium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D.
Duck and goose eggs have their own unique flavors as well. Duck eggs have a noticeably stronger flavor than chicken eggs, and although not everyone may care for this taste when eaten plain, nearly everyone agrees that duck eggs are unparalleled when used for baking. Their richness produces moister, fluffier baked goods–absolutely incredible cakes and cookies. Goose eggs taste similar to chicken eggs, but seem a bit drier. They are also thicker than chicken eggs and have a custard-like yolk. They are also wonderful in cooking and are best in sweet confections and omelets.
Pricing
Organic Chicken Eggs
- $6/dozen
Organic Duck Eggs
- $1.25/egg
- $16/dozen
Organic goose and turkey eggs will be available soon.
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Our farm fresh, organic eggs are available for pickup at Mountain Valley View Farm, Inc:
4301 S Chapman Rd
Greenacres, WA 99016
You can also find us at the following area farmer’s markets:
Spokane Public Market
32 W. 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99210
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wed – Fri
Spokane Farmers’ Market
5th Ave between Division & Brown
Spokane, WA 99210
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed & Sat
Spokane Northside Farmers’ Market
315 E. Francis
Spokane, WA 99205
Wed 3 – 7 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Liberty Lake Farmers’ Market
1421 N. Meadowood Lane
Liberty Lake, WA 99019
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sat
Call 509-928-1800 for more information, or to schedule a time to pick up your delicious organic eggs!
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