Organic

It can be a common misconception that dairy products are bad for you – but when it comes to fresh and local dairy, these products pack a punch when we’re talking about nutrients. From bone health to immune health, fresh and local dairy contains various vitamins and minerals that aid in overall good health. There are countless ways to incorporate some of Tacoma Boys’ favorite fresh and local dairy products into yours and your family’s lifestyle. 

The Benefits of Fresh and Local Dairy

Including fresh and local dairy products on your shopping list is a great way to add a good source of calcium and protein to daily meals. Local and organic dairy has proven to be more nutritious than traditional dairy products sold on the market. Choosing to buy local and organic dairy is a healthier option so you’re able to avoid any unwanted chemicals, added hormones, or unnecessary pesticides.

It’s important to note that dairy may not be for everyone. If you or someone you know has an allergy or an intolerance to dairy, Tacoma Boys carries a great selection of non-dairy milks and creamers that are bound to give you the same satisfaction! This is a great alternative for dairy-lovers who are unable to consume dairy because they are unable to digest the lactose found in dairy products. These non-dairy products also work great for those who choose not to include dairy in their diets due to other external factors. 

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Local Dairy Products

Smith Brothers Farms

Smith Brothers Farms has been around since 1920 and has provided 100 years of fresh and local dairy to the Pacific Northwest. They are family owned and operated and provide truly some of the best dairy products around. 

Our Favorite Smith Brothers Products

• Organic Whole & 2% Milk
• Chocolate Reduced Fat Milk – yum
• Half & Half
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Eggnog
• Cultured Buttermilk
• Cottage Cheese
• Sour Cream

Grace Harbor Farms

Grace Harbor Farms is another family owned and operated farm since 1999. All of the products are made without gums and artificial flavors, and come from organic-style farming where the animals have pasture access. This allows for healthier animals resulting in healthier dairy products!

Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Grace Harbor Farms Products

• Plain Kefir
• Vanilla Kefir

Kefir is a fermented drink that contains high levels of probiotics. These probiotics are beneficial to gut health which in return helps with a healthy immune system. Kefir contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antibacterial properties. Additionally, as with many dairy products, kefir can aid in overall bone health, making it a great product for kids as they grow!

Cooking With Dairy

Consuming a meal with nutrient-dense local dairy is a great way to start your day! From homemade pancakes to overnight oats followed by a soup lunch and pasta dinner, dairy is here and ready for it all!

Breakfast

• Customizable Overnight Oats by If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
• Soft & Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes by Recipesby Carina 
• Caramelized Onion Frittata by The Modern Proper

Lunch & Dinner

• Creamy Potato Soup by Spend With Pennies
• Lemon Chicken Scallopini by Cafe Delites
• Creamy Vodka Tomato Sauce Pasta by Julia’s Album

Dessert – Because we all need a treat sometimes!

• The Best Homemade Whipped Cream by Joy Food Sunshine
• Death by Chocolate Ice Cream by Delish
• Homemade Cheesecake with SourCream Topping by Classy Clutter

Tacoma Boys’ Iced Vanilla Mocha

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso – cooled
• 6 oz Smith Brothers Chocolate Milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Ice
• Homemade whipped cream – optional

Directions

1. Fill your serving glass up with ice.
2. In a separate cup, quickly whisk together the chocolate milk and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the cooled espresso into your serving glass over ice, and follow with the chocolate milk mixture.
4. Give it a good stir and garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Tacoma Boys’ Blueberry Kefir Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild frozen blueberries
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla kefir
• 1/4 cup pure pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup water or coconut water

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender.
2. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Serve & enjoy!

Swing On In!

Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to check out the dairy selection to whip up one of these delicious meals or treats. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our helpers and we will guide you in the right direction!

Americans are spending $47 billion a year on food that is labeled organic.

Organic foods have been described as having more nutrients and less toxic chemicals and pesticide residue than non-organic options. They also have a lower overall risk of bacterial contamination.

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. These are plants, animals, or other microorganisms whose genetic makeup has been genetically modified in a lab through engineering.

Does organic mean non GMO? Can you be certain that your organic foods have not been subject to this type of engineering?

Let’s take a look.

The Organic Advantage

Organic foods are produced, prepared, and processed without the use of any chemicals. Chemical pesticides, preservatives, and fertilizers cannot be used while they are being grown.

Those foods labeled “organic” at the grocery store must have at least 95% organic ingredients. “Natural” is not regulated by the USDA and does not mean the same thing as “organic.”

Organic foods typically cost more than their non-organic counterparts. This is due largely to more expensive farming practices.

The benefits, however, make the cost worth it to many individuals and families.

When it comes to meat and milk, for example, organic products tend to have 50% more omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally produced products. Omega-3’s are excellent for reducing your risk of heart disease and fighting anxiety. They can also help reduce symptoms of ADHD in children.

Organic milk also has less saturated fat than their non-organic counterparts.

Organic veggies may have more antioxidants. These protect against free radicals, which play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other health problems.

The mineral and sugar content in organic foods can also make them tastier because the crops are given more time to mature.

Does Organic Mean Non GMO?

The short answer to the question is yes. The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified products, is prohibited in organic products.

A farmer is not allowed to plant GMO seeds if the food is going to be labeled organic. An organic cow can’t eat GMO corn and organic prepared food can’t be packaged with any GMO ingredients.  Farmers can use other labels like: Made with organic ingredients

Organic farmers may plant their seeds early or late to avoid cross-pollination with GMO crops that are growing at the same time. Any planned equipment must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid unintended exposure to GMOs.

Eating Without GMOs

Eating GMO-free also has a host of health benefits. Genetically modified foods get injected with chemicals to make them last longer, meaning that the food is not always as fresh as it looks. They are also richer in certain vitamins and minerals, including fatty acids.

Foods made with GMOs can create bacteria-resistant strains that can lower your body’s immunity to illnesses. But overall, no conclusive evidence has shown that eating GMO-free will make you less susceptible to getting sick.

But I think we can agree that GMO-free foods are fresh and better for the environment. GMO’s chemicals can cause soil erosion and increase pollution. Non-GMO eating is more friendly to your surroundings.

Clean Eating

Does organic mean non GMO? Yes, it always does. And by eating organic, you will be doing your family and the earth a favor.

For more information on healthy eating, find more great articles to read on our blog here.

The USDA says that if 95% of a food product is made up of organic ingredients, it can get labeled organic.

Organic food is typically richer in nutrients, and free from pesticides and potential bacteria found in non-organic food.

If you are beginning to seek out organic food in the South Sound, you’re likely making changes to improve the health and well-being of your whole family.  We can help with that!

But it is hard to know when and why to spend extra on the organic variety and where can you find the real stuff that will really improve your diet? (Shameless plug: Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce)

Here are our favorite organic grocery shopping tips.

1. Know What “Organic” Means

Food must meet certain standards in order to get labeled “organic” by the USDA.

Items can be labeled 100% organic, organic (95-99% organic,) made from organic ingredients (74-94% organic,) or specific organic ingredients may be listed.

Organic products have been produced without antibiotics, growth hormones, petroleum-based fertilizers, or pesticides. They must meet certain standards approved by the USDA, including lengthy application, record-keeping, and inspections.

The word “natural” is not synonymous with organic. Natural labels are not regulated by the USDA and may be somewhat misleading.  If you’re at one of our 3 stores, we make it easy.  Just ask one of our friendly employees who are always happy to help!

2. Intimate Grocery Shopping Experience

Healthy eaters have learned that shopping the perimeter of the grocery store can provide them with a more nutritious diet, as most stores put their fresh produce along the perimeter.  But at Tacoma Boys, our local stores are more intimate, and we have great fresh food throughout our entire store!

Focus on providing yourself with a colorful variety of fresh fruits and veggies. The rainbow of colors reflects a variety of vitamins, minerals, and photo nutrients.

Your body also needs two servings of protein a day. It can help you repair tissue and build muscles and bones.

Lean proteins like fish, chicken, and turkey can decrease your appetite and increase muscle strength. Salmon and other fatty fish are also a great source of Omega 3’s, which can lower your blood pressure and help reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

An organic seal on meats means they have only been fed organic feed, and they have not eaten any bi-products of other animals. All organic meats have been subject to regular inspections by USDA-certified inspectors and we carry a wide variety!

3. Don’t Forget Your Fresh and Local Dairy

Organic dairy products typically contain more vitamins and no antibiotics. They have higher levels of Omega 3’s, iron, and Vitamin E, all of which have impressive health benefits.  And we carry lots of local organic dairy products.  As fresh as it gets!

Many dairy products contain potassium, calcium, and Vitamin D that are essential for the health and maintenance of your body. If you don’t drink milk, consider picking up some drinkable yogurt, smoothies, almond milk or pre-portioned cheeses to strengthen your bones and immune system.

4. Check Out The Weekly Specials

Shopping organic can take a little more time than ordinary grocery shopping. So be sure to check out your weekly specials before heading to the store, and plan out your meals accordingly. Sign up for our weekly specials here and stay up to date on all of our featured items of the week to save you time in store!  And we’re always here to help, so feel free to ask any of our friendly employees if you need help finding something specific.

5. Whole Grains For The Win!

Organic whole grains are one of the great reasons to shop organic.  They just taste so good! They are loaded with nutrients that include fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Whole grains can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Whole grains have everything we need to fuel our day for work, kids and families!

Whole oats, brown rice, and rye are all great investments in your and your family’s health.

Grocery Shopping Tips

Shopping organically can be a tricky change, but we make it easy at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. You can save time with a quick trip in and out, and keep your family eating well by following a few simple grocery shopping tips.

For more information on healthy eating, read our blog today.

If you’ve ever asked yourself: “How can I save money at a produce stand near me?” you are in luck. Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce is more than you could hope for.

Breaking away from processed and packed foods and switching to local fruits and vegetables is a healthy choice. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to cost more to make this change. There are plenty of ways to invest in fresh, local produce at low prices.

Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce offer the freshness and quality of a produce stand with the convenience of a 24-hour store.

We make it as easy as possible for you and your family to eat healthy. Follow these tips and you will never have to ask “How can I save money at a produce stand near me?” again!

Think “Local Produce Stand Near Me” Instead of Big Chains

There are local produce stands and local farmer’s markets all around you. During most of the year, that is. Living in the Pacific Northwest means that we have to do our shopping indoors once Fall and Winter roll around.

Every year, local stands become more and more popular. Many people have been making the switch to shopping locally for their produce. Shopping for local produce is a great way to find some amazing deals that you would never be able to find in a larger chain grocery store.

Buy According to the Season

When you purchase produce that’s in-season, you will find that it’s more affordable. You’ll also find that it often tastes better; because that particular item was picked and sold at its peak. An added health benefit to eating fruit in season is that it often contains more nutrients than the same product in the off-season.

Expect to see deals and sales on in-season produce because of the quantity and quality produced.

Freeze / Preserve What You Don’t Eat!

One sure way to save some money is to preserve your produce right after purchasing it. This is a great way to take advantage of in-season pricing! Buy what you can afford, eat what you need, then preserve or freeze the rest.

Freezing Produce

There are different methods that work well for each type of fruit or vegetable.

Some of the best fruits and vegetables for freezing are:

• Kale
• Corn
• Berries
• Peaches
• Avocados

Think of this process as an investment. Plan ahead and bulk up/preserve what produce you use most.

Preserves

You may love some delicious jam on your toast in the morning, or pickles with your sandwich for lunch. At one time these tasty treats were a necessity! Long before refrigeration was accessible to the general public, cultures across the globe developed ways to preserve their produce, so that they would have nutritious, delicious food items through the winter.

There are many ways to pickle or preserve your fruits and vegetables. If you you’d like to experiment with the final product without going through the process, try some of our specialty canned items! We have an amazing selection that you will not find in any other store.

Produce Doesn’t Have to be Perfect

Remember, you don’t need perfect produce. Local farms and stands often mark down the produce that isn’t the prettiest. Some people might call this “choosing seconds,” but as long as it tastes good, a few bruises or discoloration still works for canning, eating raw or other recipes.

Truthfully, at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we are sticklers for quality. You may not find ugly produce at our markets but you’ll still find the great deals. How is that possible?

We keep inventory rotating so the produce you take home is fresh and delicious every time. When specific fruits, vegetables, and even meats are in-season we put them on our Weekly Specials Flyer at a great price to make sure we sell out.

Remember this next time you see a deal on your favorite produce; they tend to go fast!

Choose a Different Lifestyle

So the next time you ask yourself, “Where’s a produce stand near me,” know that your local Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce are a great 24 hour option!

Hopefully, we can be a fresh, local resource for you. Our team gives the best customer service and we love to offer free samples!

Looking for ideas on what to cook with your newfound fresh produce? Check out these recipes for more tips on how to enjoy our produce and meats.