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.

Potting plants and herbs is a terrific way to garden that doesn’t depend on the yard that surrounds your home. So here are some tips for how to make your gardening and planting successful. (more…)

When you search for a “butcher near Tacoma,” do you consider the different services they may offer, and ways they cut and season the meat? Here are 5 things a butcher can do to improve your meat market experience.

A recent USDA study found that pre-packaged meat (the stuff on Styrofoam, wrapped in plastic) had over 211 different drug residues. Why? Because those meats are sourced from “factory farms”.

So, if you’re not interested in eating meat with residual antibiotics and hormones, then it’s time to visit your local  butcher!

Sourcing meat from a local butcher near Tacoma is an easy and sustainable way to incorporate organic meats into your meals.

Read on for the 5 things you didn’t know you could ask your Tacoma butcher.

1. They Cut and Tenderize for You

Some cuts or dishes require special equipment (like a bone saw). If you don’t have one of those in the depths of your pantry, there’s no need to fret.

Just ask your butcher to cut or tenderize the meat for you.

They’ve got the necessary equipment and space. Plus, it’ll save you a load of prep time once you get home.

2. They Season Your Meat for You

Who better to season the meat than a person who works with meat for a living?

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we have our own brand of rubs and sauces that perfectly pair with the cut you’re looking for. Most butchers have their favorites for beef, pork and chicken.

All you have to do is ask, and prior to the packaging, the butcher can season the meat to perfection.

Now that the meat is cut and seasoned, it just leaves the cooking to you! All you have to do is gather your ingredients and recipe to get dinner going.

3. Your Butcher Near Tacoma Can Special Order

Are you looking for something a little out of the norm? Maybe a goose or a turducken (that would be a chicken inside a duck, inside a turkey)?

Ask the butcher! They can work miracles behind the meat counter.

They may not have what you want on hand, but if you give them a few days’ notice, they can most likely order it for you!

If you’re short on time, you can always give one of our stores a call and the meat department will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

4. They can Teach You a Thing or Two

Some people avoid the butcher counter because they don’t know what kind of meat to ask for or what to do with it once they get it home. If that sounds like you, it’s okay! Just tell the butcher.

It’s actually a lot of fun for us if you have no idea what you’re looking for. It’s like giving an artist a blank canvas and letting them create a masterpiece. The butcher might ask you some questions like:

• Which cuisines you typically enjoy?
• What type of dish you’re looking to cook?
• What’s your skill level?

The butcher can then  offer suggestions as and instructions on the best way to prepare the cut.

The average American consumes about 200 lbs. of meat each year. So, you might as well learn how to shop for it, and cook it well!

5. Your Butcher Can Help You be Environmentally Friendly

Last but not least, a butcher near Tacoma can help you source your meat sustainably. They know that purchasing an entire animal from a local and reputable farmer is the best way to guarantee that the meat is a high quality and doesn’t get wasted.

If you don’t live with 12 other people, then buying a whole cow or pig is unrealistic. One option is to find a group of friends who are interested and having a butcher divide, package, and prepare the animal into equal parts for the whole group.

You’ll have fresh, frozen, meat for an entire year!

Now Try it Out!

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we are proud to be an amazing option when looking for a Butcher near Tacoma. Not only do we offer an amazing meat section, but thousands of labels of beer and wine, fresh produce, and amazing specialty food items. Not to mention our ceramic pottery, floral and planting options.

Come and visit one of our expertly trained butchers, and embrace what Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce are proud to offer the greater Tacoma area. You’ll never find our meats under plastic or on Styrofoam plates. Our all-natural deli case meats are fresh, organic and hand wrapped, just like in the old days.

Read Next: 5 Easy Meals You Can Make in Minutes

We all know having a balanced, fruit and vegetable diet is important, right? After all, that’s what our parents always told us. However it seems most folks never took this advice to heart.

According to the USDA, we need 2.5 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit per day. However, the average American only consumes about 1.6 cups of veggies and 1 cup of fruit. How do fruits and vegetables fit into your diet plan?

Fruits and veggies contain all kinds of useful minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and can help your waistline. They can also be a great source of fiber.

That said, many of us struggle with maintaining a fruit and vegetable diet. If you belong in this group, here are 5 ways to enhance your fruit and veggie diet.

1. Change Your Approach

Change the way you think about fruits and vegetables.

All too often people associate fruit and vegetable diets with a bad experience, maybe from as far back as childhood. For example; They may associate sliced tomatoes with a slimy tomato they got on a stale sandwich or corn with salty canned corn served at their grandma’s house in the eighties.

The truth is, fruits and vegetables are amazing when selected and served correctly!

Instead of shopping for canned vegetables, buy them fresh from your local produce market. If you have any questions make sure to ask the employees.

At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce we pride ourselves in a staff that is ready answer your questions and offer suggestions.

Click to find out what’s in season.

Find new ways to serve your fruits and vegetables. Sliced, sautéed or baked with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Discover the variety of colors available with a fruit and vegetable diet. It’s truly amazing how a colorful meal can inspire a meal for friends and family.

Whether shopping for tonight’s dinner for one or a family’s meals for the week, think about which fruits and/or veggies would taste good with it. As you experiment and try different options, you will find the preferences of you and those around you.

2. Take It to the Road

Some of us get hungry while we’re out running errands or on the way home. This is a perfect opportunity to add another serving of fruits and vegetables into your diet!

Remember to pick convenient on-the-go snacks. Some good examples include baby carrots, blueberries, and celery sticks. Having a small container of almonds or walnuts is a shrewd choice that stores well and adds protein to your daily snacking.

The next time you are shopping at your local Tacoma Boys or H&L Produce, look into our dried vegetable and fruit options. Banana Chips and Wasabi Peas are age old favorites.

Fun Fact: Peas are not actually vegetables. Can you guess what they are?

3. Be Ready

You are more likely to eat vegetables if they’re at hand, washed and ready to eat. There are a few ways to go about this.

You can buy pre-cut, pre-washed veggies, or you can chop them yourself.

How to cut fruits and vegetables the right way.

No matter which option you choose, your vegetables should always be stored in your fridge, ready for munching.

Think about what containers you use and where you place your vegetable snacks so that they are easily accessible.

While prepping your healthy snack time options, place a container of hummus or low-fat ranch near by. Having such dipping options handy will only increase your likelihood to maintain a solid fruit and vegetable diet.

4. Drink Your Fruits and Veggies

Processed juices are not a good way to increase your fruit intake. They are often high in sugar, low in key nutrients and honestly don’t tastes as good as freshly made juice. Instead, try making juices and smoothies on your own!

We often think of fruit when referring to juices and smoothies, but vegetables can be a healthy and delicious ingredient as well. Find fun ways to combine both fruits and vegetables depending on what’s in season and your desired end result.

Click here for vegetable juicing ideas.

You can often purchase vegetable smoothies off the shelf at your neighborhood grocery store, or you can make them on your own.

Click here for vegetable smoothie ideas.

Also, consider adding some other items to your smoothies. Avocados, almonds, and chia seeds are all a great fit. These foods add some healthy fats and nutrients while enhancing the fruity taste.

5. Find Your Favorites

With such a wide variety of fruits and veggies out there, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a handful you like. Once you have a couple of favorites, keep buying them.

By understanding your preferences and exploring the foods you like, you’ll be more likely to stick to your diet. There are so many different recipes and ways to prepare each fruit and vegetable.

That said, it would do you good to leave your comfort zone once in a while. After all, experimenting with new options is the easiest way to find a new favorite. It may be that you don’t care for fresh tomatoes, but absolutely love them sautéed or sun-dried! Maybe boiled or steamed broccoli has never been your thing, but baked with a little olive oil, salt and pepper is!

More on a Fruit and Vegetable Diet

Considering all the benefits of a fruit and vegetable diet, it’s a wonder why so many people choose to ignore it. Thankfully, it’s never too late to change your ways and increase your fruit and veggie intake.

Not sure where to get fresh produce in Tacoma, WA? You can always visit one of our three stores. We’ve got a great selection of fruit and vegetables at affordable prices!