eSutras Organics

Luster, Shine & Color

2010-06-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Chemical-based hair products can be damaging and drying for hair. Especially in the summer, when the sun is out and sizzling hot, your hair can really show the wear and tear from years of chemical processing.

eSutras has created some organic, natural, effective and chemical-free herbal hair products that will nourish, condition and improve the strength of your hair, while adding color and depth. They're easy-to-use and can be prepared from the comfort of your own home. There are some definite up-sides to home hair dying with natural herbs and botanicals, like more variety of color range (and the chance for you to play around with mixing colors), better smell (adding essential oils and fragrances make your dyes smell yummy!) and of course, herbs aren't as abrasive on your hair and scalp as chemical dyes.

Dying your hair with eSutras is easy! Chamomile Tea for adding sheen to blond locks. Rosemary for lightening. Cloves and Henna Powder for darkening. Brahmi Hair Oil for moisturizing your scalp and roots. Rose Hips for reddening your mane and Aloe Lavender Shampoo for a refreshing clean.

You can use different herbs - many of which can be found on the eSutras website - to condition any hair type, dye any hair color, de-frizz, voluminize, you name it really. Try elder flowers for dry hair; lemongrass for oily hair; nettle leaf for dandruff; or burdock root for managing frizzy hair!

Elder Flowers from eSutras Organics

As for natural hair dyes, eSutras Chamomile Tea combined with lemon juice will create amazingly bright blonde highlights. If used daily, effective results can be seen in just a few weeks! This may seem like a long time - a very time intensive process - but if you think about all those times you've used boxed, chemical dyes, you'll understand the appeal of a longer, gentler process. Remember that chemical dye in your scalp and under your fingernails for days? The acidic fumes of chemical dye? The burning on your scalp during the process? The mess? We promise, slow and steady wins the race!

Chamomile Flowers from eSutras Organics

eSutras Henna Powder and Indigo Leaves, mixed with lemon juice, will give a naturally lush and vivid dark brown or black color, with hints of violet. This was Cleopatra's favorite!

For natural red coloring, try eSutras fresh-cut rosehips or whole cloves mixed with beetroot or carrot juice. If you're looking for red highlights, boil 1/3 cup of crushed marigold flowers in 2 cups of water. Strain and add 1 cup of red wine. Massage into hair and leave in for 30 minutes. Shampoo lightly and voila!

Cloves from eSutras Organics

Marigold Flowers from eSutras Organics

There's a lot more information out there that I don't have the time to include in this post. Read up and get educated before starting this process. Even though these products are natural, they may not always react well with the individual. Always patch test and make sure you're not allergic to anything. Happy Hair Coloring, everybody!

Recipes for the Summer Spice Trio!

2010-06-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

Recipes for the Summer Spice Trio

Leslie Loves Veggies Loves eSutras!

2010-05-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Want some free goodies from eSutras? We bet you do!

Leslie Loves Veggies - the notable interactive blog that offers awesome daily giveaways of organic, gourmet, trendy, great, yummy, you-name-it products - is offering an eSutras Prize Package giveaway! We're so excited to be a part of Leslie's blog!

Want to know how you can win? Visit the giveaway page for details!

Leslie says, HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

1. YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST or all other entries will be DELETED! Please visit eSutras Organics shop around then tell me something you learned about eSutras Organics or a product you would LoVe to try! (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES

2. Subscribe by Email and Confirm that Subscription (1 entry)

3. Subscribe to Leslie Loves Veggies in a Reader (1 entry)

4. Follow Me on Blogger (1 entry)

5. Like Leslie Loves Veggies on Facebook (2 separate entries)

6. Follow ME on Twitter (1 entry)

7. Follow eSutras on Twitter (1 entry)

8. Leave a Tweet and the direct link to that tweet (1 entry) You can do this Daily

9. Like eSutras on Facebook (1 entry)

10. FOR 5 EXTRA ENTRIES - Blog about this giveaway, with a link to my blog and come back and leave the link to your blog post. Post FIVE separate comments that you've blogged about this.

11. Add my button to your sidebar (if it's already there, let me know that! Leave link to your blog.) (1 entry)

12. Add Leslie Loves Veggies to your blogroll (using my URL), with a link back to me! (1 entry)

Survivin' the Summer with eSutras

2010-05-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Chill Out

It's hot out there. But don't sweat it. Cool down and chill out with eSutras Herbal Teas. Mix 'em, match 'em, put 'em on ice and serve 'em up!

Picnic Time

Organic spices & culinary oils for dipping, bruschetta for spreading, teas for sipping and chocolates for munching!

Sun Survival

Beat the heat with help from eSutras! Soothing tinctures, healing essential oils and relaxing spa products for your summer survival needs.

April Showers, Summer Flowers

Stop and smell the roses! With eSutras fragrant, fresh-dried botanicals, pure essential oils and custom-blend elixirs, it's easy to bring aromatherapy home. Enjoy the little things.

Summer Spice Trio

2010-05-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

The days are getting longer, it's definitely hotter and we're all feeling a little lazy as summertime strikes. I know when I start to feel that heat-induced ennui that it's time for some fresh food, a new recipe and a refreshing meal. eSutras has made a new Summer Spice Trio - find it here - for just these moods. Exotic and revitalizing spices to complement sunny days, picnics, sandy beaches and summer ennui.

Summer Spice Trio by eSutras Organics

CORIANDER SEED +++

Today I discovered that coriander seed grows into a plant otherwise known as cilantro. Who knew!? Coriander always seemed so Mediterranean or Middle Eastern, so foreign, but cilantro? I grow it in my backyard! That's the great thing about eSutras Organics Coriander Seed: it can be all those things. It's easy to cultivate in a tiny kitchen planter, the leaves are fantastic in tons of dishes and the seeds - when ground and used as a spice - are sweet, unusual and distinct.

CELERY SEED +++

These little buggers are the best for pickling. You may have tasted their sharp and refreshing flavor in sauerkraut. I know you've all got lots of time with these extra hours of summer sunlight, so why not take the time to pickle something? Green beans, cabbage - for that celery seed sauerkraut! - or radishes are really complemented by celery seed's full-bodied flavors.

BROWN MUSTARD SEED +++

Mustard seed is a regular jack-of-all-trades. It's good-eatin' to be sure, and can used as a pickling spice too. They can be roasted until they pop and stir-fried with vegetables. Eat them however you like. Ground them up and mix them with a carrier oil - in the winter, brown mustard seeds are soothingly warm on the skin and provide your body with the moisture it's lacking. Cool!

Organic, Vegan Amaranth Grits

2010-05-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Amaranth, flowering

Wondering what you can do with all those delicious items you bought from eSutras over the weekend at the Green Festival in Chicago? Well, we've done some experimenting with the food kits we made for the occasion and this is one of the results! Our Vegan Amaranth Grits are easy, exotic, taste bud-bending and mouthwatering. They incorporate the essentials of the food kits, and can be made with either the Pan-Asian or New American kit.

Pan-Asian Epicurean Food Kit by eSutras Organics

Be forewarned: Amaranth can be tricky. The wrong consistency will give you brittle, gritty kernels, but with a little patience and focus, Amaranth can be seriously delicious. Follow our instructions carefully, add adjustments if you think they're necessary, depending on your knowledge of your kitchen equipment and remember that your hard work will pay off! Amaranth is not only savory, but one of the world's more serious super grains, chock full of protein and vitamins.

Toasted Sesame Oil, Curry Chili Salt & Loose Cumin Seed

VEGAN AMARANTH GRITS by eSutras Organics
1 cup eSutras Organics Amaranth
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
3 cups water, or vegetable stock
2 T. eSutras Organics Toasted Sesame Seed Oil
2 t. eSutras Organics Cumin Seed, finely ground
eSutras Organics Curry Chili Salt, to taste
Hot Sauce, to taste (optional)
Garnish: 2 plum tomatoes, sliced; 1 spring onion, chopped

Combine the amaranth, garlic, onion and water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 20-25 minutes).

Add the Heart Healthy Oil. Stir well and combine. If the mixture is too thin or the amaranth not quite tender (crunchy, not gritty!), boil gently while stirring constantly until thickened (about 1 minute). Add Cumin Seed powder, and Curry Chili Salt to taste.

Stir in a few drops of hot sauce, if desired, and garnish with chopped tomatoes and spring onion.

Et voila! A hearty, healthy, animal-friendly meal!

Organic Cumin Seed

Loose Curry Chili Salt

Organic Amaranth

Green Festival, Chicago

2010-05-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Look for eSutras Organics at the Green Festival in Chicago, IL - THIS WEEKEND! May 22nd and 23rd, we'll be on Navy Pier strutting our stuff. We made some really unique, festive kits for the occasion. Pictures are below :

All products by eSutras Organics (left to right):

Curry Chili Salt, Amaranth, Brown Flax Seeds, Sesame Seed Oil, Chinese 5-Spice, Spicy Rose Sugar & Cumin Seed

100% USDA Certified Organic

Epicurean Food Kit - Asian Flavor

All products by eSutras Organics (left to right):

Citrus Salt, Amaranth, Golden Flax Seeds, Heart Healthy 5-Oil Blend, Cajun Seasoning, Cocoa Vanilla Sugar & Fennel Seed

100% USDA Certified Organic

Epicurean Food Kit - European Flavor

All products by eSutras Organics (left to right):

Botanical Wood Protector, Ready-to-use Orange Cleaner, Concentrates of: Bio Degreaser, Orange Cleaner, Pot and Pan Cleaner, Window Cleaner, Floor Cleaner & Furniture and Floor Polish

100% USDA Certified Organic

All-Natural Home Cleaning Kit

By the way, did we mention we've redesigned our website? Find it here: eSutras Organics.

More from Louisville, KY

2010-05-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

We're just so excited about the many opportunities we've been given this past year. Here are more pictures of us from Ferdinand's Ball at the Kentucky Derby, just a week ago. Photos courtesy of courier-journal.com. Check them all out - they're stunning!

There's our Epicurean Gift Basket in the foreground.

Fantastic place settings: eSutras goodie bags on display!

Dustin watches over his fruit & chocolate creations.

Kenny wines and dines patrons at Ferdinand's Ball.

There's A'isha, our boss, at the gala!

Great Success

2010-05-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

The mint juleps are gone. Super Saver took home the gold. eSutras Organics participated in the highly anticipated gala - Ferdinand's Ball, to support racehorse retirement at the Old Friends center - and was a real hit. All in all, we'd say the Kentucky Derby of 2010 has been a real success. Here's the play-by-play of our exciting weekend.

RTfuzzykiwiman - via Twitter for eSutras [11:09 AM, April 29th]:

Rolling down I65 on the way to #FerdinandsBall. Soul on the radio and Kenny at the wheel. LOUISVILLE OR BUST!

Indiana Windmills, the 1-65

Kenny at the wheel, Louisville in the background

RTfuzzykiwiman - via Twitter for eSutras [1:47 PM, April 29th]:

@FerdinandsBall @eSutrasOrganics is looking at Louisville. Checking in at our hotel. Happy to be in town for #FerdinandsBall

What a beautiful weekend for the races!

RTfuzzykiwiman - via Twitter for eSutras [3:01 PM, April 29th]:

@eSutrasOrganics Eating at Bearno's by the Bridge. Come on in and meet the eSutras team!

Smile, Kenny! Welcome to Bearno's Pizza.

RTfuzzykiwiman - via Twitter for eSutras [3:41 PM, April 29th]:

@Ferdinandsball @eSutrasOrganics On our way to the Frazier Museum to set up for #FerdinandsBall

Inside the Frazier Museum, Ferdinand's Ball

Fruit, eSutras Organics Chocolate & Gourmet Sugar

Delicious!

RTfuzzykiwiman - via Twitter for eSutras [8:31 PM, April 29th]:

@eSutrasorganics #ferdinandsball is being very receptive and adventurous with our products.

The band, Ferdinand's Ball

eSutras Organics Chocolate, melted into a

decadent fondue pot. Yum yum!

Our sincere thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement.

This one was for Ferdinand.

New Year, New Look; Same Great Quality

2010-04-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard, but we're designing a new website! It's classy, cute, original, spunky, fresh and functional (if I do say so myself).

Here's a little taste of some of our new promotional material. Eye-catching new designs, bright colors and thoughtfully-composed images. But, as always, the same great products at affordable prices!

Happy Earth Day!

For Ferdinand

2010-04-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

LOUISVILLE, KY -- Find eSutras Organics at the Kentucky Derby on April 29th for Ferdinand's Ball, the kickoff gala to benefit Old Friends, the Kentucky non-profit thoroughbred retirement facility for racehorses, and to promote awareness and the eventual end to racehorse abuse.

eSutras is donating our products - really lovely gift baskets - for the gala's silent auction and offering samples of some of our delicious food items for patrons and guests. We don't need to tell you this, but just to reiterate: eSutras will always be cruelty-free, vegetarian, small-batch and traditionally handcrafted in the United States. Putting an end to the needless slaughtering of our majestic, prized thoroughbreds is something we really care about!

The gala is named in honor of Ferdinand, the 1987 winner of the Kentucky Derby. Sent to a breeding facility in Japan in the mid-nineties, it was later discovered that Ferdinand had been slaughtered, and to the surprise of his previous owners, who were never told of his fate. 15% of all horses slaughtered in the United States every year are former thoroughbred racehorses. Can you believe we treat these majestic animals (and not to mention expensive investments and prized possessions) so carelessly? What a waste of beautiful life!

So you can imagine that we're really excited to be present at the event to show our support. It will be hosted by NBC's Access Hollywood anchor, Maria Menounos, and catered by chef Kathy Cary of Lilly's Restaurant in Louisville. Lilly's is known for its deliciously authentic Kentucky cuisine, and for always using the best, most local, organic and natural products on the market. We're honored to be in such admirable company!

We'll be starting a countdown and displaying some of the amazing things we'll be bringing with us to the Derby in the coming weeks.

TGIF, everybody. Have a great weekend.

We're Really Proud of ....

2010-04-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

... our new eSutras Organics Gourmet Spices line. Just launched today, and with astounding results! We've only got three spices right now, but they're strange, enticing and delicious. Find them - as usual - at the Dill Pickle Co-op in Logan Square, Chicago (3039 W. Fullerton Ave.).

Pomegranate Peel Powder, Fenugreek Seed & Lemongrass

Wondering what you can do with said strange, yet enticing gourmet spices? Here's what we think:

Pomegranate Peel Powder: Pomegranate Peel isn't a flavoring agent, but it is jam-packed with nutrients, which is why we suggest you use it as an herbal supplement. Add just a little bit of eSutras Organics Pomegranate Peel Powder to your morning smoothie, yogurt, cereal or to soups and stews. According to studies in nutrition and food science, Pomegranate Peel offers you double the amount of vitamin C and antioxidants than is found in the pulp or juice of the fruit.

eSutras Organics Pomegranate Peel Powder, Loose

Fenugreek Seed: Fenugreek is a Middle Eastern spice, used in traditional pickling processes and curry powders and pastes. It has a delicious maple syrup-esque flavor, which is probably why it's commonly used as a lower cost substitute for syrup. We recommend adding eSutras Organics Fenugreek Seed to rice and vegetable dishes, potatoes, leafy greens, curries and stir-fries.

eSutras Organics Fenugreek Seed, Loose

Lemongrass: Lemongrass is most commonly used fresh in curries and soups, but the dried version that we sell still has that fresh, citrus flavor perfect for seasoning veggies, rice, curries, soups and more. In African and Latin American countries, Lemongrass is often steeped to make a healing tea (we haven't tried this, but it sounds pretty darn good). Lemongrass has purportedly powerful anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties.

eSutras Organics Lemongrass, Loose

Enjoy, everybody. Don't forget you can e-mail marketing@esutras.com for more details, comments, suggestions and questions. And if you're interested in any of the products we feature on this blog, shoot us an e-mail about that, too, because readers can receive 10% off any of these delicious items!

Berberé, Panch Phoran, Quatre-Epices, Vindaloo

2010-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what all these words have in common? No? Well, we'll just tell you because we're about to burst with excitement . All our new eSutras Organics spice blends are now available at the Dill Pickle Co-op in Logan Square, Chicago!

We've got new packaging, a new look and a bunch of amazing, unusual blends that you'd be hard-pressed to find at other Chicago grocery stores. Here's a little taste of our fantastic new design: 4 oz. of eSutras Cajun Spice seasoning, traditional Bayou Goodness.

Find the Dill Pickle here:

View Larger Map

Wondering what exactly Panch Phoran, Berberé or Vindaloo spice blends are? Check the blog in the next few weeks to find recipes and uses for some of our more exotic varieties.

eSutras Organics Chinese Five-Spice Blend

For now, here's a little bit about eSutras Organics Quatre-Epices Spice Blend:

"Quatre-Epices" literally means "Four-Spice" in French (It's a blend made of four spices, eh? Ours includes Black Peppercorn, Clove, Nutmeg and Ginger). It is used in a variety of traditional French dishes, but it's also found in lots of Middle Eastern cuisine, too. Use eSutras Quatre-Epices spice blend if you want to add peppery heat to soups, stews and vegetables. Season pasta and sauces with a red wine base with Quatre-Epices. Delicieux!

eSutras Organics Quatre-Epices Spice Blend

We're excited to get creative with lots of our products. Have suggestions for improvements or things you'd like to see? Feel free to e-mail marketing@esutras.com with ideas!

Exciting News

2010-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Find us, as of yesterday, on the shelves of your local Chicago co-op, The Dill Pickle. We've got some of your favorites, including chocolates, agave nectar, teas and our amazing spice blends.

Visit the Dill Pickle at 3039 W. Fullerton Ave.

eSutras Organics Toasted Sesame Seed Oil - the best in the business!

eSutras Organics Espresso Energy Chocolate Blend - our Vegan and Espresso chocolates.

100% Vegan!

eSutras Organics Defense Tea - made with astralagus, amla, hoodia, rosehip, ginger root, schizandra berry, hibiscus petal, licorice root, neem leaf, stevia leaf, ashwagandha root, goldenseal, rosemary and our special proprietary blend of spices. Fights colds and tastes delicious!

Or visit the Dill Pickle's website, found here: http://dillpicklefoodcoop.org/.

The New Green Drink for St. Paddy's Day

2010-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Forget green beer, green rivers, green eggs this St. Patrick's Day. We've got a new green drink for you this holiday! Use the coupon code at the bottom of this post for 10% off eSutras Organics' Absinthe Kit and party with the green fairy this holiday (which, as you may have noticed, is already 25% off!).

Enjoy the world's notorious alcoholic spirit, made traditionally and organically!

Absinthe was first popularized in 19th-century France and has been enjoyed through the years by the likes of Edgar Degas, Toulouse Lautrec, Picasso, Oscar Wilde & Ernest Hemingway.

The oldest technique for making absinthe is simply to steep wormwood and other spices like star anise, anise seed, fennel, hyssop, angelica root, coriander or peppermint in an alcoholic drink like beer, wine or a neutral spirit (we're talking the serious stuff: grain alcohols like vodka). Our kit provides the ingredients to make your own traditional, steeped recipes!

The kit also provides you information on different recipes, rituals and traditions from all over the world for making and drinking your delicious homemade absinthe.

Use this code - ESBLOG - at esutras.com for an extra 10% off our organic Absinthe Kit.

Happy Holidays!

Mamas & Babes Love Organics

2010-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

We know it's early, but we're getting ready for Mother's Day here at eSutras (you've got until May 9, if you were wondering and getting a little worried). We just redesigned some of our superb spa and home products and threw 'em together as a pampering package for moms and their little ones. Say hello to the Babies Love Organics Family Kit!

"Forty-two days of care for forty-two years ...."

According to the 6,000 year-old medical texts in Ayurveda, moms are as psycho-physiologically delicate as their newborn babes for forty-two days after childbirth. But moms have so much to do during the first months of their babe's lives that they often sacrifice their physical well-being for their child's needs. Ayurvedic tradition stresses the necessity for mutual rejuvenation - for baby and mommy alike - during this special forty-two day window, so that mama can nurture and provide for her babe and the world for the next forty-two years!

Our kit is designed with this Ayurvedic mantra in mind. It offers traditional herbal therapies for mama and babe that strengthen mutual bonding, lactation, happiness and health and provide comfort for those sensitive areas of the body most affected by childbirth.

We love the new look - colorful and rich with a classic Art Nouveau feel - but we especially love all the perks of the kit, which includes:

+ A Soap Nuts Laundry Kit: a natural, effective alternative to typical detergents; perfect for those with sensitive skin; and good for up to 30 loads of laundry. Find it here.

+ Baby Massage Oil: fantastic for baby and mom! Gentle enough for mom's sensitive stomach and breast and babies' new, young skin. This stuff rules, truly.

+ Lavender Buds Pouch: smells divine; fill any room with the calming smell of lavender. I put mine under my pillow for seriously sweet dreams.

+ Lavender Bath Salt: for mom's only; relaxing, rejuvenating and stimulating. Baby gets bath time, so mom should too! We hope these salts are tempting enough!

+ Aloe Lavender Shampoo: ultra-moisturizing. Sensing a theme? We take great pride in our 100% Certified Organic lavender buds. This shampoo's got lavender buds aplenty. It's also vegan & paraben-, gluten- and wheat-free.

+ Ayurveda Loofah: this amazing plant fiber actually helps to tone body fat and remove cellulite; not to mention it's incredibly easy and fabulous to use. It looks a little unusual, I'll admit, but its benefits are innumerable.

+ Ayurvedic Tooth Powder: a safe & effective toothpaste substitute. Definitely piques my interest and apparently it prevents tooth decay!

+ Rosemary Essential Oil: relieves muscular pain and improves memory. I think all moms could use a little bit of this aromatic extract.

Look for the entire kit soon on eSutras' website! E-mail marketing@esutras.com if you read about the kit on the blog and would like a 20% discount! And don't forget to pamper your mom this Mother's Day.

Hump Day Special +++ FEATURED

2010-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

This blog is dedicated to spreading the word about the products we have at eSutras Organics - locally in Chicago, IL and around the globe through our online store (just in case you've forgotten, find us at: esutras.com). But we're also dedicated to the promotion of health foods, green living, nutrition, wellness and as importantly, those who advocate all these things like we do.

Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks writes a fantastic blog, her Healthy Recipe Journal, that features natural food recipes, alternative good eats and the nutrition benefits of eating natural, organic, vegetarian, etc etc etc. Superbly well-done, 101 Cookbooks is my go-to source for many of the recipes I test our eSutras Organics foods on.

Check out what Heidi has to say about Amaranth: A Few Favorite Grains.

Happy, Healthy Monday -

Hump Day Special +++ Super-Grain Amaranth

2010-02-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Rose and an Amaranth blossomed side by side in a garden,

and the Amaranth said to her neighbor,

"How I envy you your beauty and your sweet scent!

No wonder you are such a universal favourite."

But the Rose replied with a shade of sadness in her voice,

"Ah, my dear friend, I bloom but for a time:

my petals soon wither and fall, and then I die.

But your flowers never fade, even if they are cut;

for they are everlasting."

Aesop's Fables

==========================================

We're starting a new feature on this blog, something I'd like to call our Hump Day Special.

If you read about the Hump Day Special - a featured product we sell at eSutras Organics - on this here blog and then buy it on our website, you'll receive a 10% discount on that item! And if that isn't enticing enough, we're also providing you with all the information you need about the product right here, plus recipe ideas and other useful, nutritional tips.

So without further ado, eSutras Organic's first Hump Day Special is the super-grain Amaranth.

Amaranth can be used as a grain, its leaves eaten as a vegetable (think spinach or kale) and its flowers crushed to make a rich red dye. Since the 1970's, Amaranth's popularity has been on the up-and-up, especially in the world of the gluten-free diet. It's often confused with quinoa, its more popular wheat-alternative counterpart, but quinoa - and practically every other grain in the world - doesn't have nearly as many health benefits as poor, underrated Amaranth.

eSutras Organics Amaranth

Here are our Top 10 Reasons why Amaranth should rule the world:

+ Amaranth contains more protein than any other gluten-free grain and more protein than wheat. One cup of raw amaranth contains 28.1 grams of protein.

+ Amaranth is an excellent source of lysine, an important amino acid (protein). Grains are notorious for low lysine content, which decreases the quality of their proteins. This might mean as little to you as it does to me, but food scientists consider amaranth of "high biological value" because of its lysine levels, which rival the proteins found in milk. Now that I can understand.

+ More on protein: Amaranth contains an excellent combination of essential amino acids and is well absorbed in the intestinal tract. Bottom line: the amount, types and digestibility of proteins in amaranth make it an excellent plant source of high quality proteins.

+ Amaranth is second only to teff in calcium content. What the heck is teff, you ask? It's a neighbor to amaranth, quinoa & millet: another of the world's super-grains. We'll take the close second for Amaranth though.

+ Amaranth contains more magnesium than other gluten-free grains. 1 cup of raw amaranth contains 519 milligrams of magnesium. In comparison, an equal amount of white rice contains 46 milligrams of magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies have been implicated in the development of asthma, osteoporosis and ADHD.

+ Amaranth is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (as are most whole grains) and contains vitamin E in similar amounts to olive oil. It also contains high levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin and folate.

+ Amaranth contains more iron than other gluten-free grains. 1 cup of raw amaranth contains 15 milligrams of iron. Big deal, you say. But white rice contains only 1.5 milligrams of iron.

+ Several studies have shown that like oats, amaranth seed or oil may be of benefit for those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease; regular consumption reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while improving antioxidant status and some immune parameters.

+ Amaranth contains more fiber than other gluten-free grains. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar and speed the passage of food through the digestive system.

For more recipes & information, try Nu-World Foods, a store dedicated to all things Amaranth. You can turn Amaranth into a bread, a cereal, cook it like rice or grits, stew it or bake it. This website showcases the grain's diversity.

Or take our word for it and try this modified recipe. It was superb!

Amaranth with Moroccan Winter Squash and Carrot Stew
For the Stew:
2T. eSutras Organics grapeseed oil
1 cup onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2t. Hungarian sweet paprika (don't be intimidated by this; most paprika comes from Hungary and "sweet paprika" is just a deep reddish color)
1t. eSutras Organics Curry Chili salt
1/2t. eSutras Organics black pepper, ground
1/2t. eSutras Organics coriander, ground
1/2t. cumin, ground
1/2t. eSutras Organics turmeric, ground
1/2t. eSutras Organics ginger powder
1/2t. cayenne pepper
Pinch of saffron
1 cup water
1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14 1/2-ounce can)
2t. fresh lemon juice
3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes and peeled
2 cups carrot, cut into 3/4-inch cubes and peeled

For the Amaranth:
1 cup eSutras Organics amaranth
2T. eSutras Organics olive oil
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup carrot, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2t. eSutras Organics Curry Chili Salt
1/2t. eSutras Organics turmeric, ground
2 cups water
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped and divided
2t. fresh mint, chopped and divided

For the stew, first heat grapeseed oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté until soft, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Mix paprika and following 8 stew ingredients. Add 1 cup water, tomatoes and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Add squash and carrots. Cover and simmer over medium heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Feel free to prepare this a day in advance. It can be covered, chilled and reheated).

For the amaranth, first rinse and drain. Melt butter with oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and carrot. Cover; cook until vegetables begin to brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, salt and turmeric; sauté 1 minute. Add amaranth; stir 1 minute. Add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; let simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. This should take 15 - 25 minutes.

Reheat stew. Stir in half of cilantro and mint. Spoon quinoa onto platter, forming a well in the center. Spoon the stew into the well. Sprinkle with the remaining herbs and dig in!

AIR TIME: Meet eSutras on Blog Talk Radio

2010-02-10T11:20:00.001-08:00

A'isha Bauer, founder & president of eSutras Organics, was on the radio this morning! Check it out. Hear more about her, our goals at eSutras and some of the amazing things we do here in snowy Chicago, IL.

Cheers!

A Little Bit About eSutras Organics

2010-02-05T09:43:00.001-08:00

Attached at the end of this post is what we like to think of as our Mission Statement, or the guiding principles that everyone here at eSutras Organics live by. It's part business model, part waxing philosophical and it's a little wordy, which is why I haven't included it in the text of this post.

But, to summarize:

+ We're trying to succeed as a manufacturing company in the United States. We've got pretty high overhead costs, fair salaries, nothing automated here. And we're making it work.

+ We make gourmet, yet affordable, sustainable, vegetarian (and sometimes vegan), cruelty-free items made in small batches by careful hands, packaged and perfected from conception to conclusion.

As we always say,

"Beautiful products for beautiful people doing beautiful things."

We hope you enjoy.

esutras_missionstatement

The 11 Best Foods You Aren't Eating

2010-01-13T12:15:00.001-08:00

This article - The 11 Best Things You Aren't Eating - was first published in The New York Times in 2008, but has been re-released this year and is now the most e-mailed, most read and likely most talked about on the Times' website.

Luckily for you - and for us, we must admit - eSutras Organics sells many of these products! We're going to give you our two cents on these Things, because we agree: they are some of the best! Follow the links to read the Times article, or find the products we offer on eSutras.com.

eSutras Organics Turmeric Powder

1. Beets

2. Cabbage

3. Swiss Chard

4. Cinnamon: In the East, Cinnamon has been used for years to cure bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, nausea & vomiting, flatulence, fever, headaches, bad breath and toothaches. According to the Times, it may help control blood sugar and cholesterol. A regular panacea!

5. Pomegranate Juice: The Ayurvedic tradition holds not only the juice of the pomegranate, but also its many other parts - seeds, rind and flowers included - sacred. The Times says it may help to lower blood pressure and is chock full of ever-essential antioxidants. But we think it may do more for your body, too! The juice may help to impede development of cataracts and the rind can be used to slow nose bleeds, treat dysentery & intestinal parasites, or even tone your skin. eSutras sells Pomegranate Peel, which can be steeped in tea or ground up into spice form.

6. Dried Plums (Prunes!)

7. Pumpkin Seeds: We've heard these miraculously delicious seeds are used in the treatment of prostate ailments, and that some eat them to offset the effects of clinical depression (as they are high in L-tryptophan). Pumpkin Seeds are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin and are packed with magnesium, high levels of which are associated with lower risk for early death (according to the Times article you MUST read!). Lightly roast them to ensure they retain all their vital nutrients.

8. Sardines

9. Turmeric: The Times calls it the "superstar of spices" because of its supposed anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Amazingly, you can also apply turmeric to wounds, as it acts as an anti-septic as well. eSutras sells Turmeric as a powder used commonly in cooking, as an essential oil and in supplement form.

10. Frozen Blueberries

11. Canned Pumpkins

More recipes and news on these fine products to come later!

Stay healthy, everybody.

Discover how delicious eSutras Organic Tofu is!

2010-01-05T09:28:00.001-08:00

Adding soy to your diet is easy. You can cook tofu in all types of recipes : use it as a meat substitute in stir-fry, make spreads or dips with it to serve on veggies, bread & crackers or purée it in a delicious chocolate mousse. Use soy milk as you would regular cow's or goat's milk, for soups and cream sauces or ice creams and cereal.

Japanese-style tofu like ours here at eSutras has an uncanny capacity to pick up flavor. For the fullest-bodied flavor, it is best to let your tofu marinate in spices or sauces for at least 30 minutes.

I just curried and grilled some eSutras Japanese tofu the other day and it became an instant hit. People have been asking ever since for my delicious tofu kebabs, so without further ado, here's the recipe - and they're totally vegan!

Curried Tofu Kebabs
1-8oz. pkg. eSutras Organics Firm Tofu, cut into 1" cubes
1 large zucchini, cut into 1" cubes
1 large green pepper, sliced vertically and then horizontally
1 large red pepper, sliced vertically and then horizontally
1 large red onion, cubed 1 inch size
1 small box cherry tomatoes
15 skewers (soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning)

Marinade:
2 tbsp eSutras Organics Garam Masala
1 tbsp eSutras Organics Tangerine Salt
2 tbsp salt-free Soy Sauce
1 tbsp eSutras Toasted Sesame Oil
1" fresh ginger, chopped fine

Cut vegetables as described and tofu in to 1" chunks. Thread onto skewers alternating vegetables, tofu and onion. In a saucepan combine marinade ingredients and blend well. Pour sauce over skewers, marinate for at least 20 minutes. When ready to grill, brush lightly with oil and grill for about 5 minutes per side.

You can also broil these about 6 inches from the source of heat. Brush with leftover marinade and serve. They are simply fantastic!

Sugar : Something Sweet to Think About

2010-01-04T14:03:00.001-08:00

eSutras Organics Lavender Sugar

Pure organic raw cane sugar is good for health!
Sugar occurs in greatest quantities in sugar cane and sugar beets, from which it is separated for commercial use. Sugar from both sources is produced in nature as all green plants produce sugar: as a means of storing the sun's energy. The "simple" sugars, or monosaccharides (such as glucose), store energy which biological cells use and consume.

Sucrose is a larger sugar molecule that breaks down into glucose and fructose in the intestine during metabolism. Glucose is the vital fuel that the brain cells use. It is also fuels energy in the body.

eSutras Organics Rose Sugar

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal paradigm, holds organic cane sugar - the kind with little refinement - in the highest regard. Sugar is sweet, nourishing, develops semen, is beneficial for the eyes and gives your body strength. It eliminates excessive humors of wind and bile in the body and keeps the toxicity of cells in check. Why are we telling you this? Because we here at eSutras believe in the powers of our own organic cane sugar! And we've constructed our business model and the products we sell around the principles of the Ayurvedic tradition.

Uses of raw sugar according to Ayurveda :
When sugar is chewed in its raw state or eaten, undissolved, in a food, its properties and effects become hot. That is to say, if you eat a spoonful of raw, refined sugar, it will give you a quick burst of energy that soon leaves you feeling lethargic and weakened. When you dissolve sugar in a glass of water, however, its properties become cold, satisfying your thirst and strengthening your outlook.

eSutras Organics Berry Limone Sugar

+ Drinking a hot or cold beverage in which some sugar is dissolved produces a calming effect on the brain, while increasing stamina.

+ Dissolved in a cup of yogurt, sugar provides stability in the intestines.

+ Drinking water mixed with sugar brings quick relief in dysentery.
(Of course the excessive use of sugar is harmful. It causes many complications in the body like acidity, inflammation, swelling, diabetes and rheumatism. Everything in moderation, as they say!)

And remember, eSutras.com has some divine sugar products that will produce those cold effects your body will love! Try our Cool Mint Drinking Cocoa Mix or our Mocha Vanilla Sugar, Lavender Sugar, Rose Sugar & Berry Limone Sugar (all pictured in this post).

eSutras Organics Mocha Vanilla Sugar

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T13:57:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010, everybody. We dropped the ball on some of those free products; we had to take a holiday too! But to make up for it, we're giving a free gift with every order made on eSutras.com. Check it out!

We're Back with More Holiday Gifts!

2009-12-22T09:10:00.001-08:00

Samples of Frankincense, Myrrh & Copal. E-mail marketing@esutras.com to redeem. Happy Holidays!

The World's Best Banana (Chocolate Chip) Muffins

2009-12-18T12:12:00.001-08:00

We here at eSutras can vouch for this recipe's claim as best in the world; we all tried it today at our Holiday party. And it's totally vegan! Courtesy of Sara K. Fay :

1 1/2 cups of overripe bananas (4 bananas should do the trick), mashed

1/3 cup soy milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 cups flour

1/3 cup eSutras Dark Agave Nectar (we substituted half of this amount with Date syrup - Yum! You can also try maple syrup.)

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup eSutras Organics Vegan Chocolate Morsels (add more if you like)

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Mash bananas and add wet ingredients. Mix dry ingredients separately; add to wet mix. Add chocolate morsels. Don't over-mix; leave it nice and clumpy, especially when dealing with the bananas. Bake for 20 minutes (or until you check that it's cooked all the way through).

Enjoy! Easy & delicious. Pictured below are our Vegan Chocolate Morsels.

Yet Another Giveaway!

2009-12-18T11:37:00.001-08:00

We've got another complimentary holiday gift for everyone today, Friday December 18th. Check it out! Take advantage, people; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Giveaway - December 17th

2009-12-17T13:02:00.001-08:00

Check out our New Stuff!

2009-12-17T11:23:00.001-08:00

We've got a whole new look here at eSutras Organics - Check it out! The following are pictures of our new Chocolate & Cocoa Drink Mix labels and packaging.

From top to bottom :

1) The Whole Lot, including Zesty Hot Cocoa, Berry Limone Cool Cocoa, Cool Mint Cocoa;

2) Our Chocolate Morsels, Pure Espresso (Vegan!), Café Creme, Espresso Energy (Vegan too!) & Pure Cocoa (wow, Vegan!);

3) Café Creme Chocolate Morsels, our eSutras Milk Chocolate with Vanilla flavors;

4) Espresso Energy Vegan Chocolate Morsels, our eSutras Coffee Chocolate & Vegan Chocolate.

Tempting, we know! If you've got the itch for some of these amazing new products, don't forget to visit eSutras.com to learn more. And, if you order now, our Holiday Offers still apply : get free stuff with your order.

MORE Holiday Giveaways!

2009-12-16T10:31:00.001-08:00

We have another great offer today - our delicious Cocoa Body Oil! E-mail marketing@esutras.com to redeem your gift, or visit eSutras.com, place an order and receive a body oil FREE with your purchase!

Free Holiday Items!

2009-12-15T08:42:00.001-08:00

E-mail marketing@esutras.com for more information and to redeem your holiday gift!

Welcome!

2009-12-11T09:18:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Yummy Holidays blog! We're here to answer any & all questions you may have about our products. Want some gift-giving inspiration? Need a present in a pinch? No problem. We're here to help.

We've got some seriously enticing one-stop-shopping ideas at yummyholidays.com. Pre-made and wrapped gift baskets, customizable (with the option to wrap) gift baskets, and above all : healthy, organic products at great prices.

And as if that's not enough, we here at Yummy Holidays are doing something we've never done before during this gift-giving season. Every day until the New Year, we'll be offering some free items from our stock to the first responses and orders of the day. Check the blog to hear more about these amazing gifts!