Monthly Archives: April 2014

May is International Mediterranean Diet Month!

April 30, 2014Mediterranean Diethealth, Healthy Eating, Healthy Living, Mediterranean Diet, Mediterranean Diet Month, Oldways, Olives, peppers, RecipeJeff's Naturals

You Can Help Promote Awareness and Celebrate International Mediterranean Diet Month!

We are passionate about healthy eating and living and frequently post about the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle:

Five Fabulous Mediterranean Inspired Salads
9 Simple Ways to Start a Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle
5 Reasons to Follow a Mediterranean Diet in 2014

The Mediterranean Diet is a common sense approach to eating and living with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and less red meat, dairy, processed foods and sugars. Combined with physical activity, the Mediterranean diet could improve not only your health, but your overall quality of life!

Health organizations like Oldways are a great resource to learn more about the Mediterranean Diet. The organization provides resources to help consumers understand what the Mediterranean Diet is, why it is good for you, and how to shop for and cook healthy Mediterranean meals.

Oldways is celebrating the 5th Annual International Mediterranean Diet Month by hosting the first virtual Mediterranean Dinner Party. During the month of May, Oldways invites people everywhere to post photos of themselves taking pleasure in a taste of the Mediterranean, at home or in restaurants, for a chance to win weekly prizes and one grand prize. Med Lovers can submit photos of themselves via Twitter, Facebook, or the Oldways Forum, enjoying homemade meals from either of Oldways’ 5 in 50+ list, at home, or at a Mediterranean restaurant of their choice, using the hashtag #MedMonth2014. Click here for more details.

May is the perfect time to shift towards this way of eating and living. To help get you started, download 8 simple steps you can start following a Mediterranean Diet. We also encourage you to browse our line of all natural Mediterranean products and visit our Recipe Page for more inspiration.

Salute! To Your Health!

About Oldways
Oldways (www.oldwayspt.org) is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. Oldways is the parent organization for The Whole Grains Council and The Mediterranean Foods Alliance, and is well-known for creating the Whole Grain Stamp and the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.

Announcing the “Bring Jeff’s Naturals to Your Favorite Natural Foods Store Challenge”

April 25, 2014Company NewsAll Natural, Bloggers, Distribution, Facebook, Jeff's Naturals Products, Natural Foods Store, Non-GMO, Promotion, Retail, Reviews, VeganJeff's Naturals

Ask anyone who has ever tried Jeff’s Naturals and they will probably tell you there is something remarkably different about our olives, peppers, and other specialty items.

What is it that sets us apart?

Maybe it’s because we have close ties to our local growers in California and abroad in the Mediterranean which enables us to offer fresh ingredients reminiscent of what you would find in your own backyard garden.

Perhaps it is our commitment to only using ingredients that are certified non-GMO, gluten free and vegan. Unlike many other companies, we do not add preservatives, additives, sulfites, artificial colors or flavors…..and you can taste the difference.

Would you like to see more of our products in your local natural foods store? Here is how you can help:

Ask your store manager for a specific Jeff’s Naturals product you’ve been wanting to try- click here to see all of our products.
Once the product appears on the shelf, take a photo and post it on our Facebook page before July 1, 2014. If you don’t use Facebook you can always send it to consumerinfo@jeffsnaturals.com . Please include the name of the store.
In return, we will send you a special thank you gift….Everyone wins!

There is something about our brand that makes it worthwhile to find us in your favorite natural foods store. Here are just a few examples of some people who have tried us and agree!

The Double Chin Diary ExpoWest Recap
“….Castlevetrano olives from Jeff’s Naturals….These things are buttery, nutty, rich and delicious! ”

Jeff’s Naturals Review – #glutenfree @jeffsnaturals
“I was amazed at the taste of the bell pepper strips!…. Our local Whole Foods has recently started to carry many of the products so we’ve also bought several more products on our own! They are our product of choice when it comes to olives and pepper varieties and more!…As you can imagine, we’ve made countless recipes from these products! We have also eaten many of them right from the jar!”

Jeff’s Naturals Greek Peperoncini, who knew the greeks were so peppery
“Jeff’s Naturals are not only crisp and sweet, but literally bursting with flavor. Keeping in line with the greek theme, these would be fantastic in a greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta. Whisk together a simple vinaigrette of evoo, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, s&p, and a little honey. The sweet and savory dressing will perfectly compliment the tangy zest of the peppers.”

The Joy of Jeff’s Peppers
“The 12-ounce jars of Roasted Red Bell Pepper Strips are ideal in any dish (i.e. pasta, pizza, hummus, sauces) that calls for roasted red peppers, and on sandwiches or a panini. With only 1 gram of sugar, 5 grams of sodium, and no fat, the red pepper slices add flavor to dishes without sugar, sodium, or fat….Jeff’s Naturals Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini and Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini are delicious in salads and antipasto dishes….Tamed Jalapeno Peppers have the flavor of a pepper without the overabundance of heat that comes with eating a traditional jalapeno pepper. Delicious in Tex-Mex dishes, on pizza, and in salads, Tamed Jalapeno Peppers will make those who shy away from the jalapeno reconsider their decision…..Sliced Hot Cherry Peppers are colorful (red and green) and slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness making them a favorite in relishes, sandwich toppers, pizza, and more.”

Olive YOU – Product Review
“I discovered my now beloved castelvetrano olives. They are amazing. Buttery bliss, encapsulating the perfectly salted brine of a juicy bite size orb, they are now a daily delight and a must in my dinner routine….Jeff’s Naturals has been discovered and has fulfilled my OLIVE needs.”

We are asking for your help! Please spread the word about the “Bring Jeff’s Naturals to Your Favorite Natural Foods Store Challenge”!

Five Fabulous Mediterranean Inspired Salads

April 8, 2014Recipes, Soups & SaladsCastelvetrano Olives, Jeff's Naturals, Mediterranean Diet, Olives, peppers, Recipes, Salad Recipes, Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños, Soups & SaladsJeff's Naturals

Since May is International Mediterranean Diet Month AND National Salad Month, we wanted to share some of our favorite salad recipes you can create using our all natural line of olives, peppers and more!

A traditional Mediterranean diet is heart healthy and budget friendly. It consists of large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, less red meat and dairy and no processed foods, refined sugars and flour.

These salads are Mediterranean classics with a modern twist. You will find these recipes to be simple yet versatile enough to be used as a side dish and hearty enough to be the main course. Hope you enjoy!

Greek Grilled Shrimp Salad

1 pound raw shrimp (26-30 count), cleaned and deveined
1/4 c. & 1/2c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. salt and pepper
2 medium tomatoes, quartered
1/3 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives, sliced
1/2 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/3 c. aged balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Crushed Garlic
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Fresh ground pepper
1 (10 oz.) bagged baby spinach leaves, washed

PREPARATION

Thread shrimp onto metal skewers (or wooden skewers soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes). Brush both sides of the shrimp with 1/4 cup olive oil and sprinkle with the 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Heat gas grill, with all burners on high, until fully preheated, 10 to 15 minutes. Brush rack lightly with oil. Grill shrimp until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl mix the crushed garlic, sugar, salt, oregano and balsamic vinegar. Slowly whisk in the 1/2 cup of olive oil.

In a large serving bowl, combine the spinach, tomatoes, cheese, olives, and shrimp. Lightly toss the salad with the dressing. Top with fresh ground pepper and serve.

Recipe: Indian Summer Palette Salad

Salad:

8 c. mixed greens (baby greens, fancy blend)
1/2 c. medium red onion, sliced
1/4 c. basil, finely chopped
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals™ Whole Pitted Kalamata Olives, drained
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals™ Garlic Stuffed Olives, drained
6 Roma tomatoes, quartered
1 c. shaved Parmesan cheese

Dressing:
4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp. white wine
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals™ Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, diced fine
1 Tbsp. crushed garlic
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals™ Non-Pareil Capers
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION

Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk briskly to combine and blend. Set aside. Place greens, red onion and basil in large shallow bowl (like a pasta bowl). Gently toss to mix.

Scatter olives over the greens. Arrange tomatoes on the outer perimeter of the bowl. Scatter cheese over the center of the salad. Re-whisk the vinaigrette and drizzle over the salad and serve immediately.

Mediterranean Bean Salad

1 can (15 oz.) small white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar Artichoke Hearts, coarsely chopped (not drained)
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Roasted Red Bell Peppers, coarsely chopped (not drained)
3/4 c. Jeff’s Naturals™ Organic Pitted Whole Greek Kalamata Olives
1/2 c. red onion, finely chopped
1/4 c.Jeff’s Naturals™ Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes (not drained)
2 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
1/2 c. fresh basil, sliced thing
salt and pepper to taste
*Calculated ingredients may not always be as accurate as the original recipe.

PREPARATION

Stir together all ingredients except basil. Cover and let marinate, refrigerated, for a least 1 hour. Stir in basil just before serving.

Recipe: Watermelon, Olive, Jalapeño and Feta Salad

1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals™ Pitted Kalamata Olives, drained and diced
1 Tbsp. Jeff’s Naturals™ Sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers, drained and diced
2 c. seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1”cubes
1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 c. red onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp. mint leaves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. green onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION

In a large mixing bowl add all ingredients and gently mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Served chilled.

Chef’s note: A refreshing salad, perfect side dish for any meal. Great with grilled dishes and sandwiches.

Greek Salad

1 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 c. feta cheese, diced
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals™ Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained
1 jar Jeff’s Naturals™ Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
3 green bell peppers, seeds and membranes removed, sliced
3 large cucumbers, preferably seedless, peeled and sliced
1 jarJeff’s Naturals™ Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, roughly chopped
2 large red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1-1/2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
*Calculated ingredients may not always be as accurate as the original recipe.

PREPARATION

Combine all of the ingredients together in a stainless or non-reactive bowl, and toss together. Allow to marinate 15 minutes. Toss again before serving. Serve on nicely arranged lettuce leaves.