Tag Archives: All Natural

Featured Natural Foods Store: Lamb’s Nature’s Choice Market

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We know that everyone loves to find a great sale or bargain, so we are happy to let you know that Jeff’s Naturals is part of the It’s Only Natural sale at Lamb’s Nature’s Choice Market stores during the month of February!

That means that this is the perfect time for consumers to stock up and save up to 25% off of their favorite Jeff’s Naturals items at all Lamb’s Markets!

Jeff's Naturals
This is the time to stock up on Jeff’s Naturals!

Castelvetrano Olives

Lamb’s Nature’s Choice Market operates a number of independently managed food stores in the Pacific Northwest including

  • Nature’s Choice Market in Lake Oswego, OR
  • Garden Home in Portland, OR
  • Stroheckers in Portland, OR
  • Nature’s Choice Market in Wilsonville, OR

Our all-natural line of Mediterranean pantry staples can be found in all the above Lamb’s Market stores and in addition to Cutsforth Marketplace Thriftway in Canby, OR and Shop n Kart in Chehalis, WA.

Consumers with food sensitivities and allergies will appreciate “Free From” at Lamb’s, an Allergen Awareness Program developed to help their customers find appropriate foods for their special dietary needs. The store even offers a Gluten Free store tours with a local Gluten Free Lifestyle expert who offers suggestions for replacing old favorites with new ones. For more information on Lamb’s Market, please visit www.lambsmarkets.net.

Jeff’s Naturals can be found in natural food stores all over the country. To find a store near you, try our new store locator.  You never know when you’ll find a great sale! Happy Shopping!

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Roasted Red Bell Peppers

8 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Red Bell Peppers

Roasted Red Bell Peppers

November is National “Capsicum annum” month, or as most of us call it, National Pepper Month! With their sweet, robust flavor and bright colors, roasted bell peppers are common ingredients in Mediterranean dishes, pizzas, salads, sauces and appetizers.

Over the years we have worked with local family farms in Northern California to bring our consumers the freshest bell pepper products available. Our locally grown peppers are roasted and packed in water with sea salt for a light smoky flavor within twenty-four hours of harvest.

Roasted Red Bell Peppers

Here are some fun facts* about red bell peppers you may not have known!

  1. Red bell peppers are simply green bell peppers that have been left on the vine to continue to ripen.
  2. Peppers are actually fruits because they are produced from a flowering plant and contain seeds-most people think of them as vegetables.
  3. Red bell peppers are sweeter than green ones because bell peppers sweeten as they ripen.
  4. Red bell peppers have more than twice the vitamin C of a green pepper.
  5. Bell peppers are a good source of Vitamin A.
  6. The scientific name for bell peppers is Capsicum annum.
  7. Peppers were named by Spanish explorers searching for peppercorn plants to produce black pepper.
  8. Capsicums are what peppers are called in Australia.

Next time you pick up a jar of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, try

Making a delicious Greek omelet with diced Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, sliced Kalamata Olives and feta cheese.

-OR-

Layering Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Grilled Artichoke Hearts, fresh mozzarella, and arugula on rustic Italian bread for an amazing panini.

-OR-

Puree Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and pine nuts for a smoky-sweet roasted red pepper pesto.

You can also try adding drained jar of Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole.

The possibilities are endless!

*Source: http://fns.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/fns/pdf/ffvp_fs_bp.pdf

photo credit: smohundro via photopin cc

12 Ways to Enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions

Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions

When it comes to gourmet toppings, warm Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions are one of our all time favorites! Nothing perks up a dish quite like the sweet smokey flavor of this dynamic duo, and now you don’t have to roast, slice and caramelize because it’s already done for you!

Jeff  (of Jeff’s Naturals) says he enjoys cooking with Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions and recommends rinsing the peppers and onions in cool water, then lightly sautéing them and enjoying them on top of sandwiches, burgers, steak, etc.

pic_sausage-smothered-in-peppers-peperoncini-and-onions pic_Italian-Farro-Minestrone

We recently asked our Facebook fans for their suggestions, and here is what a couple of them had to say:

I have always been an onion lover!!! For me, I would butter and lightly brown a Ciabatta roll on the grill, then add lettuce, a grilled hamburger patty, a slice of cheese, some Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, and top it off with a dollop of barbecue sauce!!! Now that’s the good life!! –Sue Harp

I would warm them in a saucepan, make some veggie meatballs and brown them in a fry pan. Use a slotted spoon & add the peppers and onions to the meatballs. Take a grinder or a Kaiser roll, fill the roll with the mixture. Top with a bit of provolone cheese, and pop in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes (or until cheese melts. For non-vegetarians, you can use ‘real’ meatballs). -Karen Goodwin Delaney

These are some great suggestions!  Here are 9 more delicious ways to enjoy Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions:

  1. Serve warm Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions on top of a heaping bowl of hot and creamy polenta.
  2. Top a plain cheese pizza with Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, goat cheese and julienned fresh basil and bake at 400° for 10 minutes (or until cheese is nice and bubbly).
  3. Toss warm Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions with cooked pasta, marinated Artichoke Hearts, sliced Kalamata Olives and red wine vinaigrette for a colorful and satisfying pasta salad.
  4. Add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions to fajita-style beef or chicken and serve with flour tortillas, spicy salsa and fresh guacamole.
  5. Make a delicious Greek omelet with diced Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions, sliced Kalamata Olives and feta cheese.
  6. For a special soup, add a drained jar of Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions and garlic along with broth and a diced potato. Simmer until potato is soft, puree until smooth, add heavy cream and season to taste.
  7. Use Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions as a gourmet topping for hot dogs.
  8. Combine Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions with farro, kale & cannellini beans make for a rustic minestrone to warm your soul. Click here for our recipe.
  9. Turn spicy Italian Sausage into a meal by topping it with Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions. Click here for our recipe.

Our peppers and onions are locally grown in California, roasted, sautéed and packed within 24-hours of harvest.  Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Peppers & Caramelized Onions can be found in natural food stores across the country and are Certified Kosher, Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified Vegan. You can also find them online at VitaCost.com.  Enjoy!

Fajita photo credit: jeffreyw via photopin cc

When it Comes to Flavor and Fun, a Little Peperoncini Goes a Long Way

“Ugh…Pasta for dinner again?”

Does this sound familiar? If so, may we suggest adding a little twist to your regular quick weeknight dish? Why not throw in some Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini to liven things up! A little bit goes a long way to bring plenty flavor and fun to the table!

The possibilities are endless, you just have to get creative!

For instance, did you know you could liven up any sandwich or wrap with a hearty helping of our peperoncini? You can also toss peperoncini into a mixed green salad or top it on a pizza for an extra punch of flavor!

Pizza

How about creating a plentiful antipasto platter with our Whole Golden Greek Peperoncini, Kalamata Olives, marinated Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips and assorted meats and cheeses? Or add some peperoncini & feta to your mac ‘n cheese for a spicy kick to the traditional recipe!

Who knew there were so many ways peperoncini can save dinner?

Here are 3 easy recipes that just may become an instant classic for you and your family! And with so little prep or need for a clean up, these dishes also made an ideal weeknight dinner (very helpful as the kids head back to school!).

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranian Salad

1- 16 oz. package of dried rotelle pasta
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained & chopped
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Sun-Ripened Dried Tomatoes, not drained
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, chopped
2 Jars (4 oz) marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper

Preparation
Boil Pasta according to the directions on the package. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly. Add pasta to a medium sized bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Blend together. The pasta salad may be served immediately or stored covered in the refrigerator for the following day. Enjoy!

Jeff’s Kickin’ Turkey Meatball Sandwich

Meatball Sandwich

2 c. prepared turkey meatballs
1 jar gourmet pasta sauce, (We like Tomato Basil- YUM!)
1 medium red onion
4 soft sandwich rolls
1 c. Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini
4 oz. provolone cheese, sliced

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F.

Heat 1/4 c. olive oil and prepare turkey meatballs according to package directions. Add pasta sauce and simmer on low. While meatballs are cooking, slice onion and cook in a skillet on medium high heat with remaining olive oil until edges are caramelized.

Open sandwich rolls and place on a baking sheet. Place onions on one side of the sandwich rolls. Place peperoncinis on the other side and top with provolone cheese. Heat in oven for five minutes, or until cheese melts. Remove pan from oven and add turkey meatballs to sandwiches. Serve with remaining sauce.

Best Ever Greek Salad

Greek Salad

1 c. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 c. white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 c. feta cheese, diced
8 oz. Jeff’s Naturals sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, drained & chopped
2 jars (15 oz.) Jeff’s Naturals Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, drained & sliced
3 green bell peppers, seeds and membranes removed, sliced
3 large cucumbers, preferably seedless, peeled and sliced
1 jar (16 oz.) jar Jeff’s Naturals Organic Sliced Greek Kalamata Olives, drained and roughly chopped
2 large red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
1-1/2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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.

photo credit: mhaithaca via photopin cc

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

Photo Source: Vegetarian Mama
Photo Source: Vegetarian Mama

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.

Jeff's NaturalsWould 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”!