NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE

CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUMPKIN SEED DAY WITH THE ‘OG’ | GERBS PUMPKIN SEEDS

October 2, 2019 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

The One and Only, Original and world famous – Gerbs Pumpkin Seed

Nutritional Value of Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds

We are in the fall feeling here at Gerbs, with our BOGO 50% Pumpkin Seed Sale. The first Wednesday in October offers up the seasonal delight, National Pumpkin Seed Day! As the temperatures cool and the leaves turn, snack on these delicious tidbits.

Many of us have fond memories of roasting these delicious nuggets after carving the Jack o’ lantern. However, we never realized just how good (and good for us) they were. Surprisingly, pumpkin seeds have been valued for their dietary and medicinal properties for thousands of years. In fact, pumpkin seeds have been traced back as far as 7000 BC, according to archaeologists excavating a tomb in central Mexico.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Seeds

One of the best, most alkaline sources of nutrition you can eat. Pumpkin seeds are incredibly high in iron, and magnesium, and contain a larger amount of protein than chia or flax per ounce, boasting a total of 7 grams per ounce. They’re also rich in B vitamins and are the only seed to have an alkalizing effect on the body, though many others are considered alkaline in nature. This means pumpkin seeds help counteract acidity and at the same time, provide the support your body needs to feel its best. They even contain high amounts of anxiety-relieving tryptophan, an essential amino acid, which helps improve serotonin levels.

INSOMNIA?

Pumpkin Seeds are loaded with the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin in the brain. A balance of the neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

Pumpkin Seeds have a high content of phytosterols, plant-based compounds that can reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. Pumpkin seeds and other foods are naturally rich in phytosterols.

PROSTATE HEALTH

Pumpkin Seeds contain zinc and other antioxidants to reduce the risk of prostate disease.

GERBS ALLERGY STATEMENT

Do not trust your family’s safety and health in the hands of any other pumpkin seed company, because they simply do not go to the lengths Gerbs buyers & specialists go to ensure your safety & satisfaction. All raw, roasted, or mixed products are produced, packaged, handled, stored, and shipped by Gerbs specially trained staff in our family-owned & operated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island on dedicated non-GMO, 100% All-natural, Vegan, and Kosher Equipment. NO CO-PACKERS! NO SHARED EQUIPMENT! NO SHARED KITCHEN/OVEN SPACE! NO CO-MANUFACTURERS! 99% of our competition cannot make that statement. For anyone with a mild to severe food allergy or a family with one, we wish to assure you that Gerbs handles all aspects of production & operation, and we are among a handful of companies in the world that can claim with 100% confidence to be free from the Top 14 Food Allergies.

We are a dedicated top 14 Free brand, product line & facility, however if you have an allergy(ies) to any Gerbs ingredient, please email/call us first before ordering, so that we can answer any questions and talk about your ordering options in regards to cross-contamination in our manufacturing facility: sales@mygerbs.com (tel) 401 – 231 – 5181.

Galen & Sennen Conte – Brothers & Co-Owners

Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods | Johnston, RI 02919 | USA | sales@mygerbs.com | Tel (401) 231-5181

Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

September 11, 2019 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

As soon as cooler September afternoons and nights hit, there’s no better way to enjoy a crisp ‘fall’ day than in the kitchen with the kiddo’s, than baking up a fresh & food allergy friendly batch of Gerbs dark chocolate pumpkin cookies. Adding our flavor packed (new) pumpkin seed butter, fresh pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to this basic chocolate chip cookie dough makes for an amazing fall treat. These will be a hit at any school bake sale or dinner party.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 c. Gerbs all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. pumpkin purée
3/4 c. Gerbs Salted Pumpkin Butter
1 large egg
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 c. Gerbs traditional semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. Gerbs raw pumpkin seed kernels (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice.

In a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree, Gerbs pumpkin butter, egg, and vanilla extract until combined, then add flour mixture. Beat on low until no raw flour appears, then fold in Gerbs chocolate chips. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

Scoop 1” balls onto prepared baking sheets, press several pumpkin seeds onto top raw balls (optional, not in picture), 2 inches apart, and bake until puffed up and golden around edges, about 12-14 minutes. Set aside 2-3 minutes, then cool on baking rack.

Coming Soon! We will be giving away a free Gerbs ‘Safe Snacks’ Wrist Band with each qualifying order (while supplies last) Watch our Website, Facebook & Instagram Page for rules & updates !

About the Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a movement to raise awareness of food allergies and to create a safer, more inclusive Halloween for all trick-or-treaters. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep will let trick-or-treaters know that your house is food allergy-friendly. This can mean that you offer non-food treats or trinkets, such as glow sticks or small toys, and/or that you have allergy-friendly candy which is free of the top 9 allergens (including sesame). This simple act allows kids to enjoy the same allergy-friendly trinkets or treats whether they have food allergies or not. Teal is the new orange, and we hope you will join us in painting Halloween teal. Getting started is easy:

Provide non-food treats and/or allergy-friendly candy (free of the top 9 allergens, including sesame) for trick-or-treaters
Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to alert trick-or-treaters that you have a food-allergy friendly home
Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map

7 Health Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips

February 12, 2019 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

Health Benefits of Gerbs Dark Chocolate Chips

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve your health and lower the risk of heart disease. This article reviews 7 health benefits of dark chocolate or cocoa that are supported by science.

Very Nutritious

If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, then it is actually quite nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals.

100-grams of dark chocolate contains:

11 grams of fiber

67% of the RDI for iron

58% of the RDI for magnesium

89% of the RDI for copper

98% of the RDI for manganese

It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium. Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. For this reason, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation. The fatty acid profile of cocoa and dark chocolate is also excellent. The fats are mostly saturated and monounsaturated, with small amounts of polyunsaturated fat. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine, but is unlikely to keep you awake at night as the amount of caffeine is very small compared to coffee.

Powerful Source of Antioxidants

ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity.” It is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods. Basically, researchers set a bunch of free radicals (bad) against a sample of a food and see how well the antioxidants in the food can “disarm” the radicals. The biological relevance of ORAC values is questioned, because it’s measured in a test tube and may not have the same effect in the body. However, it is worth mentioning that raw, unprocessed cocoa beans are among the highest-scoring foods that have been tested. Dark chocolate is loaded with organic compounds that are biologically active and function as antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others. One study showed that cocoa and dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavanols than any other fruits tested, which included blueberries and acai berries.

May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure

The flavanols in dark chocolate can stimulate the endothelium, the lining of arteries, to produce nitric oxide (NO). One of the functions of NO is to send signals to the arteries to relax, which lowers the resistance to blood flow and therefore reduces blood pressure. Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild. However, one study in people with high blood pressure showed no effect, so take all this with a grain of salt.

4. Raises HDL and Protects LDL From Oxidation

Consuming dark chocolate can improve several important risk factors for heart disease. In a controlled study, cocoa powder was found to significantly decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol in men. It also increased HDL and lowered total LDL for those with high cholesterol. Oxidized LDL means that the LDL (“bad” cholesterol) has reacted with free radicals. This makes the LDL particle itself reactive and capable of damaging other tissues, such as the lining of the arteries in your heart. It makes perfect sense that cocoa lowers oxidized LDL. It contains an abundance of powerful antioxidants that do make it into the bloodstream and protect lipoproteins against oxidative damage. Dark chocolate can also reduce insulin resistance, which is another common risk factor for many diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

5. May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

The compounds in dark chocolate appear to be highly protective against the oxidation of LDL. In the long term, this should cause much less cholesterol to lodge in the arteries, resulting in a lower risk of heart disease. In fact, several long-term observational studies show a fairly drastic improvement. In a study of 470 elderly men, cocoa was found to reduce the risk of death from heart disease by a whopping 50% over a 15 year period. Another study revealed that eating chocolate two or more times per week lowered the risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries by 32%. Eating chocolate less frequently had no effect. Yet another study showed that eating dark chocolate more than 5 times per week lowered the risk of heart disease by 57%. Of course, these three studies are observational studies, so can’t prove that it was the chocolate that reduced the risk. However, since the biological process is known (lower blood pressure and oxidized LDL), it is plausible that regularly eating dark chocolate may reduce the risk of heart disease.

6. May Protect Your Skin From the Sun

The bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. The flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. The minimal erythemal dose (MED) is the minimum amount of UVB rays required to cause redness in the skin 24 hours after exposure. In one study of 30 people, the MED more than doubled after consuming dark chocolate high in flavanols for 12 weeks. If you’re planning a beach vacation, consider loading up on dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months.

7. Could Improve Brain Function

The good news isn’t over yet. Dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain. One study of healthy volunteers showed that eating high-flavanol cocoa for five days improved blood flow to the brain. Cocoa may also significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. It may improve verbal fluency and several risk factors for disease, as well. Additionally, cocoa contains stimulant substances like caffeine and theobromine, which may be a key reason why it can improve brain function in the short term.

The Bottom Line

There is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. Maybe have a square or two after dinner and try to really savor them. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar. Also be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market is not healthy. Choose quality stuff — dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. You might want to check out this guide on how to find the best dark chocolate. Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain. Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits.

(Original Content: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate. Written by Kris Gunnars, BSc on June 25, 2018)

What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains? ?And Why You Should Eat Them? ?

December 28, 2018 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains

What Are Gerbs Ancient Grains? And Why You Should Eat Them?

Many ancient grains, or heritage grains, are gluten-free and versatile. From amaranth to spelt, ancient grains are loaded with trace vitamins and protein to keep you going. This particular group of grains is revered for its age and history: Greeks and Romans offered spelt to the gods; Aztecs considered chia seeds worthy of tribute, and farro is noted in the Old Testament. A resurgence of the old and the antiquated has made these grains once again shine in the spotlight, but what are they really?

Ancient grains are more than just relics from the past that have stood the test of time; they are cereals and seeds that have a robust texture and stellar nutritional profile.

“They contain lots of essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, more amounts of iron and they also contain protective elements like fibres and antioxidants,” said Chris Chapman, a nutrition project officer with the Grains, Legumes and Nutrition Council, “They’re nutritionally similar to grains…but they’ve got a little more bit more, which is unique and that is part of their popularity.”

Quinoa, millet, sorghum, amaranth, teff, freekeh, chia seeds, farro, spelt and Kamut all qualify as ancient grains. The latter three are not gluten-free, but some people with gluten or wheat sensitivities can tolerate them.

The health benefits of these grains range from a high omega-3 content to a hefty amount of B vitamins and zinc. A serving of farro or emmer wheat, for example, is high in protein (7 grams), fiber (7 grams), and iron (12%), plus it’s an easily digested strain of wheat. 10,000 years ago, farro was cultivated in the Fertile Crescent at the dawn of the agricultural revolution where it spread to Asia, Europe, Northeast Africa, India and Arabic peninsula. This variety of hulled wheat was said to have sustained the Roman army, but it is not sustaining health foodies and the health curious alike. But, farro’s story is not unique: all ancient grains have their place in history because their nutritional profiles, packed with complex carbohydrates, landed them a spot in it, just look at these three grains below.

Millet

The alkaline, complex carbohydrate and prebiotic, millet, is a staple of the Himalayan Hunzas, a people who have enjoyed superb health and longevity. The grain also contains serotonin for stress, niacin for cholesterol, and magnesium for migraines. Composed of 15 percent protein, millet is an excellent way for vegetarians and vegans alike to obtain sufficient protein requirements, plus it contains antioxidants, is gluten-free and hydrates the colon to ease constipation.

Sorghum

Hailing from Africa, this staple of Asia and West Africa is grown today in many countries, including the United States, India, and Nigeria, for it is the fifth most important cereal crop. Nutritionally, sorghum is high in fiber, protein, and B-complex vitamins. It is often used where conventional wheat is used.

Teff

This fun-size, quick cooking grain is super tiny and ideal for nomadic life, especially in the areas of Ethiopia and Eritrea where it has long-established ties. Teff can withstand many environmental conditions: it thrives in waterlogged areas, high altitudes, dry heat, droughts, and is not prone to plant diseases. Free of gluten, one cup of teff alone packs in 123 mg of calcium, a high dose of vitamin C, iron, protein, fiber, and resistant starch. Because teff is so tiny, it cannot be processed, so eating it in its whole form is necessary.

Ancient grains can be used in a multitude of recipes that traditionally call for wheat or rice. Pick up some freekeh, and make this delectable salad with earthy beets, crisp cilantro, and juicy lime. Vandana R. Sheth, RDN, CDE, Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics claims that this freaky freekeh is “higher in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and lower in glycemic index.”

Try some amaranth in a to-die-for baked good with bananas, maple syrup, and flax seeds. Or, fall back on some quinoa and make a crunchy pizza crust that is sure to please.

Original Post: http://www.onegreenplanet.org (Annalisa Palmer is a whole-foods, plant-based vegan, avid reader, weekly runner, and regular yogi.)

Gerbs ground Super Seed Meal, man’s best friend, best friend!

December 18, 2018 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

No need to wake up the house to grind our seeds, all the hard work is done for you by Gerbs! Whether big (pumpkin and sunflower), small (hemp hearts, chia, flax) or grain-like (quinoa, millet amaranth), seeds supply an extra buzz of protein, along with fiber, amino acids, fats, vitamins, minerals and other useful micro-nutrition morsels. You can add them as an ingredient in your dog’s home-cooked meals or sprinkle them on as a topper.

In order for your fluffy friend to benefit most from super seeds, they need to be ground fresh and should be refrigerated and stored in an air tight container to avoid rancidity. Our lines of seed meals are ground at cold temperatures at high speeds, with full oil content. Gerbs seed meals are protein packed & calorie-rich, use them judiciously. Finally, try a single variety at a time in small quantities until you know how your dog responds to and tolerates them.

Quinoa and amaranth are “ancient grains,” seeds from plants that have been cultivated the same way for thousands of years. Amaranth contains all nine amino acids, making it a complete protein.

Chia and flax Seeds are best refrigerated. Chia is said to be an immune-system booster and is credited with supporting dogs’ electrolyte balance. Flax is high in fiber, and both are high in anti-inflammatory.

Hemp seeds are a high-protein, easily digestible source of immune-system support.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds supply extra anti-oxidants. Pumpkin seeds rank high in zinc, a mineral recommended for dogs with copper toxicosis, aka copper storage disease. (Sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are high in copper, so if your dog has liver problems, check with your vet before feeding.) Pumpkin seeds are unusual in that their nutritive value has been shown to improve with age—those pumpkin seeds that have been languishing in the back of your pantry since Halloween are better now than when you bought them!

Article first appeared in The Bark, Issue 93: Spring 2018

NEW DRIED FRUITS! Dried Raspberry, Peaches & Cinnamon Apples

September 13, 2018 by Gerbs Eating Well Blog Leave a Comment

NEW DRIED FRUITS! YEAR ROUND TASTE OF SUMMER.

We are pleased to announce the latest additions to our Allergy Friendly Dried Fruit product line: Dried Sliced Summer Peaches, Dried Summer Raspberries, and Cubed Cinnamon Apples. Dried Fruits make excellent snacks. Allergy friendly safe, Gluten-free AND delicious.

DRIED SLICED SUMMER PEACHES

YEAR ROUND TASTE OF SUMMER WITH SLICED PEACHES
The weather will always be fresh & lovely with these delectable, sweet peach slice snacks. Peaches are also a nutritious choice. They contain 34% of your daily vitamin A needs, and 18% of daily iron recommendations, as well as being a good source of potassium, niacin and copper. Send some Summer to your college kids!.

NATURE’S CANDY

Sweet and full-flavored, our dried peaches are packaged without the preservative sulfur dioxide, normally used to preserve the peaches’ color when drying. Dried fruits offers some advantages over fresh fruits: a longer shelf life and portability. Our Sliced Dried Summer Peaches are a rich source of many essential nutrients and carotenoid antioxidants, and are thought to be especially helpful in maintaining healthy eyes, skin, bones and teeth. They contain vitamin A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and copper.

DRIED NEW FRUIT – WHOLE SUMMER RASPBERRIES

Dried sweet whole raspberries also contain some of the highest antioxidants levels in fruit. Allergy friendly, soft in texture, and a rich source of health-promoting, plant-derived nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. They are low in calories and saturated fats but are high in dietary fiber. You simply will not believe how delicious these are.

DRIED CUBED CINNAMON APPLES

VERY AROMATIC. The irresistible taste and aroma of Cinnamon on cubed sugared apples. An allergy friendly sweet treat right out of the bag. Excellent in Oatmeal or mixed into Muffin batter. Heat them up for a warm side dish for those chilly autumn nights. Traveling? Our NEW Dried Fruits are a great choice to bring along!

All of our raw ingredients are processed, packaged, handled, stored, and shipped by trained staff in our family owned & operated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island on dedicated non-GMO, Vegan, and Kosher Equipment. No Co-packers. No Co-manufacturers. For anyone with a mild to severe food allergy or a family with one, we wish to assure you that this is why Gerbs handles all aspects of production & operation, and we are among a handful of companies in the world who can state this.

Our goal is to give the Allergy Community relief in the battle of living with food allergies.

FREE SHIPPING for orders above $59.99! Stock up. Deliciousness awaits.

5 Reasons to Eat Sunflower Seeds Every Day!

April 15, 2018 by Sennen Conte 4 Comments

When you think of baseball season, you probably don’t think of nutritious foods- hot dogs, cracker jacks, ice cream, beer- there is no shortage of junk food at the ball park. But, there is one healthy, delicious, allergy-friendly food found in most dugouts across the country: sunflower seeds! Sunflower seeds became part of major league baseball tradition once we learned that chewing tobacco was unhealthy. Fast forward a few decades and now, sunflower seeds are a favorite of little leaguers, big leaguers and fans everywhere. And, if you’re looking for a healthy snack, sunflower seeds are perfect. So, what is it about these tiny kernels that makes them such a good choice? Here are 5 reasons to eat ‘em every day!

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can protect us from cardiovascular disease and can reduce inflammation linked to many other diseases such as arthritis, cancer and asthma. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E- a ¼ cup serving provides over 80% of your daily needs.

Portability

Sunflowers are the perfect on-the-go snack! They contain protein, fiber and healthy fats to help you feel full. They don’t require refrigeration and are allergy-friendly. Keep a bag of Gerbs in your car or travel bag for emergency snacking!

Trace Minerals

Trace minerals support many functions in the body. You don’t often hear about these nutrients, but they are incredibly important to your health. Trace minerals are involved in everything from cell function to hormone regulation. Sunflower seeds are a great source of several trace minerals, including copper, manganese, selenium, magnesium and iron.

Versatility

Sunflower seeds can be added to a vast array of dishes. At breakfast, add some to your oatmeal or pancake batter, stir them into a yogurt or on top of a smoothie bowl. For lunch, throw a handful on a green salad or even in a chicken salad. At dinner, use sunflower seeds in place of almonds in green bean almondine.

Fat (the good kind!)

Sunflower seeds are high in polyunsaturated fats- specifically, linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid also known as Omega-6. This fat is considered “essential” because our bodies cannot synthesize it, we must get it from food sources. This healthful fat helps keep our heart healthy, cholesterol levels in check and contributes to healthy skin and hair.

There are many reasons to enjoy sunflower seeds- whether you’re at a ball game or in your office. Check out these fun, healthy recipes, featuring sunflower seeds! And, please tell us…how do you like to eat them?

Gluten-Free Baking: Tips from Chloe

January 24, 2018 by Sennen Conte 1 Comment

Did you know that the Gerbs now offers gluten-free all-purpose flour? This incredible flour blend is perfect for everything from pancakes to brownies and as always, a high-quality, allergy-friendly product. If you’re one of the estimated three million Americans eating (and living!) gluten-free, you know avoiding wheat can be difficult and frustrating. It shows up everywhere, from sandwich bread to soy sauce and salad dressing! Baking, which relies more on chemistry and precision than other forms of cooking, can be especially disappointing if you don’t consider the role gluten plays in traditional recipes.

Gluten is a protein network that gives the right texture to bread, muffins, and cookies. Bakers use this structure differently, depending on their end goal. Bread flour, for example, is high in protein for that chewy, artisanal feel, while cake flour is low in protein for tenderness. But if you’re gluten-free, all that goes out the window! It can be difficult to navigate gluten-free baking, but understanding its science helps you pinpoint exactly why your cookies spread or your pie dough crumbles. Fortunately, the Gerbs Nutrition Moms are working with an intern, Chloe, who is gluten-free and LOVES to bake. So naturally, we asked her to help breakdown the science behind gluten-free baking. Here’s Chloe’s advice!

Cut back on butter and oil.

Gluten-free flours don’t absorb fat as well as wheat flour, so cut out a few tablespoons of butter or oil. This will help you avoid the greasiness that often plagues gluten-free concoctions, and will also prevent pie crust from losing its shape and cookies from spreading out into puddles on their sheet.

Use a binder for structure.

A good binder is absolutely essential to keeping the structure of gluten-free goods. There are a few different ones on the market, but the most multi-purpose is xanthan gum. Buying a gluten-free flour that already contains xanthan gum, such as Gerbs’ blend, will save you the high expense of a separate bag.

Increase the leavener.

Dough and batter made from gluten-free flour, which has less protein, don’t hold onto air bubbles as well as those made with traditional recipes. If your gluten-free muffins or breads feel dense, add a smidge more baking powder, baking soda, or yeast.

Add more liquid.

The low protein of gluten-free flour means high starch, which gives baked goods a gritty texture. Add more liquid than you think to hydrate the dough or batter properly, and let the mixture rest for half an hour before baking. To compensate, you’ll also have to leave your creation in the oven longer.

Gluten-free baking takes some practice but thankfully, there are many online resources to help. Here are some websites that we think are worth a visit:

1.) America’s Test Kitchen: this article walks through helpful gluten-free tricks, including measuring gluten-free flours, mixing batters, etc.

2.) Naturally Savvy: 20 Tips and Tricks for Gluten-Free Baking. Self explanatory!

3.) Gluten-Free on a Shoestring: this is a breakdown of some of the biggest mistakes people make when baking without gluten.

HAPPY BAKING! Please share any of your favorite gluten-free baking tips!

The Delicious Way to Prevent Colds and Flu

January 12, 2018 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

Here we are. It’s January and we are at the height of cold and flu season. Not fun! In my house, it feels like someone has a new sniffle or cough every week! So, how do we ward off illness and prevent colds and flu during these long winter months?

The traditional everything-your-mother-told-you advice – wash your hands, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids – is helpful but what you might not know is that there are easy and delicious ways to prevent illness and recover from colds through the foods you eat.

In particular, certain nutrients can boost our immune systems making us less likely to fall ill and better equipped to fight off illness if we do catch something. Here’s a breakdown of some important immune-building nutrients and some healthy and delicious ways to enjoy them!

Zinc—Gerbs takes great pride in having found its beginnings through our delicious roasted pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of plenty of vitamins and minerals. In particular, they contain tons of Zinc. This mineral is indispensable in maintaining strong immunity, as well as in healing and recovery. Enjoying a one-ounce serving of pumpkin seeds, provides nearly 29% of your daily Zinc needs.
Vitamin A—Vitamin A is found in meat and is fortified in many dairy products. There are some plant sources that are allergy and vegan-friendly though, including orange and red fruits and vegetables. Try our no sugar added dried apricots as a great source.
Vitamin B6—This vitamin can be difficult to find in our diets when avoiding dairy and eggs. It is primarily found in animal products. One other place to find it, though, is in seeds; this is especially true of sunflower seeds. On our site we carry a variety of sunflower and pumpkin seed mixes. Try the lightly salted bag for extra flavor, as well as a bonus immune-boosting mineral: Iodine.
Vitamin C—Rather than taking an Emergen-C when you feel a cold coming on, ward it off by eating plenty of Vitamin C year-round through citrus fruits and berries. Our Super-5 dried fruit mix is a perfect way to enjoy multiple tasty sources of Vitamin C in one convenient snack.
Vitamin E—Commonly found in plant oils, this vitamin and antioxidant is abundant in nuts and seeds. If you’re looking for a sweet way to nosh on this vitamin, our dried papaya strips should be a satisfying choice.
Selenium—Guarding one’s immune system is a 24-hour job. Get plenty of sleep then enjoy a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Oats are a fantastic source of selenium, a mineral that is essential for optimal immunity. Doesn’t a bowl of warm oatmeal hit the spot on cold mornings?!

We would love to hear your tricks to prevent colds (or make sure they don’t linger!)- please share in the comments or on our Facebook page!

We wish you a happy, HEALTHY winter! Stay warm!

Safe Eating This Independence Day

June 28, 2017 by Sennen Conte Leave a Comment

When you or a family member have a food allergy, holidays can be hard. The upcoming Independence Day holiday can be particularly stressful because you are often eating on the go. Whether you’re at the beach or at a BBQ or even on the road, safe eating can be a challenge. That’s why I rounded up my favorite red, white and blue Gerbs products with a description of the health benefits of each for you. Use this list when it’s time to pack for the holiday weekend so you’re sure you have safe snacks on hand for this busy time of year.

RED: Dried Goji Berries

The goji berry has a history of being used for medicinal purposes in China. Their delicious, sweet taste plus their high fiber content help maintain a healthy weight. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, fiber, iron, vitamin A, zinc, and they contain lots of disease fighting antioxidants.

The goji berry is unlike most fruits in that it contains all eight essential amino acids. A four ounce serving of Gerbs goji berries provides 16 grams of protein! That’s more protein than two hard boiled eggs provides (12 grams). Be sure to talk to your doctor before incorporating goji berries into your diet. They can react with certain medications, like blood thinners, so you want to be sure you’re cleared to eat them.

BLUE: Blueberry Harvest Granola

You love fresh blueberries and I am sure you’ve used frozen ones from time to time. But while super healthy and tasty, fresh/frozen blueberries aren’t ideal for every situation – say when you’re at the beach, hiking, or on the road. Enter dried blueberries. They are nutritious (vitamins C and A plus calcium), easy to pack and do not need to be refrigerated.

The drying process of fruit removes water, which concentrates the natural sugars found in blueberries and increases the calorie content. So if you are watching your weight, be mindful about your portions of dried fruit. However, if you’re packing these snacks for your kids, you’ll most likely want them to have the added energy during your busy summer holiday! Dried blueberries add a powerful nutrient punch to Gerbs Blueberry Harvest Granola. This blend is one of my favorites for the summer.

WHITE: Tried and true pumpkin seeds

You seriously cannot go wrong with pumpkin seeds. Did you know that’s how Gerbs started out? With just one single line of the most delicious pumpkin seeds you’ve ever tasted. Read more about their story here. Pumpkin seeds may be small, but they offer HUGE nutritional benefits.

Eating a small amount of pumpkin seeds can provide you with a substantial quantity of healthy fats, magnesium, fiber, and zinc. They have been linked to several health benefits such as heart health, prostate health. Research shows that they are associated with lower levels of stomach, breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers. Some studies show that pumpkin seeds may also help reduce blood sugar levels in people with Type II Diabetes, but more research is needed. Plus, they are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet because of their versatility.

Happy snacking to you all and I wish you a very safe and healthy Independence Day!