You may have seen our Certified Whole Grain category on site or have seen Whole Grains Stamp on our packaging, but weren’t really sure what it all means. For those of you who are new to whole grains (or not so new), here is a quick guide:

What is a Whole Grain?

All grains start life as a whole grain. The whole grain is the entire seed of a plant, that when harvested, will continue to have the grain left in its “whole” state. To be considered a whole grain, these grains need to include three edible parts – the bran (the multi-layered outer skin of the edible kernel), germ (the embryo of the grain with the ability to sprout), and endosperm (the germ’s food supply). In the fields, the grain is protected from sunlight, pest, water, and disease by an inedible outer husk.  This outer husk is removed during harvesting, leaving the whole grain with all three of the original parts. 

How do you know if you are choosing a Whole Grain?

To help customers identify which products at Shiloh Farms are truly “Whole Grain”, we have a membership with the Whole Grain Council to add their Stamp to our packaging. This Stamp features a stylized sheaf of grain on a golden-yellow background with a bold black border.

On the Shiloh Farms packaging it is printed black and is located on the left-side of the packaging, alongside our other certifications (circled in blue ink):

In order for Shiloh Farms to add the Stamp onto our packaging, we must file information about each new product that we would like to have as part of Whole Grain Stamp program. All products are carefully reviewed by the Whole Grains Council and are approved or denied the use of the Stamp. Companies must also sign a legal agreement that they will abide by all the rules and guidelines of the Stamp program. This means that you can trust the Stamp to help you locate legitimate products containing at least half a serving or whole grain.

How do I use the Stamp?

Shiloh Farms uses the 100% Whole Grain Stamp which means all of the grain ingredients are whole grain. To be able to use this Stamp, there is a minimum requirement of 16g (a full serving of whole grain per labeled serving), for products using the 100% Stamp. This Stamp also includes a reminder for the latest governmental guideline of eating three servings (48g) of whole grains each day.

For example, the Shiloh Farms Hulless Barley has a Stamp that reads “46g or more per serving. This means you are receiving 46g in one serving of the Hulless Barley; and thus, pretty much filling the recommended three serving or more of whole grains per day! 

For more information on wonderful world of whole grains, please visit the Whole Grains website at:
 https://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101

Who says the only way to eat a pita is to stuff it? I have used the Shiloh Farms Spelt Pitas to make a mean pocket sandwich, but my favorite way to use the Spelt Pitas are as a flatbread. The idea for a flat bread came from a regular  Shiloh Farms customer that uses our pitas to make little pizzas. If she can make a pizza, I could make a flat bread!

This is all you need:

1 frozen Shiloh Farms Spelt Pita
1 Tbsp of Olive Oil, or oil of choice
Small skillet

This is what I do:

• In a small skillet, add 1 Tbsp of oil and heat on a low setting.
• When pan is slightly warmed, add frozen pita to pan face down in oil. Cover for a few minutes until the pita is warm and flip to the other side.
• Once pita is flipped, start adding the toppings! My usual toppings are shredded cheese, a little garlic powder and a blend of herbs.
• Cover again to keep pita warm (and melt the cheese!) and turn the stove burner off. Keep the skillet and pita on the burner to keep toasting until the rest of the dinner is ready. Make sure to move the pita around in the pan a few times to keep from sticking. 
• Total cooking time is 5 – 10 minutes depending upon how toasted you would like the flatbread. Slice and serve warm.

Beth's Notes:

These little flat breads go great with any meal you are preparing.  For me, they are not as filling as regular bread and are a healthy addition to any meal. I have an electric stovetop and this method works well for me. I would think it would be very similar for a gas stove.

• Use the Shiloh Farms Whole Wheat Pitas in place of the Spelt Pitas.
• For an Italian flair, try adding fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on top. 
• In the summer, experiment with fresh herbs and vegetables for a garden variety bread. 
• Enjoy! 

Planning on 'Breakfast in Bed' for Mom? Don't forget our Old-Fashioned Sprouted Buckwheat Pancakes! These pancakes are the perfect compliment to the light, refreshing Chia Pudding, providing wholegrain goodness to start your special day out right. Select ingredients for these recipes are an additional 10% off starting 4/29-5/09/2022. Shop Mother's Day Specials for sales.

White Chia Pudding

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to serve Mom Breakfast in Bed!  With only 3 main ingredients (chia seeds, milk, and a sweetener of choice), this recipe is easy for kids to make and is a healthy option for Mom’s breakfast any day of the week.

Ingredients:

½ cup of Shiloh Farms White Chia Seeds (or Black Chia Seeds or PureLiving Sprouted Chia Seeds)
2 cups of milk or unsweetened milk of choice
2 Tbsp of maple syrup or Shiloh Farms Raw Alfalfa Honey (to taste)
Pinch of Shiloh Farms Himalayan Pink Salt, Fine Sift

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl; stir well, cover, and put in the fridge overnight.
   (Beth's Tip: Add the chia seeds to the milk, stir until the seeds are fully covered and let sit for about 5 minutes.  After a few minutes, stir again to break up any clumps that may have formed.  Cover the mix with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight.)

   2. Served chilled as a light breakfast or refreshing, healthy dessert.
       (Beth's Tip:  Layer chia pudding in a glass dessert dish, starting with chia pudding and a layer of fresh fruit. I                           repeated this again and topped with homemade granola, as seen in the banner.)

  3. Serves 6. Will last in the fridge 4-5 days.

Beth's Notes:

• Bananas, strawberries, kiwi fruit and other soft fresh fruits pair well with this tapioca-like pudding. If fresh fruits are out of season, then use rehydrated dried fruits, like Wild Blueberries or Goji Berries for toppings.
• Make your own alternative milk using the Shiloh Farms Coconut Milk Powder.
• For a little extra flavor, add ½ tsp vanilla or cinnamon to the chia pudding.
• As a healthy dessert option, add ¼ cup of Shiloh Farms Cocoa Powder for a delectable, chocolaty pudding, adding chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips as crunchy topping.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!