Made with organic soybeans, fresh and local Ingredients

Friday, July 27, 2012

Cherish Your Chervil

photo via dirtdoctor.com
by Francine

A member of the parsley family, chervil has a mild flavor with hints of liquorice or anise. The leaves are delicate (feminine) and curly. The French love to add it to their omelets, salads, and soups.

Chervil has strong anti inflammatory properties. (Are you starting to get the idea that adding herbs of all kinds to your cooking is extremely good for you? It's true. And isn't it wonderful that nature has provided us with such wonderful flavors to enjoy. Yes, there are so many things that taste good and aren't really that good for us. But when you consider how many things are good for us--it makes it that much easier to thumb our noses at the bad stuff.

Here is some interesting health information culled from http://www.diethealthclub.com
  • Chervil can be used to cure hiccups. 
  • It can be used to lower blood pressure, as an aid for digestion, and as a mild stimulant.
  • This herb is a great source for minerals like magnesium, selenium, potassium, manganese, calcium and many vitamins including vitamin B, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
  • The above-mentioned minerals and vitamins combat free radicals and increase antioxidants which helps to boost the metabolism and improve the immune system.
  • Its diuretic properties make it a good herb to have during menstruation.
  • It is also beneficial for people who suffer from kidney disorders, bladder disorders and cystitis.
  • Chervil combined with celery is very effective for cystitis.
Digestive Problems:
Chervil also has a good amount of fiber, so eating large quantities of chervil is good for digestion. Chervil alleviates stomach pain and other digestive problems, including internal and external allergy inflammations.

Skin Treatment:
  • Chervil leaves are also very beneficial if you suffer from eczema and aggravated acne.
  • The medicinal properties of chervil make it a favored ingredient in lotions and cleansers.
  • Due to its effectiveness in skin treatments, this herb is also used in creams for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
  • Chervil juice taken at periodic intervals can improve and heal the skin from injuries and scars.
  • The medicinal benefits and uses of the chervil leaves include using them in a poultice to remedy for aching joints.
So what can you do with chervil and tofu? Lots. You can make a faux egg salad, using tofu, turmeric (remember--that yellow color?), and chervil. You can also make a tofu scramble--with a variety of veggies such as zucchini, peppers, and onions. Bon appetit, and 'Le'Chaim.' (To life!)

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Tofu at the Ball Park?

by Francine

photo of Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park via visitphilly.com
Well, who would have thought that the "All-American" national pastime  could be the home of anything other than hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, peanuts. . . etc.? Goes to show you. . . we've come a long way. Last week PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) published a list of the top 10 ball parks in our own U S of A where guess what--vegetarian food is served for those of us who prefer, for a variety of reasons, to not eat meat. 


The most surprising thing to me about this list is that San Francisco's AT&T Park is not on the list. Although they did get an honorable mention. Oakland Athletics' O.co Coliseum is one of the top 10, however. Hmm, San Francisco--maybe it's time to get on board? You gonna' let that city across the Bay get the better of you?? We're not trying to get pushy or anything, but ah--why don't you give TofuYu a call? We've got LOTS of amazing, eat it 'right-out-of-the-package' kind of grubb that would work just fine in the stadium!

Check out the Top 10 List.





Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Stuff of Miracles

by Francine

photo via pureandhealthy.com
By now most of us agree that wine is good for us in many ways--from body health to the spirit and the soul. It's no wonder that it is known by many as the nectar of the gods. . . 


Here are some of the benefits in resveratrol (derived from the skins of red grapes) I found in an article on care2.com (condensed).


Weight Loss
Research shows that resveratrol (particularly when combined with soy isoflavones) works on the body to  assist with weight loss efforts.
Heart
In research, resveratrol demonstrated the ability to improve the dilation of blood vessels, which may allow blood to flow more easily through blood vessels.  Relaxes the walls of the blood vessels, making their diameter larger, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Mop Up Brain Damaging Plaques
Studies at the University of Switzerland proved resveratrol’s brain-protecting ability. They found that resveratrol mopped up brain-damaging plaques and free radicals, which have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Brain Power
In a British study, students given resveratrol increased blood flow to their brains by 200 percent.  Scientists believe resveratrol can help speed our mental responses.
Protect Your Skin from Cancer
In numerous studies, resveratrol has had a positive effect on cancer. Research also shows that resveratrol protects the skin from damaging UVB rays of the sun, thereby protecting it against skin cancer.
Protect Your Body from Radiation
Protects the body against radiation therapy when used as an adjunct to radiation treatment of cancer.
Turn On Your Longevity Gene
Activates the human gene for survival and longevity.
Fight Diabetes
Prediabetics given resveratrol had a 10 percent drop in blood sugar levels, according to research by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Turn Down Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory, which may be one of the reasons it may be effective for heart disease.
Supports Muscle Recovery
As a potent antioxidant, it supports the cells and organs in eliminating uric acid and other toxins from the body, supporting muscle recovery for athletes.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Tofu gone wild!

by Francine

If you've been following us on Facebook lately, you've seen some photos of some pretty amazing new tofu products -- delectable treats designed in our magical kitchens purveyed by Helen Yu (yes the Yu in Tofu Yu). 


Turkey Loaf--photo by Tofu Yu
Teriyaki Tofu - photo by Tofu Yu
Flower Tofu - photo by Tofu Yu
The Turkey Loaf was created for delis and markets to cut slices of turkey flavored tofu for some pretty inventive and delicious sandwiches!  Flower Tofu was created for Pebbles Donuts for weekend breakfasts as an vegan alternative to scrambled eggs. Teriyaki Sushi is one of our popular new tofu Sushia, flavored with our Teriyaki Tofu! There is also Quinoa and Tofu sushi. Tofu Sushi was the first of our new, popular Sushis to be sold, and it remains very popular thanks to its wonderful flavor! 

Pebbles Donuts cooks up the flower tofu for breakfasts:
            Pepples Donuts
            6037 San Pablo
            Oakland , CA   94608
 
Braised Tofu Triangles - photo by Tofu Yu
The braised Tofu triangles are available through Natural Choice Distribution, who distribute our products to several stores and locations. They may be contacted through their website at http://www.naturalchoicedistribution.com
 
The Berkeley Food Collective carries that amazing sushi. They are located at:
            2440 Bancroft Way
            # 102
            Berkeley , CA 94704
 
The loaf was made for one of our catering clients, La Bonne Cuisine Catering, though we can do it by order for anyone  (typically we ask for a 48-72 hour lead time on custom/catering orders).

Be sure to give some of these new products a try. If your favorite grocer doesn't carry the items you are interested in, be sure to put in a request. And in the meantime, go to your usual Farmers Market where you find our tofu. You'll be sure to find it there!