Organic Grains, Cereals, and Bread

Why has bread, the staff of life, become the laugh of life?

Bread was one of the most important components of every meal. Now it is avoided like the plague. Why? There are two reasons: one is how nonorganic bread is made, and two, which may be a result of one, is fad diets which say that bread is fattening.

The nonorganic grains and cereals that are used to make bread have gone through some horrific treatment on the way to the bakery. The ground in which the grain is grown has been totally polluted with chemicals used to kill weeds and to “fertilize” the denatured soil; into this, adulterated and GMO seed is planted. More chemical herbicides and insecticides are applied along with more anhydrous ammonia to help things grow because there is too little of the natural left in the soil. To speed up the ripening of the crop, more chemicals are applied.

While the grain is in storage, fungicides and pesticides are used to prevent deterioration. When grain is ground into flour, bleaching agents (chlorine dioxide) are used to obtain a pale, lifeless hue, and both bran and germ are sifted out to remove all fiber and nutrients. Finally leavening agents, dough enhancers, and preservatives are added.

Is it any wonder that bread has become the laugh of life? It has become a chemical sponge -unfit for man or beast.

Another reason why bread is no longer the staff of life is the fad diets that say carbohydrates are fattening. Recent studies have shown that people on low carb diets do poorly on mental tests. Complex carbohydrates supply energy and assist in the utilization of fats, and the best sources are organic whole grains and cereals.

Organic grains are grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and anything else artificial or unhealthy. The true organic farmer takes care to replenish his soils with compost and trace minerals to yield crops containing all the essentials, including micronutrients in proper ratios.

Bread made with wholesome organic grains, without preservatives, artificial flavours and all the ‘ingredients’ mentioned above, is, once again, the staff of life.  It can, and should be, enjoyed regularly.

Whether you mill, sprout, roll, grind, or grow wheatgrass, at Harvest Haven, we have the organic grains and cereals you need. . We have flour for every baking need, including amaranth, millet, and brown rice for those with wheat and gluten-free diets.  Locally grown and milled organic grains guarantee you a fresh, nutritious, premium product.

Harvest Haven has a growing selection of organic breads: hearty European-style free-formed loaves, tasty sourdough rye and multigrain, basic whole wheat, and a large variety of wheat and gluten-free breads. We even have whole wheat and spelt tortillas and burritos. Now that is the staff of life!  Come and enjoy!

Marilyn Hafichuk