Organic Farmers Co. - Product Review

Eating clean and consciously has always played a pivotal role in my life. I make an effort to eat locally sourced produce, so when this super food Quinoa was hogging light, my curiosity was piqued but somehow I  had not made it a regular part of my diet, although I had occasionally eaten in restaurants. I’m always slow and skeptical about fads, although I know some people swear by it.
But, all my apprehension was put aside after talking to Mr. Shaan Agawal of Farmers Organic Co. Here was a young man, in whom I found principles that align with my thoughts, protecting the farmer’s rights, practicing fair trade and promoting artisanal produce, helping them to grow in
an organic and holistic manner. When the founding principle of the company is “that food is fundamental to life, and natural, healthy, delicious food makes life better for all of us” , I know we are on the same page!

The product range are many in the basket from healthy snacking options made of quinoa seeds spiced with wasabi, sweetened with jaggery, tangy chat-pata with Chilli Lime amongst others.

Farmer Organic Co, core product is Quinoa, which is farmed in Rajasthan, applying innovative and organic practices. A range of products are made from these organically grown seed crop, regular grains, to flour to pasta to flakes. Its been a little over month that I have in corporated quinoa into my diet and I’m impressed by the versatility of it. Trials in the kitchen are an on-going process with Quiona flour brownies to pancakes thatbrighten our mornings, salads to stir-fries, it’s definitely found a way on to our tables and tummy!

Protein rich, high fibre and power packed with nutrients, these miracle seeds also are gluten free, which makes an excellent option for those suffering from gluten intolerance. Research has also shown that it can raise the metabolic rate in our body, hence aiding us to maintain weight.

The taste and texture of quinoa is bit like brown rice, with a nutty bite it absorbs the flavours of spices and seasonings well. I’m going to share with you two of my favourite recipes here. 

Quinoa Salad with Thai Dressing

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup - Uncooked Quinoa
• 1 heaping cup - Red Cabbage, shredded
• 1 no - Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup - Red Onion, chopped
• 1 cup - Carrot, shredded
• 1/2 cup - Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 2 no - Green Onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup - Cashew Nuts, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup - Peanut Butter, smooth or crunchy
• 2 tsp - Freshly Grated Ginger
• 3 tbsp - Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp - Honey
• 1 tsp - Sesame Oil
• 1 tsp - Olive Oil
• 1 tsp - Hot Sauce
• Water to thin, if necessary

Method:

• Cook quinoa according to package directions. You should have a little over 2 cups of quinoa.
• Add peanut butter and honey to a microwave safe bowl and heat in microwave for 10-20. Stir until smooth. 
• Add in ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil and sriracha/ Chilli sauce and stir until smooth and creamy. 
• If necessary, thin the dressing by adding a little more olive oil or some water. Taste and add more hot sauce, if desired.
• Drizzle half of the dressing over the cooked and cooled quinoa. Toss to combine.
• In a large bowl combine the red pepper, onion, cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. 
• Fold in the quinoa. Add as much of the remaining dressing as you'd like (to taste). Add cashews and garnish with green onions. Enjoy.