Coombs Family Farms pure, organic grade B maple syrup is back on the shelves here at Valley Natural Foods in 32 ounce size jugs for a great price of $19.99!

So what does Grade B mean? All maple syrup grades are determined by color. There are 3 Grade A’s (light amber, medium amber and dark amber maple) and two darker syrups, Grade B and a commercial maple grade. Maple syrup grades do not indicate a difference in quality.  As a rule, the darker the color, the stronger the pure maple flavor.

Look for a $2 off coupon located at the display!

Here’s a neat gift idea for that someone you know (or even yourself) who’s locally grown!

Valley Natural Foods now carries adult, kid and baby shirts from Locally Grown Clothing Company!  Locally Grown Clothing Co. is a grassroots, message driven, lifestyle apparel company, producing USA-made t-shirts with an ultra-soft vintage feel. Check out the variety of colors and sizes available in our general merchandise and gift area the next time you shop here.

Have you picked up the current Co+op Deals coupon book yet? Stop by customer service or one of the registers for a copy. 

 The Co+op Deals coupon book offers big savings on your favorite brands including Barbara’s Bakery, Country Choice Organic, Amy’s, Lundberg Family Farms and more! You’ll notice a new name and a new look, with the same great savings from your co-op. By working with over 110 co-ops from around the country, your co-op is able to offer you great deals on products your family will love.

The Co+op Deals coupon book is just one small way for us to say “thanks” to you, our member-owners and loyal shoppers. Your continued support makes our co-op more than just another grocery store. Your investment, patronage and input help us better serve you, support our local economy, and build connections with other communities across the country and around the world.

Coupons are valid through October 31, 2010.

Canning is a great way to preserve your home-grown produce. You can save lots of money and enjoy your garden bounty all year round, preserved at the peak of ripeness! If you are interested in learning more about canning, click here to read a wonderful story published by MIX this month! You will also find a recipe and steps for simple and safe canning.

For your convenience, canning jars and lids are available in Trail 8 here at Valley Natural Foods.

Join us at the Valley Natural Foods Kiosk on Saturday, September 11, anytime between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. for free demo and tastings of this weeks recipes!

Click here to see this weeks Produce Possibilities recipe

Click here to see all the Produce Possibilities Menus

Busy fall schedules call for easy recipes that feature the summer harvest. Our no-cook pasta sauce is a refreshing way to serve pasta that allows the flavors of ripe summer tomatoes to shine through. Since it improves with time, the kale salad can be thrown together several hours before serving; perhaps in the morning in preparation for the evening meal.

 Click here to see this weeks Produce Possibilities recipe

Click here to see all the Produce Possibilities Menus

Summer is almost finished and the school routine is about to start, but before we put away our grilling tongs for the winter we have a last hurrah for Produce Possibilities summer recipes to serve with your favorite BBQ. Our recipes this week are not brand new creations but two of our hand-picked  summer favorites.

First is a hot pepper relish that utilizes 4 different hot peppers and rice wine to make an excellent yet surprisingly mild relish that packs a flavor that no other relish can touch. On a side note, all the hot peppers contain capsaicin which some studies have shown may have a safe and analgesic effect in the management of arthritis pain, diabetic neuropathy, post-mastectomy pain, headaches and a host of other things. Not to mention possible benefits your circulatory system.

 Second we have a fun twist on the traditional coleslaw and we can do it with mostly local, organic ingredients. Nicknamed “Local Slaw,” this zippy recipe uses lime juice, cayenne, kale and sweet onion to make this coleslaw a unique creation but still retaining somewhat of a traditional taste.

Attention Ladies! Valley Natural Foods is hosting a table for the Ladies Night Event at Bodyblast Studio in Eagan, Friday, September 10, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. We’ll be giving away free samples, recipe booklets and the chance to win a Valley Natural Foods gift basket. The event will be a  night full of fun and pampering, and it’s FREE!

DIRECTIONS TO BODYBLAST STUDIO: Click Here

Address: 2020 Silver Bell Road, Suite #26 
Eagan, MN  55122
Email:  classes@bodyblaststudio.com
Phone: 651 365 9800

This past year, Valley Natural Foods partnered with Dakota County Technical College and the Salvation Army to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags. Through the donation of our Green Stamp Program, DCTC purchased reusable bags for the Salvation Army food shelf in Dakota County. They report that 80% of food shelf recipients are now using those bags.

Have you considered bagging your groceries into a reusable bag? We are interested to better understand your shopping habits in this area. Please take the following Online Survey to help us complete this project.

Last year, our very own web manager Monique, and her adorable daughter Sarah submitted a great video to the very first Co-op Rocks Video Contest. To see their video, visit our homepage at www.valleynaturalfoods.com, scroll down and click the My Co-op Rocks Video.

Are you feeling inspired? The My Co-op Rocks 2 Video Contest is now officially open! Create and submit your original video showing all the ways your co-op rocks for a chance to win some super sweet prizes. Be one of the first 50 people to submit a video, and you’ll get your very own Co+op, stronger together t-shirt. Enter by September 30 for your chance to win big.

Need more inspiration? Visit My Co-op Rocks.coop to see how last year’s entries are showing their love. Or, just get in on the action by watching everyone’s videos, leaving comments, and rating your favorites for the People’s Choice awards.

Good Luck!