This is gluten-free orzo. Photo courtesy of Edison Grainery (copyrighted)
Breaking up & Making up with Orzo
"Mr." Orzo. Those pasta pearls of happiness also known as “Risoni” or “Big Rice” to his family and friends. Sadly, I had to break off our relationship when I went gluten-free. We had different needs. Such is love.
Not to worry, I have fallen in love once again, but this time it is oh, so much better! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I’m head over heels for Edison Grainery’s gluten-free orzo. I’ve never found this particular shape of pasta available as a gluten-free option and was anticipating a touch of disappointment when the "new" Mr. Orzo and I met in person. After all, we were introduced on line. It all started with facebook…how embarrassing.
It Started with a Gluten-Free Recipe
Photo courtesy of Edison GraineryI noticed a recipe on facebook for a light orzo salad that was gluten-free. The recipe introduced me to the new Edison Grainery facebook page, which I liked, of course. Edison Grainery is the offshoot of Edison Grains, one of the leading bulk suppliers of “high quality, certified organic ingredients around the globe.” Edison Grainery is, essentially, a mini-version of the company, created for families, and offering “organic ingredients in a family-friendly #5 and one pound bag at extremely competitive prices.” Family-friendly indeed – so much so that the owner emailed me, thanking me for my order and telling me she had visited MY facebook page too. She wrote that she would like to know more about what I do to help children learn to try new foods.
Before chatting with her, I wanted to test the waters to see if I was remotely attracted to the products. I was most interested in getting to know Mr. Orzo and maybe his friend “Q Mac” as in “Quinoa Mac –n- Cheese”. It was time.
Green on the Outside, Scrumptious on the Inside
I opened the box. Hmmm…the first thing I couldn’t help but notice was the way Mr. Orzo and his friend, Q Mac, were dressed in GREEN earth-friendly packaging. The bags are designed to stand-up in your pantry, have a re-closable zipper and are backyard compostable. Very nice first impression.
I won’t go into too much detail on my new love life except to say: It’s the real deal – this orzo-love. Big Rice and I are in a permanent relationship. It’s that delicious. And I confess, Q Mac and I have something going on too. Crafted from Kosher, certified organic rice and quinoa flours, Q Mac serves up perfectly al dente with a medium-aged cheddar cheese sauce that is similar to a delicate alfredo.
Healthy Salt?
Photo courtesy of Edison Grainery
For a finishing touch, I added a touch of Himalayan Pink Salt. The company explains that “by replacing ordinary table salt with Edison Grainery Himalayan Pink Salt, you provide your body with 84 essential minerals and support proper absorption of nutrients. It can also normalize blood pressure; eliminate toxins and help balance your body's electrolytes and pH levels.” I just bought it because it was pink, but I’ll take any added healthy benefits I can get. Amy Barnes, the owner of Edison Grainery, tells me the color reflects the levels of minerals and iron and can range from white to a very deep pink.
SPECIAL OFFER
We feel that every saltshaker should sprinkle out Himalayan Pink Salt. To help you make the change, we're giving a complimentary 12 oz. bag of Pink Salt with every $40 order now through the end of February, 2013! ~ Anna, Edison Grainery
Life Changing Moment, Affordable Organics
Which brings me to my phone call with Amy. We chatted for over an hour. Turns out, she is committed to developing a gluten-free product that appeals to the texture-sensitive taste buds of kids with feeding issues, especially autism. I was struck by her compassion – Did she have a child with autism? No, just a life changing experience that opened her heart.
In 2009, Amy was diagnosed with 3 kinds of cancer and Celiac disease, to boot. For 18 months, she watched a lot of TV as she sat on her couch and asked “Why me?” One day, she stopped asking “Why me” and said: “Show me.” It was then that her mission became clear: MAKE ORGANICS AFFORDABLE. Edison Grainery was born. Affordable, organic, gluten-free and more. For me, knowing that story makes every bite of orzo, Q Mac or any Edison Grainery Product even more scrumptious.
Good for your belly, good for the earth, good for your soul. I’m in love.
Quick Processing Facts - Edison Grainery
Here are a few facts -- some of which are not yet on the Edison website.
Facility:
Separate gluten-free facility for all gluten-free products, gluten-free certification expected in the Spring/Summer 2013
Certified Organic
Certified Kosher
Organic: certified organic products & facility
More Gluten-Free Facts
A large majority of Edison's gluten-free whole grains are cultivated in areas where wheat doesn’t grow; Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, and Mexico; gluten-free certification expected in the Spring/Summer 2013
Oats are tested for gluten <10 ppm (upcoming gluten-free laws will require <20ppm)
ABOUT MELANIE
Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLPMelanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, of www.mymunchbug.com. Melanie is speech language pathologist who specializes in feeding. Her work brings her into the homes and schools of her clients, kids, who for various reasons have difficulty with food or with eating. She works with kids and their parents to develop effective strategies that help children become “more adventurous eaters”. At least 50% of her clients have food allergies or intolerances, and for them, “adventurous eating” takes on a special meaning. Melanie is also the author of Happy Mealtimes with Happy Kids” and the executive producer of “Dancing in the Kitchen.”
More Posts from Melanie
Why Children with Autism are Often Picky Eaters
Review: The Magic of the BellyFull Kit (From the Hopeful Company)
How Can Parents Feel Less Stress with a Food Allergic Child in School?