- What does Eden mean by 'transitional-to-organic' for EDEN Dried Cherries?
- Does Eden use enzymes or processing aids when making EDEN Barley Malt?
- Why is EDEN Juice cloudy and is cloudy juice good for you?
- Why do you use amber glass bottles for EDEN fruit juices?
- Where does Eden's fruit come from?
- Does Eden use any processing aids in fruit processing?
- Are all EDEN dried fruits sulfite free?
- Does Eden have any sodium free or low sodium snacks?
- Isn't all popcorn a healthy snack or is organic really better?
- Where are EDEN Pumpkin Seeds from?
What does Eden mean by 'transitional-to-organic' for EDEN Dried Cherries?
During the period of transition to organic, which is commonly three years, agricultural chemicals and fertilizers are not used - only organic management practices are allowed. About two decades ago six families along the shores of northern Lake Michigan asked Eden to help them convert their orchards to organic. These orchards have been managed organically since the late 1990's and more orchards are being converted to organic each year. EDEN Montmorency Dried Tart Cherries are from 'transitional-to-organic' orchards that are in the process of becoming certified organic while using organic methods, a transition process that requires three full years to complete. EDEN Cherry Juice, Cherry Juice Concentrate, Cherry Butter, Apple Cherry Sauce, and Apple Cherry Butter are produced only from certified organic Montmorency tart cherries.
Does Eden use enzymes or processing aids when making EDEN Barley Malt?
No. Most malt today is made using pharmaceutically produced, GMO derived enzymes, gibberellic acid, and potassium bromate to speed and increase production. Eden Foods' centuries old process uses only the grain's own sprouting created enzymes and the knowledge and care of artisan maltsters. The dry grain is first steeped in water. The barley then germinates and sprouts. During the germination process more than 140 enzymes are created. The enzymes cause the complex carbohydrates to breakdown into sugars, and they convert the proteins into their component amino acids. At just the right time, when sugar levels are optimal, the sprouted grain is moved into a kiln roaster that stops these processes and the malt develops its final color and flavor. The grain is cured, then mashed, cooked, filtered, and concentrated into syrup. The process from grain to malt syrup takes about 40 days.
Why is EDEN Juice cloudy and is cloudy juice good for you?
EDEN fruit juices are not treated with clarifying enzymes (usually GEO derived) like clear juices, even organic. The cloudiness and sediment are evidence that we do it the old fashioned way with no chemical cosmetics. In a study published in the January 2007 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture researchers found that cloudy apple juice contained four times more antioxidant polyphenols than clear apple juice. The clarifying enzymes used to remove pectin and starch also reduce the juice's protective polyphenols.
Why do you use amber glass bottles for EDEN fruit juices?
Amber glass bottles work best to protect the products nutrients, flavor, color, and value from the damaging effects that light has (photo oxidation). Fluorescent lighting, in particular, affects food quality with its light rays. This is especially problematic in the retail food store.
Where does Eden's fruit come from?
Eden's tree fruit comes from Michigan and Canadian family orchards on the shores of the Great Lakes, an ideal tree fruit area due to the seasonal lake effect. Our organic strawberries come from Michigan family berry patches. Our organic wild blueberries and cranberries come from Canadian family berry patches and bogs.
Does Eden use any processing aids in fruit processing?
No. Eden does not use processing aids in our fruit or any GEO derived chemical clarifying enzymes in our juices.
Are all EDEN dried fruits sulfite free?
Yes. They are all sulfite free.
Does Eden have any sodium free or low sodium snacks?
Yes. EDEN Organic Dried Blueberries, Organic Dried Cranberries, Dried Montmorency Cherries, and Organic Wild Berry Mix are all made without salt added and are very low in sodium. EDEN All Mixed Up, Quiet Moon, Organic Tamari Roasted Almonds, Organic Spicy Pumpkin Seeds and Organic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are low sodium. EDEN Organic Popcorn is sodium free, unless salt is added before or after popping.
Isn't all popcorn a healthy snack or is organic really better?
The Popcorn Board's 2005 Agri Chemical Handbook lists 24 insecticides, 38 herbicides, 5 fumigants, 15 fungicides, and 4 'miscellaneous' chemicals that are approved for use in non-organic popcorn. The FDA's 2003 Total Diet Study lists 33 toxic residues found in non-organic popcorn including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have been linked to serious health consequences, lower IQ in children, and the decline of bird and aquatic species. When Eden learned about this we just had to find an alternative. EDEN Popcorn is certified organically grown in Nebraska on family farms.
Where are EDEN Pumpkin Seeds from?
EDEN Pumpkin Seeds are a hull-less variety organically grown on small farms in northeast China. Despite Eden Foods' best efforts, this pepita variety is not grown in sufficient quantities in North America. Eden Foods' former source, Mexico, was consistently erratic in grading and cleanliness. Eden has purchased pumpkin seeds from the same supplier since 2005. The quality of the seeds has been consistently excellent in all regards. We have visited every field in which EDEN Pumpkin Seeds are organically grown. The water used to irrigate the pumpkin fields is regularly monitored and tested. The raw pumpkin seeds are BRC (British Retail Consortium) food safety certified. Their standard is the highest in the world of the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). These pumpkin seeds are certified organic by OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association). They are roasted and packaged at Eden Foods in Clinton, Michigan.