Sunflower Natural Foods carries a variety of organic produce all year long. We proudly carry locally grown, organic produce as the growing season permits (generally from May through November).

The term “organic” refers to the methods used in growing and producing the food. Please see the organic meat and eggs section for organic regulation regarding meat production.

The following requirements apply to produce.

Organic certification requires that:

• Produce has not been sprayed or treated with pesticides, herbicides, fungacides or other potentially harmful substances that can damage your health. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants from pesticides has been linked to cancer, immune system suppression, nervous system disorders, reproductive damage, and hormone disruption. Many products that are made from conventionally grown crops show pesticide and herbicide residues.
• Organic standards prohibit the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s).
• Organically grown products are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge.  U.S. regulation permits sludge to be used on conventional farms despite concerns about contamination.
• No Irradiation. Organic standards prohibit the use of ionizing radiation to preserve food. U.S. regulations allow irridation (labeled “cold pasteurization”) of both produce and meat.

 “Currently, up to 45 percent of U.S. corn is genetically engineered as is 85 percent of soybeans. It has been estimated that 70-75 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves--from soda to soup, crackers to condiments--contain genetically engineered ingredients” – www.centerforfoodsafety.org

To learn more about organic standards and organic farming in New Hampshire, Visit the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA ) at www.nofanh.org

Whole foods are unprocessed, unrefined, and do not contain added ingredients, such as artificial colors, flavorings, sweeteners, hydrogenated oils or preservatives. They are as close to their natural state as possible. In addition to our organic produce, we carry fresh baked bread, organic dairy products, whole grain pastas, organic whole grain flours and baking supplies, organic dried fruit, frozen meals and much more.

Sunflower has a large bulk section where you will find organic whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds granolas, and trail mixes. Buy as much or as little as you like. Stock up on your staple foods or just buy enough for a quick snack.

Sunflower offers a full selection of bulk herbs and spices. The perfect way to keep your spice rack freshly stocked. Buy only as much as you need.  You’ll be surprised at how economical it is to buy your spices this way.

We carry a variety of vegetarian and vegan products including meat alternatives, dairy-free cheeses, milk alternatives, dairy-free ice creams, vegan cookies, vegan lip balms and body care products, etc.

Whole Grain Information

Generally high in fiber, B vitamins and complex carbohydrates, one of the greatest things about grains is their versatility. When choosing what type of liquid to use when cooking grains, water, is of course, the basic choice. To add more variety and flavor, you can use soup stock or broths for the liquid. This is a great choice when making the grains as a side dish or for a casserole. For making grains for breakfast or dessert, you can substitute fruit juice for a portion of the liquid. Apple juice works well- add some cinnamon and dried fruit and you have something great!

Most grains take a significant time to cook. Make a large batch and save the rest for leftovers - great for a quick breakfast, lunch the next day, etc.

*Please note that many whole grains are gluten-free. Gluten-free grains are marked with a (GF).

Amaranth- (GF)
A very small grain native to South America, it is rich in nutrients including B vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It is also high in protein (11%).
(1 cup grain yields 2 cups cooked) 2:1 water to grain ratio, steep 30 minutes.

Buckwheat- (GF)
Buckwheat has no relation to wheat- it is actually a relative of the rhubarb plant. Toasted buckwheat is called kasha and has a nuttier flavor and more solid consistency. The groats have a very distinct flavor that some people love and some people hate. Buckwheat flour tends to be coarse and dry and is best used in combination with a lighter flour such as white rice, tapioca, or arrowroot.
(1 cup grain yields 4 cups cooked) 2:1 water to grain ratio,  steep 15 minutes.

Millet-(GF)
A small grain with a nutty flavor. It is very nutritious.
(1 cup grain yields 3 cups cooked) 3:1 water to grain ratio, steep 40 minutes.

Quinoa- (GF)
One of the best sources of protein (16%) in the vegetable kingdom. It is light, easily digested, and prepares quickly and easily. There are different varieties of quinoa including white, red and black.
(1 cup grain yields 4 cups cooked) 2:1 water to grain ratio, steep 15 minutes.

Rice- (GF)
There are many different varieties of rice- basmati, jasmine, sushi, red, brown, white, black, wild, short grain, long grain, etc. They each have different cooking instructions, but for basic long grain brown rice (1 cup grain yields 3 cups cooked) 2:1 water to grain ratio, steep 45 minutes.

We carry local eggs as well as local, organically raised beef and bison. In our freezer, we have antibiotic and nitrate-free bacon, hot dogs, lunch meat, organic poultry and wild-caught salmon.

By purchasing locally raised meat and poultry products, you know that the animals came from a small family farm where the animals were pasture raised and well cared for. The business of large scale meat production has led to the inhumane treatment of animals, which commonly includes truly awful living conditions and treatment (the debeeking of chickens, for example). Please be a responsible meat eater. To learn more, there is a multitude of information available (some including very graphic film footage). Some reference films include:  “Eating” and “Earthlings”.  You may be able to find these films at your local library.

Organic certification requires that:

• Organic standards prohibit the use of growth hormones. Many people feel that hormones (used to increase the growth rate of animals or to increase milk production)  have not been adequately tested and pose a threat to human health.
• Organic standards prohibit the use of antibiotics. U.S. government regulations permit conventionally raised animals to be regularly fed subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease from their overcrowded conditions. Such overuse of antibiotics has been linked to antibiotic resistance in virulent microbes.
• No Irradiation. Organic standards prohibit the use of ionizing radiation to preserve food. U.S. regulations allow irridation (labeled “cold pasteurization”) of both produce and meat.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains such as barley, rye and spelt. Many people have sensitivities or allergies to gluten and thus need gluten-free products.

At Sunflower you will find a wide variety of gluten-free products. We have gluten-free breads, pastas, cereals, crackers, baking mixes and flours, whole grains, desserts, snacks, and much more.

We have labeled the shelves with tags to make it quick and easy to identify gluten-free foods. Please don’t feel limited or compromise your nutrition if you are on a gluten-free diet. There are lots of wonderful foods available. In the Natural Foods section of our website, under “Whole Foods” you will find a list of gluten-free(GF) whole grains with cooking instructions.