Sound Consumer archive
June 2011

Bananas at risk

The monoculture of Americans’ favorite fruit

by Cameron Woodworth

Like so many Americans, I am a banana junkie. Almost every morning, I pull out the Vitamix blender and make a smoothie, always with at least a couple of bananas along with other scrumptious fruits. I buy two or three bunches of bananas a week.

Organic standards for animal welfare and additives?

by Trudy Bialic, Director of Public Affairs

A string of staff and board trustees testifying before the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) represented PCC Natural Markets’ bench strength, passion and knowledge at the first NOSB meeting ever in Seattle.

Foraging in our own backyard

by Helen Vaskevitch

Students from the Edible Campus Project at the University of Washington are identifying and mapping edible plants on the UW campus. They’ve divided the campus into quadrants and plan to have a foraging guide available to the public.

Exploring the aisles: Extra-virgin olive oil

Olive oils, like wine or coffee, have complex tastes and textures that reflect the type of olives, where they’re grown, and the care with which they’re pressed. Here are some you’ll find in our stores, along with tips, terms and information.

Recipes from the June issue

Favorite summer potato salads

Perfect for picnics and backyard barbeques, is there a summer side dish more beloved than potato salad?

What's new in store — June 2011

First-of-the-season organic peaches, nectarines and pluots kick off summer's deliciousness, and Udi's gluten-free hamburger and hotdog buns are great for barbeques. Don't miss Northwest cranberry juices and trail mix, cheese from Vashon island, and avocado-enriched pet food.

A humble tuber

by Kristin Vogel
Communications Manager, PCC Farmland Trust

On a March evening, in a warm and cozy bungalow In Wallingford, we sat around tables showcasing the remnants of a spring meal well and thoroughly enjoyed. Of particular note was the first dish: a spectacular creamy sunchoke soup, carefully poured from small pitchers into beautiful bowls waiting in front of us.