Rice is one of the world’s most beloved staples. From curries, to sushi, to rice and peas and fragrant rice pudding, there’s more to these fluffy grains than you might think. It turns out there’s a big difference between conventional and organic varieties, and the choices you make have a significant impact on your health, and the planet’s too.

Recipe for a perfect summer afternoon: a paper bag filled with golden peaches, a bowl of perfectly ripe nectarines, as many indigo plums as you can pile in your hands, and a backyard filled with loved ones to share it all with on a balmy sunny day. But the real secret ingredient? Make sure those stone fruits are organic—summer is sweeter without toxic pesticide residues!

Oh tomatoes, you delicious orbs of juicy sweet umami! Diced, sliced, fresh, fried, or saucy—even those who don’t love you can’t help but dip fries in ketchup or indulge in the comfort of a bowl of spaghetti and marinara.

To the parents who told us to eat our broccoli,

You may have spent many meals convincing us those green vegetables on our plate were actually tiny dinosaur trees, or even resorted to bribery as we resisted with all the stubborn refusal a kid can muster.

We’ve all heard the familiar adage, “Eat your greens!” however, it could use a little update, a minor edit, so to speak. Our new adage should be “Eat your organic greens!” And here’s why… 

The coffee machine whirrs gently, roasted aromas waft through the kitchen, the mug warms your hands as you watch whisps of steam float upward—and then there’s the decadent flavor of this drink that enlivens the senses. It’s no wonder coffee is one of the most beloved beverages in the world.

For thousands of years, olives and olive oil have been woven into the fabric of societal life. The cultural legacy of olives is timeless, symbolizing peace, wisdom, and longevity. These small fruits and the rich oil they produce are treasured for their nourishing health benefits and decadent flavour. But olives are more than just a tasty snack.

As the winds turn colder and darkness settles in a little earlier each evening, this time of year can feel a little dreary. On gloomy late-fall days, you might need a little pick-me-up to bring a little pep to your step.

A dash of cumin, a sprinkle of thyme, a shake of oregano and suddenly the kitchen is filled with mouth-watering scents. Layers of aroma transport you back in time to standing on a stool as a little one to reach the countertops and be the one to add in the secret ingredient—that special blend of herbs and spices that makes food come alive.

Roasted, toasted, and turned into butter — by the handful, or by a jar, there are oodles of varieties and ways to enjoy nuts. A handful of crunchy roasted almonds, or walnuts sprinkled over a bowl of oatmeal, a peanut butter sandwich, or trail mix to fuel your adventures.

There’s a transportive power to the sweet juiciness of a perfectly ripe mango; with every bite you’re whisked away to a beach under swaying palm trees, basking in the warm golden sun.

Ah, summertime. The sun is shining, and the barbeque is ablaze with meals to be shared with friends and loved ones. It just doesn’t get better than a rainbow of veggies, meats, and sweet tangy sauce, kabobbed and grilled to perfection. The perfect BBQ companion filled with vitamins A, C, potassium, and fiber? Summer squash!