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By admin, February 26, 2010 6:12 pm

Best Organics sells the finest organic agave available in the United States. Made from the natural juice (aguamiel) of the agave. It is harvested from plants in the high desert region of Central Mexico and then brought to Lyons, Colorado where it is bottled at the Madhava plant. It has both organic and kosher certification. It is gluten and allergen free, and has a low Glycemic Index of 32.

And, just how did Madhava get started bottling agave nectar? Well, according to the company…

“In 1972 there were a couple of budding hippie entrepreneurs in the foothills of Boulder. One climbed the mountain to pick herbs. One set up down in the canyon by the river. Mo took his herbs and blended some tea. Bart discovered that people wanted good local honey. The Grateful Dead played at C.U.’s Folsom Field that summer. Yeah…you know, what a long strange trip it’s been…for Madhava…for all of us…we can still hear you Jerry!

Bart Utley named his company Madhava Honey. He and the founders exemplified the spirit of the 70s. The company was conceived at the very first Rainbow Family national gathering in Granby, Colorado during the summer of 1972. Today, 37 years later, the company is located at the base of the foothills near Lyons, just about 20 miles as the crow flies from where the original gathering was held that summer. Some of the “family’ coalesced into a group. They formed a circle and meditated together on the mountain, and from that experience came the birth of an idea: to establish a commune with a honey business at its center, to reflect their ideals and support their intended lifestyle.

So, the founders came down the hill, full of energy and vibe. They indeed followed through on their plans immediately. Bart had been buying honey from local beekeepers; Chip had just received an inheritance. Jay, Peter, John, Carol, Paula, H, and Adam rounded out the group. Bart had the honey, Chip had some money. H’s father was a banker, and he convinced him to give them a $10,000 startup loan. Soon, they purchased a farm Southeast of Longmont, moved right in and began business as Madhava Honey, Ltd. “Madhava” is a Sanskrit word Bart had chosen, meaning “one born in a pool of honey and sprinkled with pollen;” to us, “Born of Honey.”

And, a beautiful scenic farm it was; small at five acres, but perfect for the commune’s needs. The farmhouse must have been 100 years old. We found remnants of a Conestoga wagon in the field that probably belonged to the original settlers. And, we still have the old wood stove that warmed and fed the homeowners over the years, including ourselves.

One of the outbuildings was converted into honey packing and storage rooms. Resourceful and conscientious, the entire place was put together with recycled materials that were salvaged from the army hospital that was razed in Denver that year-right down to the leftover paint…we ended up with a pale green and light purple production room!

Although the experiment with communal living didn’t pan out, its dissolvement led to the hiring of Craig Gerbore, 24. Craig was connected through Chip, and took over in 1976 and ran it as a one-man operation. One man and five goats, that is, as he inherited the commune’s goats. The company has been under his direction since.

From these beginnings, Madhava has survived and thrived. Our company has been at the forefront of the Natural Food movement from the beginning. We understand the needs and desires of our customers in a way few others can.

Madhava is still a grassroots company, same management for 33 years now, still buying from family-owned beekeeping operations, and small enough to keep focused on our original intention-to supply the best quality, all-natural sweeteners to our terrific customers, one jar at a time. I say sweeteners because in addition to the honeys, we now offer agave nectar, a pure and organic alternative to sugar. It comes from the heart of the agave in Central Mexico. It looks like honey but pours more easily and has a lighter taste. Whichever you choose, sweeten and enjoy in good health!”

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By admin, February 24, 2010 10:17 am

Yet another reason to eat fresh, organic food…

“The chemical Bisphenol A, which has been used for years in clear plastic bottles and food-can liners, has been restricted in Canada and some U.S. states and municipalities because of potential health effects. The Food and Drug Administration will soon decide what it considers a safe level of exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), which some studies have linked to reproductive abnormalities and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.

Now Consumer Reports’ latest tests of canned foods, including soups, juice, tuna, and green beans, have found that almost all of the 19 name-brand foods we tested contain some BPA. The canned organic foods we tested did not always have lower BPA levels than nonorganic brands of similar foods analyzed. We even found the chemical in some products in cans that were labeled “BPA-free.”

The debate revolves around just what is a safe level of the chemical to ingest and whether it should be in contact with food. Federal guidelines currently put the daily upper limit of safe exposure at 50 micrograms of BPA per kilogram of body weight. But that level is based on experiments done in the 1980s rather than hundreds of more recent animal and laboratory studies indicating serious health risks could result from much lower doses of BPA”. (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/december-2009/food/bpa/overview/bisphenol-a-ov.htm)

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By admin, February 22, 2010 7:11 am

We just heard that Ellie’s in Boulder is selling eco-friendly, sustainable caskets. The caskets are made from Colorado beetle-kill pine. I doubt anyone would want to receive one in a gift box, but what a fantastic idea! Maybe that’s what they’d call “thinking outside the box”?

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By admin, February 19, 2010 8:44 am

Most of us know about the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables to avoid unless they are organic. But, what about our cosmetics or body care products? The National Geographic has a guide of the top twelve ingredients to avoid (see below). After reading the list, you’ll see why it’s just one more (or maybe 12 more) reasons to go organic, even in our cosmetics.

1. Antibacterials
Overuse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.

2. Coal Tar
Coal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.

3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.

4. 1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms “PEG,” “-xynol,” “ceteareth,” “oleth” and most other ethoxylated “eth” ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children’s bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.

5. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.

6. Fragrance
The catchall term “fragrance” may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.

7. Lead and Mercury
Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men’s hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.

8. Nanoparticles
Tiny nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You’ll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.

9. Parabens
(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.

10. Petroleum Distillates
Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”

11. P-Phenylenediamine
Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It’s also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.

12. Hydroquinone
Found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there’s limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.

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By admin, February 17, 2010 6:17 am

This headline grabbed our attention the other day: “Gov’t urged to check imported tea from China on pesticide concerns”. The article continued: “The government [Taiwan] should step up its inspection of tea imported from China through Vietnam as it contains excessive levels of pesticides and poses a serious health threat, local tea farmers and an opposition lawmaker said Monday” (Taiwan News, 8 February 2010)

Tea is one of the most highly sprayed crops on the planet, which is why the best tea is always organic. And, why we at Best Organics, insist on only carrying the best organic tea on the market. Last year The Tea Spot launched a new line of organic teas that are all hand-picked, fair trade and, of course, 100% organic. One of the other many reasons we love this company is their overall mission: “Tea in its freshest form renders superior quality, flavor, unmatched health benefits, and is eco-friendly. To make loose leaf tea an everyday luxury by developing exceptional products, enabling consumers to get the greatest benefit and pleasure from loose tea.” In addition, the company donates a portion of sales from all products to Cancer research, and wellness organizations around the globe. What’s not to love?!

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By admin, February 15, 2010 7:16 am

New rules were issued by the Department of Agriculture on Friday regarding how much time cows at organic dairies must spend grazing on pasture. Part of the new rules state that animals must graze on pasture for the full length of the local grazing season. The season will be determined by local conditions and agriculture authorities. The grazing season must last at least 120 days and may be longer. In addition, cows must get at least 30 percent of their food from pasture during the season.

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By admin, February 12, 2010 7:11 am

The Boulder International Film Festival opened last night in Boulder. So, somewhere out there Alec Baldwin and other VIP are eating their way through their Boulder’s Best Organics gift boxes…lucky them!

In other news, yesterday we heard from our one and only organic sunscreen company, Goddess Garden, letting us know that their products will be available on the shelves at Whole Foods stores in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Which means, in addition to finding their products in our gift boxes, you can find these amazing products shelves in over 200 stores including Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, PCC Natural Markets and Pharmaca stores throughout the country. Congratulations!!

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By admin, February 10, 2010 7:11 am

We just love partnering with Justin’s Nut Butters. Their squeeze packs are always a well received addition in any Best Organics gift box. But, how did they begin…when I asked the company, they sent me this reply:

“As a long time vegetarian and outdoor enthusiast, Justin has relied on nut butters as a sufficient protein source. in 2003 Justin started making his own varieties of nut butters with his household food processor as a result of frustrations with the lack of great tasting nut butters in stores. With encouragement from friends and family, he started delivering his product to every natural food store around Boulder while still maintaining a full time job. He soon decided he needed to make squeeze packs to carry his nut butter on the go, especially when doing his favorite outdoorsy activities (mountain biking, skiing, hiking, etc). He financed a squeeze pack machine that was used to make shampoo samples in the 80’s (and we still use it today!), and he developed the first-to-market squeeze pack of gourmet almond and peanut butters. Like many entrepreneurs, Justin has come a long way with his line of nut butters, always thinking of new flavor combinations.”

And, we hear that the new chocolate squeeze packs are on their way! I for one can’t wait to try them – I’ve been packing the squeeze packs in the pocket of my ski jacket for instant energy on the slopes all season. I have found that the energy I get from one little squeeze pack can really make a difference in performance. Thanks Justin’s for the great story behind your company!

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By admin, February 8, 2010 7:00 am

ALEC BALDWIN AND BLYTHE DANNER TO EAT BOULDER ORGANIC FOODS!

Award winning film actors Alec Baldwin and Blythe Danner, along with all the filmmakers participating in the 6th Annual Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF), February 11-14, 2010, will each receive a special gift from Boulder’s Best Organics. Best Organics has been selected as the first ever gift given to dignitaries at the internationally recognized film festival.

“What could be a more fitting gift for our visiting filmmakers and celebrities than a selection of the very best of Boulder and Colorado’s fair trade, organic and sustainable products?” said Kathy Beeck, co-founder and Director of the Boulder International Film Festival.

Among the leading Colorado-grown brands that will be featured in the Boulder’s Best Organics™ gift box being presented to visiting filmmakers and celebrities at BIFF are Eldorado Springs Vitamin Charged Water, Pixie Maté tea, Justin’s Nut Butter, Papa Ben’s Peanut Brittle, Licious Organics jam, St. Claire’s organic tarts, Bobo’s Oat Bars, Pangea Organics lip balm, Joia Botanicals soap, and tulsi tea from Organic India.

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By admin, February 5, 2010 9:03 am

If you live in Colorado and haven’t been to Colterra in Niwot or Salt in Boulder, go! Go soon! Go often! These restaurants embody the farm-to-table movement that is sweeping the country. Organic, locally grown seasonal produce is used in all of their French/Italian dishes. Colterra even boasts their own garden and will host a few organic gardening seminars this spring. Eating organically in Colorado has never tasted so good!