[Advance to content]

Alberta Co-op Grocery

Open to everyone 9-10 daily

1500 NE Alberta St., Portland, Oregon 97211  ·  on buslines 8 & 72

info@albertagrocery.coop

503.287.4333

Spotlight

Product Profile: Hoskins Berry Farm’s Blackberry Vinegar

Posted February 1st, 2012

by Geanna Marek, Working Owner
Have you tried flavored vinegars? I really haven’t gone out of my usual balsamic and apple cider circle to try other varieties, but when I saw Hoskins Berry Farm’s Blackberry Vinegar at ACG, I knew I had to pick it up. The question that came next was, obviously, how the heck would I use and consume it?
My mind raced over all the possibilities: add it to some jam (I think it would taste amazing with strawberries or blackberries), use it as a dip for shortbread with some nice coconut oil, or simply add it to another recipe in place of normal vinegar. I settled on using it in a recipe, but instead of a basic vinegar replacement, it became a major flavor enhancer.
I added it to a homemade BBQ sauce that I like to marinate tofu in. It added the most delightfully tart flavor to my dinner. My ingredients for the BBQ sauce are usually ketchup, liquid sweetener (I prefer maple syrup or agave), liquid smoke and Bragg’s amino acids, but this time I added the vinegar instead of the sweetener, and it was delicious.
Hoskins Berry Farm is a certified biodynamic and organic farm located in Philomath, Oregon, that produces both fruit and medicinal herbs. According to the back of the bottle, the farm sought out biodynamic certification because the owners believe that type of farming is “a holistic approach to agriculture that emphasizes self-sustainability. The farm is viewed as a living organism that achieves health and vitality when the dynamic interactions of nature are balanced.” Plus, in my humble opinion, the end product taste pretty darn good.
A 5 ounce bottle of blackberry vinegar is available for $4.99 at ACG, and contains raw unfiltered biodynamic/organic blackberry vinegar with 4% acidity.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Announcements, Food and Drink, Spotlight

Valentine’s Wine Recommendations

Posted February 1st, 2012

by Eli, Interim Wine Buyer

Now, I know that some of you are far too preoccupied with planning your superbowl party to think about your Valentine’s Day plans
(and some of you are far too preoccupied with whatever you preoccupy yourself with (running for the board, perhaps?) to think about either), but it’s coming up here fast, folks. Maybe you have all intention to work out the details in a bit more time. I support that.

But, to get you thinking about what exactly your details will include, here is a list of my favorite wines at the Co-op currently, to inspire your potential dinner choices.

Cuma Organic Malbec - I really like this one. It’s pretty fruity, which makes me want to tell you to pair it with things like strong curries or chili or lamb

Cortijo Rioja Tempranillo - “This is a blend of Tempranillo with a small amount of Garnacha. Fruit forward wine with aromas of red cherry, red berry and a hint of spice.” Yes, I agree. Pair it with smoky food or something Spanish-influenced.

Good Chianti - This is a good one to pair with some kind of big meal that you are making yourself: pumpkin soup, lentil soup, vegetable lasagna, or with any Italian-influenced dinner.

Barricas Malbec - Two Malbecs! Well, other staff back me up on both of these. Weren’t convinced by the other food pairing suggestions? Try it with Goat Brie or the Smokey Blue from Rogue Creamery.

Stay tuned next week for my bubbly recommendations!

Tags: ,
Posted in Announcements, Food and Drink, Spotlight