Food Gossip: ZEGO Does 6 Tests to Ensure the Purity and Quality of our Oats

🌍✨ As Earth Month comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of regenerative agriculture! 🌱 Did you know that food production is responsible for a staggering 30% of all carbon emissions? 😲

That’s where regenerative agriculture comes in, and ZEGO oats is leading the charge!

But what exactly is regenerative agriculture? 🤔 It’s a holistic approach to farming that’s all about giving back to the Earth. Think topsoil regeneration, biodiversity boost, improved water cycle, and enhanced ecosystem services. It’s like hitting the reset button for our soil health and the planet’s wellbeing. 🌾🌿

At ZEGO, we’re proud to be part of the regenerative movement. Our oats don’t just fill your belly – they’re superheroes for the soil! 💪 During harvest, our oats’ hulls fall off, naturally regenerating the soil and eliminating sharp bits that could cause gut irritation. Plus, our production process uses less than half the carbon of typical oats. 🌟

But the regenerative goodness doesn’t stop there! Did you know that planting oats as a cover crop between growing seasons is a fantastic way for farmers to keep the soil healthy? 🌾 Oat crops suppress weeds, control erosion, retain nutrients, and even act as carbon superheroes, pulling CO2 from the air and locking it into the soil where it belongs. 🌱✨

So when you choose ZEGO oats, you’re not just choosing a tasty breakfast – you’re choosing to support a brighter, greener future for our planet. 🌎💚

sources: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/carbon-sequestration
https://www.earthday.org/regenerative-agriculture-fact-sheet/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerative_agriculture
📸:Mark Stebnicki …

🫐 Celebrate the beginning of blueberry season with us with this Immune-Boosting Smoothie featuring a blend of wholesome ingredients! 🥑💪🏻

Ingredients:

1 cup milk or your preferred substitute
1/4 cup coconut water
1-2 tbsp ZEGO Plant Protein
1 banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 tbsp avocado
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp ground flax
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
A few ice cubes
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Fresh blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries for topping (optional)

Method:
Blend until smooth, this recipe makes two servings so you can share the goodness with a friend! 😊

(Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient – smoothies are versatile! Plus, this recipe is paleo-friendly. 🌿)

Special thanks to Haley (@thedolcehunter) for crafting and sharing this nutritious concoction with us. Enjoy and have a beautiful weekend all! 💚 …

🌍🌾 Happy Earth Day! 🌾🌍

At ZEGO, we believe every choice we make has an impact on our planet. That’s why, on this Earth Day, we’re celebrating sustainability with a delicious “Go Green” Waffle recipe that helps reduce food waste! 🌿Use the last bits of greens lingering in your veggie drawer, leftover spinach dip, or even fresh greens to make these healthy and delicious gluten-free waffles. They are so fast & easy to make in a mini-waffle maker, plus you can make a big batch and freeze for later!

These savory waffles aren’t just for breakfast, using our Double Protein Oats adds protein and immune-boosting fiber and minerals that make for a satisfying meal or snack anytime. Check out our Instagram Stories for the full recipe! 🤤

But, that’s not all, did you know that oats are a more sustainable crop? Here are 3 reasons why:

🌱Oats can prevent soil erosion
💧Oats require minimal water, often getting all the water they need from what naturally occurs in the soil they’re planted in. This reduces the need for irrigation of the crops and cuts back on the amount of water it takes to produce.
🌎These plants are also able to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by capturing it from the air and pulling it into the soil.

By choosing oats and supporting oat production, consumers can contribute to more sustainable farming practices and help protect the environment on Earth Day and every day. 💚💫 …

Aldo Leopold’s quote reminds us that the land is far more than just the physical ground beneath our feet, it is a dynamic and interconnected system, a source of life and vitality. The health of our land is intricately tied to the health of our bodies. It speaks to the profound connections between all living beings and ecosystems, highlighting the importance of stewardship for a sustainable future. Let’s honor this interconnectedness and nurture our land with care. 🌱 #regenerativeagriculture …

🍎🧇This muesli batter makes the BEST gluten-free & vegan-friendly pancakes, waffles, and muffins!

Apple Cranberry Muesli Batter for Waffles, Pancakes, and Muffins

INGREDIENTS

1 c ZEGO Apple Cranberry Muesli
1 Tbs baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
3 tsp vanilla
4 dates (or 1 Tbs maple syrup)
1/2 cup milk or dairy-free milk
1 Tbs melted and cooled butter/ghee or olive oil (we love ghee)

DIRECTIONS

Put the muesli and salt in a food processor or blender and blend for about one minute.
Add the rest of the ingredients except the baking powder and blend for 30-60 seconds until the dates seem adequately incorporated into the batter.
Add the baking powder and stir with a fork just enough to combine. Over-stirring will decrease the bubbles in the batter and make your pancakes rise less. if you have time, let the batter rest for 50 minutes to give the oats a chance to soak up the liquid.
If your batter is too thin, you can stir in a couple tablespoons of rolled oats or ground muesli.
For Pancakes: Cook in a skillet or griddle on medium-low heat and flip as soon as you can so they don’t burn. Though you need enough heat for the pancakes to form their “feet” so you can flip them easily, we like to turn down the flame during cooking if the batter is really thick.

For Muffins: Bake at 350 for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the muffins.

For Waffles: We recommend using a large waffle maker instead of a mini as the mini doesn’t give the dough enough room to puff up. However, if you like really crispy waffles then a mini works great.

Enjoy! 😋🥞🌱 …

Boost your breakfast game with our raw, organic, purity protocol gluten-free rolled oats! 🌾✨ Get double the protein per serving compared to regular oats, and enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re purity verified for over 500 pesticides, heavy metals, gluten, and allergens. Now available at Whole Foods Market in Pittsburgh, PA. Fuel your day the clean and nutritious way! 🌱💪🏽 …

🌟 Looking for a nutritious snack to power up your weekend? Try these Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Plant-Based Protein Balls made with our signature muesli. These bites are bursting with flavor and nutrition (they remind us of no-bake cookies!🤤). With added protein and fiber from our plant-based Pure Protein powder and seeds, they’re the perfect fuel for all your weekend adventures. Try the recipe today and treat yourself to a wholesome and delicious snack option! 🌿

Gluten-Free Cranberry Muesli Protein Balls
INGREDIENTS

2/3 c ZEGO Apple Cranberry Muesli
2/3 c almond butter or sunflower seed butter
2 tbs vanilla
2 tbs maple syrup
2 tbs ZEGO Pure Plant Protein (use less if your nut or seed butter is on the drier side)
2 tbs flaky salt, like Maldon’s
3 tbs additional dried cranberries, optional

DIRECTIONS

Mix the nut/seed butter, vanilla, and maple syrup together in a large bowl.
Add in the protein, muesli, salt, and cranberries, if desired. Mix well.
Leave to set in the fridge for 30 minutes (this makes them easier to roll).
Roll into 16 balls. Alternatively, you can shape them into 8 bars (we love the ease of using the Granola Bar Pan).

Enjoy and have a beautiful weekend!😋🏕️🛶🚲 …

🌾Missed out on Expo West this year? No worries! You can still empower your brand’s sustainability journey and tap into invaluable insights on mission-based sourcing.🌍

Join Colleen Kavanagh, Founder of ZEGO, and other industry innovators in an illuminating panel discussion on integrating organic, regenerative, and locally sourced ingredients into natural products.

🌱 Explore actionable strategies and insights to navigate the complexities of procurement and foster sustainability and community collaboration. Watch the panel discussion here: https://expowest24.smallworldlabs.com/sessions/item/54/324 or click the link in our Stories✨ …

☀️Rise and shine with this berrylicious baked oatmeal recipe! 🍌🫐 A burst of flavor in every bite, featuring ZEGO Muesli and fresh fruits. It’s not just delicious, it’s a healthy and allergy-friendly breakfast option too! Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for meal prep! ✨

Have you tried baked oatmeal before? 🥣

How to Make ZEGO Oatmeal Bake

Ingredients
3 c your favorite flavor of ZEGO Muesli or rolled oats
1/3 c cane sugar or maple syrup
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
scant 1/2 tsp fine-grain sea salt
2 c dairy-free milk
1 egg or substitute
3 tbs oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 bananas, cut into 1/2″ slices
1 1/2 c blueberries or mixed berries

Method
Preheat oven to 375 with a rack in the top third of the oven. Generously grease the inside of an 8-inch square baking dish.
In a bowl, mix together the muesli/oats, the sugar (if using), baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (if using), the milk, egg, oil, and the vanilla.
Arrange the bananas in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 2/3 of the berries on top. Cover the fruit with the oat mixture.
Slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the oats. Gently give the baking dish a couple thwacks on the countertop to make sure the milk moves through the oats. Scatter the remaining berries across the top.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the oat mixture has set.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with a bit more sugar or drizzle with maple syrup, if you like.
Cool completely before cutting.
Enjoy! 😋 …

Did you know that ZEGO isn’t just a B Corp – we’re proud to be a Women-Owned Business too! 💪🌟 As we celebrate B Corp month and Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to highlight our commitment to positive impact and female leadership. It’s inspiring to be part of a community where actions truly speak louder than words. Together, let’s continue driving change and making a difference! 🌱💚✨ #bcorpmonth #womenshistorymonth #womenownedbusiness” …

🌱 Food for thought! 🌭🍬🍟 Processed foods can trigger inflammation and stress, paving the way for chronic health issues. Let’s prioritize fueling our bodies with whole, nourishing foods for a happier, healthier life! 🥑🍎💪 …

💡Did you know that ZEGO’s raw Double Protein Oats make a great gluten-free sourdough starter, and they do it MUCH faster than oatmeal and flours that are not raw? 🌾 As you can see in the picture, ZEGO’s oatmeal grows almost 1/3 more in just the first 18 hours. And, it’s easy to do if you follow the instructions below.

Using our sourdough starter also makes recipes even more digestible than using just our gut-friendly Double Protein Oats. Sourdough adds prebiotic fiber and adds leavening to your dough, making the fluffiest pancakes, muffins, waffles, and more! 😋

How to Make Sourdough Starter with Raw Oatmeal
🔸Put about ½ cup of oats and ½ cup of water in a glass jar and stir with a wooden spoon or chopstick (or your finger).
🔸Leave it in a somewhat warm place (70 degrees F) covered loosely with a towel. Stir each day with a wooden spoon or your finger (no metal) until you notice small bubbles on the surface. (This may happen right away. )
🔸Once you see the bubbles, stir, and take out half the starter. This is called your “discard.”
🔸Immediately add in another ½ cup oats and ½ cup water. This is called “feeding” your starter.
🔸Once or twice a day, repeat this process for about 5-7 days.
🔸You can start using the discard for baking or oatmeal if it has developed a sour-sweet smell like sourdough bread. If it has an “off” taste or smell, do not eat it. It isn’t ready yet, and it will give you a tummy ache!

🔷The starter can be kept in the fridge for 5 days before needing to be fed again.

For more sourdough tips and recipes, head on over to our magazine on our website or click the link in our bio! https://zegofoods.com/how-to-make-zego-oats-sourdough-starter/ …

🌱🌻 Happy first day of spring! 🌼 We can’t wait to dust off the gardening gloves and start planting! 🌿 Here’s a pro tip for you: keep an eye out for the word CAUTION on conventional pesticides for your home garden.

That’s the federal term for “least toxic” in the pesticide business! 🚫🌿 For a thriving garden and an even safer option, why not give organic alternatives a try? Your plants (and the planet) will thank you! 🌍💚 …