Products I Love: Ancient Harvest

My husband and I love to eat pasta at least one night a week.  I am always searching for more healthy pasta options.  Recently, while eating lunch at  THE SWAMP RABBIT CAFE,  I stumbled upon Ancient Harvest.  After preparing it for dinner, we are searching for all their products.

Ancient Harvest: Pasta

Several pasta shapes were available, I picked up penne and spaghetti.  As a certified NON-GMO product, the ingredients are simple, corn, flour and quinoa flour.

Much has been made of QUINOA and its health benefits.   Relativity new to the American market, quinoa was a staple food of the ancient Incas.  Quinoa is called a SUPER-GRAIN OF THE FUTURE because it contains more protein than any other grain.  It contains all eight essential amino acids, so it is considered a “complete protein.”  It is also higher in unsaturated fats (the good fats) and lower in carbohydrates than most grains, and it provides a rich and balanced source of vital nutrients.  As mentioned in my article,  Fiber Options To Remedy Your Deficiency, we discussed the health benefits of protein and fiber found in this delicate, lighter flavor grain.  Being gluten-free and made from organic corn and quinoa flour, this is an excellent alternative to the traditional brands of dried pasta.

Ancient Harvest: The Company

Ancient Harvest has made a commitment to sustainable and organic farming by promoting programs to help small farmers gain Organic Certification status. The quinoa used to make their products comes from Bolivia where the ideal conditions exist to grow this SUPER-GRAIN. Most of their products are gluten-free, but not all.  The gluten-free ancient grains include quinoa, amaranth, millet, and sorghum. The gluten-containing ancient grains include farro and spelt.  In order to maintain their organic certifications, genetically modified ingredients are strictly prohibited, including the corn sourced for the corn-quinoa blended pastas. Additionally, many of their products are either verified by or being enrolled in the Non-GMO Project.

Ancient Harvest: The Products

Besides their “super-grain” gluten-free pasta blends, Ancient Harvest also has macaroni and cheese products,  hot gluten-free cereals and gluten-free flour.  Some of their products are available at Whole Foods, Fresh Market or specialized health food stores;  however, you can order their products online at http://ancientharvest.com/buy-quinoa/

My simple Pancetta Pasta was delicious and featured the pasta front and center. The texture was creamy and smooth and my husband did not know the difference between the quinoa flour pasta and our traditional pasta (Ronzoni or Barilla).  I highly recommend giving this brand a try.  It is slightly more expensive than the brands I just mentioned, but the health benefits outweigh the small price difference.  Ancient Harvest is a product I love.