Are there any additives or preservatives in Anita's Organic Mixes?

There are no additives or preservatives in Anita's Organic Mixes – just the same premium artisan quality ingredients you would use baking from scratch with Anita's Organic premium flours and ingredients.

Which allergens could be present at Anita's Organic?

Anita's Organic Grain & Flour Mill uses products containing wheat, grains containing gluten, and dairy, eggs and nuts that are segregated but within the same facility; therefore, we are not certified as a gluten, dairy, egg or nut-free processor. There are no seafood, soy or sulphite products used or on premises at our mill.

Anita's Organic Red Lentils are listed as being "Unpeeled", what does this mean? Do they cook differently than split red lentils?

Anita's Organic Red Lentils are not split and remain whole within the peel and have a more subtle pinkish outside colour. They take only slightly longer to cook than split red lentils (30 to 35 minutes total time) and will not disappear or soften as much as split red lentils.

What is the difference between Anita's Organic Green Lentils and Anita's Organic French Green Lentils?

Anita's Organic French Green Lentils are smaller and darker in colour, and they take slightly longer to cook (up to 50 minutes) and tend to be richer in flavour, more peppery and hearty and remain intact after, not mushy like other lentils.

What is Anita's Organic Non-Alum Baking Powder? How does it work?

Many commercially available baking powders contain an aluminum compound as one of the ingredients. These aluminum compounds can cause an unpleasant metallic flavor in baked goods, and aluminum consumption may have negative health effects. Anita's Organic Non-Alum Baking Powder is a double acting baking powder that contains no aluminum compounds.

Are there additives present in the Anita's Organic Seedless Thompson Raisins?

No, nothing has been added to the Anita's Organic Seedless Thompson Raisins. They are dried organic grapes, pure and simple.

Why does Anita's Organic sell whole unground flaxseed? Isn't it best consumed in a ground state?

Anita's Organic sells whole flaxseed that can be ground fresh easily as needed. The body cannot absorb the healthful benefits of the essential fatty acids found in the oil of flaxseed until the flaxseed is ground. When ground, flaxseed is subject to rapid oxidization leading to rancidity. Oxidization is prevented naturally by keeping the flaxseed whole until just before use. Whether ground or whole, flaxseed is a rich source of fiber.

What is the difference between Anita's Organic Brown Flaxseed and Anita's Organic Golden Flaxseed?

Although Anita's Organic Brown Flaxseed and Anita's Organic Golden Flaxseed vary in colour they are equally high in nutrition. The difference lies more in flavour and texture when ground and eaten raw. Anita's Organic Brown Flaxseed grinds into a drier meal and tastes slightly sharp and bitter compared to the milder nutty flavour of Anita's Organic Golden Flaxseed.

How is ground flaxseed used as an egg substitute in baking?

Anita's Organic Flaxseed makes for an excellent substitute in baking. To substitute for one egg, mix 1Tb ground flaxseed with 3Tb warm water, and let stand to thicken for two minutes – use this formula to replace as many eggs as the recipe requires.

What are the health benefits of consuming flaxseed? How can I use flaxseed in my kitchen?

The oil in flaxseed contains omega-3 essential fatty acid, known as linolenic acid or alpha-linolenic acid, and omega-6 essential fatty acid known as linoleic acid. Not only can these essential fatty acids help regulate the breakdown of cholesterol in the body, but they are a necessary component of cell walls and cellular membranes throughout the body. Flaxseed can be used whole, or ground and used in a multitude of applications.

To grind flaxseed use a coffee grinder devoted exclusively to flaxseed or your kitchen blender, food processor, or grind in the WonderMill Junior Deluxe using the stainless steel milling heads. Mix ground flaxseed into smoothies or baking, sprinkle it on breakfast cereals or salads, hide it in tomato sauces, or just take a tablespoon or two with a glass of water.

What is the difference between Anita's Organic Quick Rolled Oats and Anita's Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats?

Anita's Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats are Whole Grain Oat kernels that have been lightly softened with steam and then simply pressed flat. When cooked as porridge, Anita's Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats require ten to twenty minutes of simmering depending on the preferred texture. They are tasty and substantial in texture when used in baking or cooked as porridge.

Anita's Organic Quick Rolled Oats are Whole Grain Rolled Oats broken into smaller flakes. Anita's Organic Quick Rolled Oats are nearly instant – just boil water, stir and let thicken. When cooked into porridge, Anita's Organic Quick Rolled Oats have a more smooth and creamy liquid texture than Anita's Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats.

What are Anita's Organic Steel-Cut Oats?

Anita's Organic Steel-Cut Oats are a hearty hot cereal comprised of oat kernels which have been cut into three little nibs. When cooked into porridge, Anita's Organic Steel-Cut Oats make a satisfying breakfast with a low glycemic index and a chewier texture than typical hot cereals.

Is Anita's Organic Multi-grain Pancake & Waffle Mix heavy-textured?

Anita's Organic Multi-grain Pancakes and Waffles rise superbly and taste light and soft with the healthy taste of multi-grain goodness.

What is the composition of Anita's Organic Seven Grain Hot Cereal? Can Anita's Organic Seven Grain Hot Cereal be used as a multigrain addition to baking?

Anita's Organic Seven Grain Hot Cereal is comprised of wheat, barley, rye, brown flaxseed, millet, oats, and triticale. It is a cracked organic grain mixture that makes an excellent addition to baking. Visit Anita's Recipes on this site for recipes using Anita's Organic Seven Grain Hot Cereal.

Are there certain products at Anita's Organic appropriate for a person with a gluten allergy?

Anita's Organic Grain and Flour Mill processes grains containing gluten. However, good manufacturing processes are in place to minimize cross-contamination between gluten-containing flours and grains and products that do not naturally contain gluten. Anita's Organic does offer certified gluten-free Brown Rice Flour in 11.34kg (25lb) bags. This comes to us as a gluten-free product and because we do not unseal the bag we maintain its gluten-free status.

Are there certain products at Anita's Organic appropriate for a person with a gluten sensitivity?

Grains and grain products sold at Anita's Organic which do not naturally contain gluten include Anita's Organic Amaranth, Anita's Organic Rice (whole, ground and pasta), Anita's Organic Corn (whole and ground), Anita's Organic Millet (whole and ground), Anita's Organic Quinoa (White and Red varieties), Anita's Organic Buckwheat (whole and ground), Anita's Organic Legumes and Peas, and Anita's Organic Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit.

Are there certain grains at Anita's Organic appropriate for a person with a wheat sensitivity?

Many people with wheat sensitivities can often tolerate simpler non-hybrid ancient grains, particularly Anita's Organic Spelt products and Anita's Organic Kamut® products. The gluten structure of Spelt and Kamut® is water-soluble, a different chemistry than harder to digest fat-soluble gluten found in wheat and most other gluten-containing grains. This simple water-soluble gluten structure can often be tolerated by those sensitive to wheat. Individual tolerances can vary from person to person - sometimes Spelt is tolerated whereas Kamut® is not, and for others the reverse is true. Listen to your body and find the food that is best for you.

I'd like to eat foods to help improve my digestion. How can Anita's Organic help?

Anita's Organic is an ideal source of healthy whole grain and high fiber ingredients. The fiber found in legumes and whole grain foods promotes healthy digestion by acting as roughage in the diet, aiding in efficient intestinal function.

Why are Anita's Organic Whole Grain products healthier than refined flour products?

Most nutrients are lost during the flour refining process. When bran and germ are sifted from flour the fiber is greatly depleted and the natural mineral content significantly reduced. Eating whole grain products provides the nutritional benefits of consuming grains in their most natural and unprocessed state.

"Health Canada recommends that Canadians aim to eat at least 5 servings of grain products every day, with emphasis on whole grain choices."

Canada Food Guide