Sacha inchi is a superfood sweeping the nation: this South American nut is known for its excellent balance of omega 3, 6, and 9, not to mention its richness in protein. It’s no wonder it’s reaching great heights in culinary circles.

There’s just one small caveat: for some, the earthy flavor of sacha inchi takes a bit of getting used to. Luckily, when this little nut is paired with other stronger flavors – like rich salmon – its natural butteriness really shines through.

In this recipe, sacha inchi nuts take the traditional place of pine nuts in a delicious, slightly peppery winter pesto, made with baby spinach and arugula. It’s the perfect topping for baked salmon fillets for an easy, healthful weeknight recipe that only takes about half an hour to make.

If you can’t find sustainably farmed salmon, any fish in the salmonid family will do nicely as a substitute. Consider using trout or arctic char for the same rich flavor and texture.

Salmon with Sacha Inchi Nut Pesto

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sacha inchi nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup baby spinach
• 3/4 cup arugula
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 salmon fillets

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make the pesto. Combine the sacha inchi nuts and garlic in a mini food processor (like a Magic Bullet) and process until broken down but not puréed. Add the spinach and arugula and process for another 5-10 seconds, then add the olive oil in three parts, processing well after each addition. Remove the pesto from the processor, fold in the cheese, and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Arrange the salmon fillets on a baking sheet covered with a sheet of parchment paper. Divide the pesto equally among the fillets, spreading it in an even layer.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

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We tend to put a lot of pressure on our partners on Valentine’s Day, but it can be just as enjoyable – if not more so – to treat yourself to a gift instead. Here are just a handful of gift ideas that we’ve assembled to make you feel a little bit spoiled, whether you’re in a relationship for Valentine’s Day or not.

1. FLOW Water

Flow is the world’s first alkaline water that’s flavored with organic flavorings: refreshing cucumber-mint or enticing lemon-ginger. Sourced from a Canadian spring and sold in eco-friendly Tetrapak packaging made with paper from FSC-certified forests and non-GMO sugarcane-derived plastic, it’s the perfect beverage to bring along on a hike or walk this Valentine’s Day (your date with nature!)

2. Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé

This Italian sparkling rosé doesn’t just boast a lovely pink hue and an enticing floral fragrance; it’s also eco-friendly and vegan. Copper and sulfur are used as natural fungicides on the vineyard, which also boasts 100 percent renewable energy sources. Vegan-friendly bentonite clay is used during the filtration process in place of the animal byproducts used by some other winemakers, for a sparkling rosé you’re sure to enjoy: with your partner, with your fellow single ladies, or just on your own.

3. Pukka Love Tea

For a non-alcoholic option, Pukka Herbs’ certified organic herbal tea blend, Love is the ultimate in relaxation: a blend of chamomile flower, lime flower, and elderflower soothe the nerves, while rose flowers and lavender flowers offer a heady aroma that’s good for the heart. Sip it hot or use it to make up a reviving face scrub for an at-home spa night (or at the very least, a long bath).

4. Feel PURE Anywhere Balm

PURE Anywhere Balm will make your lips kissably smooth, but it can also be used anywhere else that needs a bit more love. This vegan body balm is made with natural shea butter, blueberry seeds, and beeswax for deep nourishment and hydration, and it boasts a minty fresh aroma, to boot.

5. SpaRitual “Infinitely Loving” Candles

Enjoy a non-toxic aroma experience with SpaRitual. The company specializes in “slow beauty” products made with vegan ingredients, and this philosophy carries over into its candles, made with a blend of essential oils and plant essences for non-toxic relaxation. The “Infinitely Loving” Candle with Chinese jasmine is the ideal way to treat yourself this Valentine’s Day.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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No matter who you’re rooting for, we can all agree that one of the most important things about Game Day is the spread: nachos, wings, and chips tend to be on the menu, which can be the recipe for a salt-and-carb hangover. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging for a day, we also love these healthier plays on the classics. Featuring all-natural ingredients and loads of flavor, these Game Day recipes are the best way to get classic goodies on the table without sacrificing your commitment to great-quality food.

1. Loaded Chicken Nachos with Rojo’s Queso Blanco

Nachos are a no-brainer for Game Day; these chicken nachos are a bit healthier but no less delicious than the classic. A bed of tortilla chips is topped with shredded chicken, bacon, onion, cilantro, tomato, and Rojo’s Queso Blanco Dip, a gluten-free blend of sour cream, cheese, and a touch of green chile. Consider adding a touch of Rojo’s Organic Hatch Chile Salsa for even more freshness and heat.

2. Cheezy Plant-Based Queso Dip

Even a plant-based eater’s queso craving can be assuaged thanks to this vegan queso recipe from Daiya, a leading producer of plant-based cheese alternatives. Daiya’s Cheddar-Style Cutting Board Shreds form the base of this recipe; when combined with your favorite pico de gallo or salsa and fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, chile, and lime, they melt down into the perfect plant-based queso.

3. Quinn Snacks Microwave Popcorn

Some stay away from microwave popcorn due to unhealthy additives, specifically those found in bag linings, but Quinn Snacks’ popcorns have changed all that: the company’s revolutionary bags contain no chemicals or plastic coatings and are compostable and biodegradable, the perfect container to pop U.S.-grown organic corn. The all-natural flavorings, which are added to the popcorn after popping to retain their integrity, include combos like Parmesan & Rosemary and Vermont Maple Kettle Corn.

The company’s new line of “Real Butter Tastes Better” popcorns is the first of its kind to use grass-fed clarified butter, perfect for the true popcorn connoisseur.

4. Bonafide Provisions Bone Broth-Glazed Wings

It’s tough to imagine Game Day without chicken wings, and this healthier, paleo-friendly version is the perfect compromise. Organic chicken wings are glazed with a combination of fish sauce, hot sauce, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, and Bonafide Provisions organic bone broth before being baked to perfection. A touch of sweetness, a touch of heat, but best of all, a fraction of the fat of the fried version make this one of our favorite Game Day recipes.

5. Bonafide Provisions Dairy-Free Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Spinach and artichoke dip tends to be an overly heavy (if delicious!) addition to Game Day spreads. Not so with this version, which is made with blended cashews and a touch of bone broth for richness. Serve with your favorite crudités to lighten this dip up even more.

6. Vegan Fish Sticks

If you’re not careful when planning your Game Day menu, it’s easy to leave your plant-based friends with few substantial options. Don’t make the mistake of leaving them to fight over the crudités and chips: these flavorful vegan fish sticks are made with protein-rich tofu and a whole host of spices, making them a healthful, filling option for plant-based eaters and omnivores alike.

7. Tomato-Basil Shooters with ParmCrisps

For something a touch more refined, these tomato-basil soup shooters are a fun addition to your Game Day buffet. A lightly spiced tomato soup is served in shot glasses and topped with a mini gluten-free grilled cheese made with ParmCrisps Parmesan Crisps, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Use your favorite canned organic tomatoes in place of fresh to get all the flavor of summer in February.

8. Blue Cheese and Asian Pear Crostini

A second slightly fancier Game Day option is this crostini recipe featuring pungent blue cheese and crisp Asian pear. Slightly less sweet than most other pear varieties, the Asian pear adds just the right amount of refreshing crunch to balance out the blue cheese. A touch of fresh thyme and a honey drizzle are the perfect finishing touches.

9. Sunbutter Chocolate Spoons

Don’t forget to add something sweet to your roster of Game Day recipes! These Chocolate Spoons made with Sunbutter are a tasty, allergen-free option. Garnish with sprinkles or your favorite toppings: shredded coconut, crushed nuts, dried fruits – the choices are endless!

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The perfect winter salad boasts a combination of sweet and savory, crisp and soft, and a whole lot of color. This recipe ticks all the boxes: beet-pickled eggs lend a vibrant hue to mesclun greens and crisp Granny Smith apple, and candied sacha inchi nuts add richness, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.

Sacha inchi nuts are a relatively new superfood, at least in the U.S., but these little marvels have a long history in South America and Southeast Asia. Also known as mountain peanuts, sacha inchi nuts boast the highest source of plant-based omega 3s in the world and also contain more protein than almonds.

Some sources claim that sacha inchi’s flavor takes a bit of getting used to: while it starts off nutty and buttery, it does have an earthy finish that some go so far as to call fishy. That said, when they’re caramelized in dark honey with a touch of spice, they boast a much nicer flavor balance that makes them the perfect addition to this salad.

The beet-pickled eggs take two days to be ready, so be sure to plan ahead. You could also use plain hard-boiled eggs in a pinch, but the bright magenta that comes from the beets is what makes this salad truly irresistible.

Superfood Salad with Beet-Pickled Eggs and Candied Sacha Inchi Nuts

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 roasted red beet
• 1 cup distilled vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons dark honey (buckwheat or chestnut)
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil
• 1 large handful (about 1/3 cup) sacha inchi nuts
• 1 pinch fleur de sel
• 1 pinch chile de arbol powder
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups mesclun greens
• 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced

Directions

Two days before serving, peel the hard-boiled eggs and quarter the beet. Place them in a glass container large enough to contain them without allowing them to touch. Combine the vinegar, water, and honey. Pour the mixture over the eggs and beet; if the liquid does not cover them, add additional water and vinegar until it does. Cover and refrigerate for two days.

The day of: combine the dark honey, hazelnut oil, sacha inchi, fleur de sel, and chile powder in a large nonstick pan. Heat over high heat until the honey bubbles and the sacha inchi nuts just begin to brown. Remove from the heat and use a spatula to remove the sacha inchi nuts and set them on a silpat or greased piece of parchment paper to cool.

Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard, and salt and pepper to make a vinaigrette. Toss with the mesclun.

Make a bed of mesclun greens on the serving plate, and top with the halved eggs, sacha inchi, and apple.

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Winter evenings are the prime time to warm up by wrapping your hands around a toasty cuppa, but tea or coffee can leave you less-than-primed for a good night of rest. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for delicious caffeine-free hot beverages that will warm us up without waking us up; here are five of our favorites.

1. Rooibos Cinnamon Latte

Numi Organic Tea produces tons of teas to enjoy; we love their attention to quality with their organic and fair trade-certified blends. The company’s Rooibos Chai Tea is the base for this latte, made with a simple combo of your choice of steamed milk sweetened with honey and a touch of extra cinnamon for spice. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free plant with a tea-like flavor that stands up perfectly to the warm flavors of the chai spice blend.

Image: Turmeric drink, latte, tea, milk with cinnamon

2. Turmeric Latte

The health benefits of turmeric have been touted far and wide, so it’s no surprise that golden milk and turmeric lattes have become so popular of late. This recipe uses fresh turmeric and ginger for even more flavor and improved health benefits. Sweetened with honey and vanilla, this latte also features a secret ingredient: your favorite nut butter, which will lend body (and a bit of protein) to the drink.

3. EPIC Bone Broth Latte

Bone broth has become one of our favorite superfoods, and while we love to drink it plain, it gets a delicious makeover in this bone broth latte. The healthy fat of coconut oil is combined with the natural collagen and gelatin in EPIC’s bone broth for a richly flavored savory hot beverage you’ll love to sip.

Image: Hot chocolate

4. ALOHA Protein Superfood Hot Chocolate

Chocolate does have a touch of caffeine, but if you’re not overly sensitive to it, this superfood hot chocolate can be a great option for a nearly caffeine-free hot beverage.

ALOHA Chocolate Superfood Greens powder takes the place of the traditional cocoa powder in this drink. Made with fair-trade cacao, coconut sugar, peas, spinach, wheatgrass, and antioxidant-rich berries, the powder is just as delicious as it is good for you. ALOHA Chocolate Protein Powder adds several certified organic sources of plant-based protein to your cocoa. Top with some homemade marshmallows and serve!

5. Medicinal Mushroom Latte

Mushrooms have made a big splash in coffee, with several companies selling adaptogen-enriched blends. But these coffees do have caffeine in them (even if it’s a bit less than coffee), so while they’re delicious, they’re not the best choice for the evening.

For a caffeine-free version of this new trendy drink, this medicinal mushroom latte really hits the spot. Use your favorite medicinal mushroom blend (we love this organic one from Naturealm featuring adaptogenic mushrooms like cordyceps and reishi). Combine the blend with cashew milk, maca, a touch of sweetener, and a bit of coconut oil to give the drink body. Enjoy sprinkled with cinnamon for a good-for-you pick-me-up!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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If you subscribe to a CSA or frequent your local farmer’s market, you’re probably running out of cabbage recipes to try – but there are still plenty of ways you can bring out the best in winter crucifers.

1. Vegan Cabbage Rolls

This Eastern European comfort food is getting a delicious vegan makeover. Cabbage rolls are usually stuffed with a rich meat filling, but this version lightens things up with a smoky mix of quinoa and lentils. The slowly braised cabbage leaves become mellow and slightly sweet as they bake in the simple tomato sauce for a moreish meal that will warm you up on a cold winter evening.

2. Rainbow Slaw

Winter produce has a reputation of being rather monotonous, but this rainbow slaw does away with any misconceptions. A combination of colorful seasonal cabbages joins scallions, sweet mango, and a variety of nuts and seeds for a crispy, crunchy salad that’s filled with vitamins, minerals, and flavor. A tamari dressing with a hint of sweet maple and an extra-large handful of cilantro finish this salad off nicely.

3. Colcannon

It’s perhaps no surprise that the Irish are masters of finding ways to make the humble potato taste even more delicious. In classic colcannon, two winter staples are united with bacon and a touch of butter for a hearty comfort food side dish that will be more than welcome on your winter table. To quickly turn this into a main, serve mounds of colcannon topped with a poached or fried egg or two.

4. Beet Sauerkraut

If you’ve reached your cabbage limit, why not save some for later in the form of homemade sauerkraut? This natural ferment is great for gut health, and it’s super delicious on top of salads or as a side to pretty much any cooked protein. This version is a little bit different from most: it gets its bold, beautiful color from a combination of red cabbage and raw red beet, which also lends a bit of sweetness to the final kraut.

5. Vegan Kimchi

If you prefer your fermented cabbage with a bit of spice, homemade Korean kimchi is the perfect solution. This vegan kimchi recipe is jam-packed with flavor thanks to a combo of scallions, garlic, ginger, and Korean chili powder. It also gets a touch of sweetness with the addition of a few apple slices. Enjoy it in this soft tofu soup or on its own with rice.

What are your favorite ways to serve cabbage? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter!

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Weight loss solutions such as calorie counting, the Times alleged, were out – the outlet called dieting “tacky,” “anti-feminist,” and “arcane.” Instead, whole wellness solutions that focused less on a number on the scale and more on feeling better in your skin were on trend – and it’s exactly this mindset that certified wellness expert Robyn Youkills explores in her new book, “Thin From Within – The Go with Your Gut Way to Lose Weight.”

The book promises from page one that its goal is to show readers how to lose weight, not by simply reducing portions and exercising more, nor even from eating from a prescribed list of foods, but rather from tuning into their own bodies and learning to “heal from the inside out.” The book delivers on this promise.

Youkills offers readers the perfect balance of useful tools for losing weight and overcoming the devastating mindsets that decades of yo-yo dieting have instilled, starting with the four-part “Go with Your Gut” mindset (Go: poop every morning, With: what you eat, Your: take your time, Gut: heal your gut with probiotics, ferments, and Youkills’ own Good Gut Gellies, a combo of apple juice, psyllium husks, and cinnamon).

The “Good Gut Rule of Five” offers a roadmap for creating healthy plates. Gone are the pie charts of meat, veg, and carbs: instead, the book teaches readers to incorporate greens, healthy fats, proteins, fermented foods, and cooked vegetables into every meal. Helpful asides, which are highlighted by multi-colored boxes throughout the book, explore why it’s important to drink water first thing in the morning but not with meals, or when to make the most of your probiotics (hint: at night, when your digestive system is most relaxed). The book also offers tips for self-care in just a few minutes, new and improved shopping lists, and a three-day good gut reset plan to get you off on the right foot.

There are unfortunately a few eyeroll-inducing portions, for instance, when Youkilis attempts to redefine weight as “more than just a number on the scale,” claiming that “weight is a feeling in your body.” While of course, feeling healthy is more important than weight, using the buzzword “weight loss” to discuss feeling fulfilled in your body is more of a confusion in terms than anything else. But this is easily forgiven, given the plethora of useful tools that the book does offer.

Above all, the overarching thesis of the book is for each reader to get in touch with his or her own body: the book asks readers to be forgiving with themselves, find their own intuitive voice, learn to enjoy their food again, and discover which foods are good for their individual microbiome. Tools like the food mood journal and a plethora of healthy gut recipes for all times of day reinforce this message and make the book as much aspirational as it is inspirational.

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Do you think that money should have a voice in politics? Neither does Ben Cohen, co-founder and former CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, which is why he’s started a “Stamp Stampede” to help citizens voice their opinion – on Ben Franklin himself.

Cohen started the Stamp Stampede movement in 2012 with a simple premise: people who do not want money to be used for political bribes can purchase a stamp with an anti-bribery message, to be used to stamp U.S. paper currency – a legal move, according to the group’s website, as it does not destroy or deface the bills to the point that they become unrecognizable.

The stamps, which are available on the group’s site for between $6.50 and $15, display messages such as:

“Stamp $$$ out of Politics”

“Not to Be Used to Buy Elections”

“Corporations are Not People”

“Not to Be Used to Buy Politicians”

“The System Isn’t Broken; It’s Fixed”

Each stamp also has a callout at the bottom with tracking information allowing the person who sees the bill to register it online, so that each stamp user can see his or her impact radiate around the nation.

While the movement originally started following the Occupy Wall Street movement as well as the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling that paved the way to allow Super PACs to spend unlimited funds to endorse candidates, Cohen notes that it’s just as important now, following the most recent GOP tax plan passed this weekend.

“The plain fact of the matter is that Congress has been bought and paid for by corporations and the .1 percent,” writes the group. “This plan is another example of systemic corruption and pay-to-play politics that Our Revolution is fighting against.”

“We’ve created a system in which the ultra-rich have a much easier time making their voices heard, particularly in terms of the political candidates they support,” reports EliteDaily, noting that as of 2015, over 50 percent of Congressmen were millionaires. “In turn, their interests are promoted by the politicians they help elect.”

There are now over 80,000 people rubber-stamping paper currency across the United States, and according to the Stamp Stampede, each stamp gets seen 875 times as it passes from person to person. Using paper currency, then, taps into viral marketing in a very physical way.

“Money moves virally around the country,” Cohen tells the Huffington Post. “Viral marketing only got to be hip and new and in since the Internet, but there are other things that spread virally.”

Using the very medium of corruption to subvert it seems just crazy enough to work.

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Discover some of our favorite plant-based comfort food recipes featuring a bit of spice. These vegan Mexican recipes are perfect for warming you up as the cold weather sets in.

1. Quinoa Taco “Meat”

This baked spiced quinoa makes the perfect filling for tacos – kind of like a plant-based substitute for that crumbly taco meat you might have grown up with. The quinoa is seasoned with a combo of your favorite store-bought salsa, tangy nutritional yeast, cumin, chili, and garlic, for a mix that works just as well in tacos as as a burrito bowl topping.

2. Veggie Salsa Casserole

Rojo’s organic salsa is at the base of this veggie salsa casserole – choose the traditional version for a milder casserole, or opt for chipotle or hatch chile for a bit of heat. The salsa is combined with shredded frozen potatoes, zucchini, and onion and topped with Panko crumbs and cheese (sub Daiya’s plant-based Cutting Board Collection Style Shreds in Cheddar for the cheddar cheese to make the original recipe plant-based).

3. Black Bean Stew with Amaranth

This stew is one of our favorite vegan Mexican recipes. It’s doubly rich in protein with both black beans and amaranth, a seed cultivated by the Aztecs that boasts nearly 4 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. Tomato, garlic, yellow beet, peppers, onion, and Mexican spices join the party, and a dash of smoky hot sauce, cilantro, and avocado make the perfect garnishes.

4. Mexican Stuffed Tomatoes

These simple stuffed tomatoes are made with a mix of Rojo’s salsa, onion, zucchini, and rice, and feel free to add equal parts of organic black beans and organic corn to the mix as well. Top with Daiya’s plant-based Cutting Board Collection style shreds in Pepperjack before baking to make them ooey-gooey and super moreish.

5. Vegan Nachos

These vegan nachos are topped with a meat substitute made with a spiced combo of whole ingredients like walnuts, mushrooms, and black beans. The nacho cheese sauce is actually a savory pumpkin cashew cream. Topped with kale, radishes, avocado, onion, and cilantro, these nachos are super fresh and delicious – perfect as a shared hors d’oeuvre for a cocktail party or a festive, family-style dinner with friends.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Women are joining the farming community at unprecedented rates, with more than 1 million in the United States and Canada describing farming as their primary source of income and many more incorporating elements of farming – from gardening to husbandry and more – into their lifestyles as a hobby or pastime. This is the world that Lanier explores in her most recent book, with a view towards inspiring other women to get involved and become part of this growing female farming community.

Featuring interviews with a host of woman farmers from a variety of backgrounds, the book delves into important elements of hobby farming, including assessing your resources, taking care of yourself while you take care of the land, and the diverse ways in which a hobby farmer can perceive a profit.

While the book’s title references “hobby farming,” an early review in the Library Journal noted that this was “somewhat deceptive” because the book referenced farming, not as a hobby, but rather as a profession. Indeed, many of the women in the book make farming their full-time career, and many of the resources offered in the book pave the way towards this sort of lifestyle.

However, the decision to use the term “hobby farming” is an interesting one in terms of scale: while these farms often pay for themselves – and even make a profit for the women or couples running them – none of the farmers featured in the book run commercially-sized or industrial farms.

Lanier doesn’t exactly explore this line between hobby and professional farming in the text, but she and the women featured illustrate how one can walk it quite successfully: a naturalist, documentarian, teacher, artist, and gardener, Lanier spends most of her time working the land, but she is not a professional farmer. This is the difference – and this is what creates the almost-utopian reality described throughout the book.

This is a world of people who work the land who rely on regular bartering to make ends meet, a world of people who graze their horses on their neighbor’s land so that he doesn’t have to mow. This is a world defined by community. And while the book at first glance targets an extremely specific part of the population – women who want to start their own hobby farms – the stories are intriguing even for someone for whom farming is a far-off dream that may never become a reality.

The book’s approach is less “how-to” and more an illustration of the stories of several women who have succeeded in farming – with a variety of definitions as to what constitutes success – interwoven and organized based on general themes. Nevertheless, the book offers a host of activities and surveys to help the reader work out her own farming goals, from exploring financial restrictions and resources to discovering what our own bodies are capable of (and when they’ve had enough).

The book’s organization is unfortunately a bit haphazard, especially at first: the prose feels guided by the stories featured in the interviews rather than by Lanier herself, which means that it can jump from topic to topic with seemingly no transition. More troublesome is this same theme reflected in the organization of the book itself: the first 40 pages encourage readers to think about the specific land that they are working with before a section on renting versus buying (that is to say, the acquisition of this land) is even discussed.

These small structural issues aside, this book is not only brimming with concrete resources for women interested in farming as a profession or merely a lucrative hobby, but it is also an inspiring tome exploring just how far women have come in farming today.

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