I love focusing on local brands. And I want to not only know not only where my food comes from, but that it comes within a day’s drive. So I asked our new sponsor Sunflower Market for ideas on who to spotlight locally.
Since 1978, family-owned and operated Sunflower Market has dedicated itself to offering healthy and sustainably sourced food. A major part of achieving that goal has been a commitment to sourcing directly from Hudson Valley growers and makers all around us.
With so many local brands now on the market, admittedly it can be difficult to keep up with who’s up-and-coming in the grocery and wellness categories. Next time you shop, keep an eye out for these all-stars among the all-natural products that fill Sunflower’s shelves in Woodstock or Rhinebeck. And please share what you think directly with them or through the Contact form.
FOODS
Family Owned and Operated out of Woodstock, NY – the husband and wife team are committed to bringing their high-quality, innovative vegan food to the public with the best in locally-sourced, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. From vegan meatballs, to sauces, to their full line of hummus (picture above) and so much more, everything The Green Palate makes is made with pride and love by the Barbaro family.
All of Horton House's Oat Bites (scones) and Cookies are gluten-free, vegan, and now certified kosher. Delicious and healthy, made with certified gluten-free, organic and Non-GMO Oats and oat flour. Based in Fishkill, NY, their baked goods contain no refined sugar, salt, or preservatives in the base mix. They are made with all natural, kosher ingredients and are lightly sweetened by the dried fruits, nuts, berries, coconut, and chocolates. Some are sweetened with a bit of maple syrup.
Try this next movie night. Made with 100% Project Verified ingredients and using solar power to pop the corn in Kerhonkson, NY, BjornQorn uses homegrown non-GMO popcorn seasoned with all natural, gluten free, and vegan ingredients. There is no butter or cheese! BjornQorn's special flavor comes from nutritional yeast, which is a high protein and high B-vitamin seasoning that is popular in vegan cuisine, but is especially great on popcorn. Their facility is allergen free. There are no nuts processed in the facility and none in any of their products. They are verified by Snack Safely. BjornQorn’s popcorn is GMO free certified by Project Verified, as is their safflower oil. Their yeast is certified GMO free by BioStar. They keep track of all the processes their farmers use and accommodate them based on the reality of their own livelihoods and farm structures. Keeping it close to home and partnering with small farms is more valuable to them than a corporate certification.
Catskill Fungi harvests and grows mushrooms within the Catskill Mountains, and sources others within 50 miles of its family farm. The company then creates extracts that, when taken regularly, can deliver micronutrients and components to help people heal themselves. When consumers buy an extract of Turkey Tail, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, or other mushrooms from Catskill Fungi, they know it’s been sustainably harvested and prepared with compassion.
Wendy has prepared mouthwatering, nutritious vegetarian and vegan meals for more than 25 years. Wendy’s Nutty Cheese is made with all organic, non-GMO ingredients. Cashews and pure soy milk are used as the base for the cheeses. Wendy sources her herbs from a local garden and dries them to use all year round. Although local, her cheeses are recognized and shipped nationally.
BEVERAGES
Born of veteran chef Leslie Woodward’s desire to increase accessibility of high-quality, sustainable, nutritious food to underserved communities, Edenesque offers nut and oat milks that contain whole ingredients without fillers or additives. Check out flavors like cashew, oat, and—the newest kid on the block—pistachio milk! See the brand’s Instagram Feed.
This single-origin tea combines with fresh, whole fruits and vegetables, then is naturally sweetened with organic sugar or honey before it’s fermented into Feel Good Booch. The raw, never-pasteurized drink comes in a kaleidoscope of flavors, including turmeric and ginger; purple carrot and passion fruit; and strawberry, rhubarb, and chamomile. The three cofounders choose flavors based on their South American and Caribbean roots, along with a healthy taste of the Hudson Valley.
SKINCARE
Matthew and his wife Thena own and operate Ash Hopper. Thena began making soap 13 years ago and together they started selling their products as a family business in 2020. Ash Hopper is a 100% plant-based skin care company that prides itself on their ability to create products using sustainably and responsibly sourced plant based ingredients. Ash Hopper soaps are created using organic oils paired with steam distilled essential oils that are ecocert, vegan, kosher and organic. Their displays are made using reclaimed lumber found in NY.
Celebrating its “Farm to Face” mission, Hudson Valley Skincare uses local ingredients to craft soaps, scrubs, and lotions at its home base in Pleasant Valley. But don’t just let your face have all the fun: The company also makes soothing foot treatments, room sprays, and soy-wax candles, among other delightful wellness products.
Cidiot is proud to have Sunflower Natural as a sponsor of the podcast and thanks for the help putting this list together and providing photos too. Stop by Sunflower stores in Woodstock or Rhinebeck, visit the web site and follow them on Facebook or Instagram. Tell ‘em Cidiot sent ya.
