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Soybeans contain higher amounts of protein and fat than similar plant based foods. They contain many of the essential amino acids along with B group vitamins and minerals. Soybeans are also a rich source of isoflavones and phyto oestrogens, the natural plant hormones which are now believed to protect the body against certain forms of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. They have been cultivated as an important food source in China, Japan, and Korea for thousands of years. In Japan today, soybean products are still used in preference to most animal sourced dairy items. As part of their traditional approach to food, the Japanese have developed very precise and accurate techniques for evaluating the quality of soybeans. Until recently, the...

Today, there are an incredible variety of organic cheese products available from almost every region of the world. Frequently named as one of the most basic and historically ancient foods, cheese continues to distinguish itself with the ongoing popularity of five traditional varieties. The big five include fetta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Swiss and cheddar. Visit your nearest continental delicatessen and ask the proprietor about cheese sales. Whether you live in New York, London, or Sydney, the big five will represent around seventy percent of total cheese sales. Each of the big five varieties is produced in extremely large volumes every year with vast differences in quality between the premium and average grades of cheese. There are of course many...

Anyone who visits a reputable organic dairy farm will begin to appreciate that the quality and taste of milk, cream, and other products is largely determined by the living conditions of the animals, particularly their access to healthy pasture. Cows have a complex digestive system which enables them to process and absorb nutrients from fibrous plant material like grass, dandelion, and clover. Milk obtained from grass fed cows is particularly rich in important vitamins and minerals. Under normal dietary conditions, the fat content of cows milk is determined largely by the breed and the time of year. Jersey cows produce moderate quantities of milk with a high proportion of buttermilk compared to Fresian and Holstein cows, which provide large volumes...

To follow up recent comments on the importance of cooperatives within the organic sector, it seems fitting to identify then describe a selection of these. Organic Valley is the US based producer’s cooperative which is currently representing more than 1100 farmers, or approximately 10% of the organic farming community nationwide. Together, these farmers contribute organically certified foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, meat, soy milk, juices, and gluten free products. In their promotional material, Organic Valley are prepared to distinguish themselves from the corporate influences which control many of the food resources distributed throughout the US today. Based on their alternative business model, Organic Valley seeks to support the integrity...

Nearly all the milk, dairy products and pork in UK supermarkets are being produced from animals fed on GM crops, and none of this is labelled, according to a Soil Association investigation. Tests of animal feed and a survey of company policies have revealed that all the supermarkets are widely allowing the use of GM feed. The report found that around 60% of the maize and 30% of the soya fed to dairy cattle and pigs is GM. Most consumers are unwittingly eating food produced from GM crops everyday. Supermarkets have been trumpeting their non-GM food policies, having removed all of their own-label foods made directly with GM ingredients by October 2002 in response to consumer concerns. However, unknown to most of the public supermarkets did not...