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What does certified organic mean?
Organic agriculture begins with certified organic land on which prohibited substances cannot have been used for at least 3 years. Organic agriculture also involves regular crop rotation to maintain natural soil health and to eliminate the need for toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This optimizes the health and productivity of soil life, plants, animals and people, all of which are interdependent. At Dixon Ridge Farms, we believe that certified organic foods contribute to better health and are good for the environment.
Organic is also a regulated labeling term that means that products are produced in accord with national certification standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Products that are certified organic cannot be made with ingredients produced with genetic modification, irradiation, sewage sludge for fertilization, growth hormones or antibiotics.
How are your products certified organic?
Our products are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. CCOF certifies all stages of organic production and sales, organic farmers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers in California, the U.S. and overseas. CCOF is accredited by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for ISO 65 Guide compliance as well as for compliance with the National Organic Program (NOP).
Are certified organic foods better than non-organic foods?
At Dixon Ridge Farms we believe you can contribute to the long-term health and well being of yourself, your family, and the environment by choosing certified organic foods.
Increasingly, conventional foods are made from ingredients that contain residues of toxic synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones and other contaminants and may be irradiated. The effects of long-term exposure to these are unknown, including the impact on the developing systems of children. Additionally, conventional farming, which relies heavily on toxic synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, depletes the natural fertility of soil.
Where can I learn more about walnuts?
The Walnut Marketing Board is an excellent source of information for all things walnut-related!http://www.walnuts.org/
Are walnuts good for your health?
Walnuts contain a wide variety of nutrients including numerous vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, copper and zinc. They are a plant source of protein that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol-free. Walnuts are an important plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids. High intake of this essential fatty acid has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Walnuts are one of the few good plant sources of Omega-3s; just one ounce of walnuts contains 2.57 grams!
Where do you get your walnuts?
We believe in the quality of locally grown, organic products. Dixon Ridge Farms maintains orchards in Solano and Yolo Counties. In addition, we purchase walnuts from 75 local growers. All of our walnuts are certified organic. When do you harvest? In California, the harvest begins in September and goes through early November. Do you sell walnuts year-round? Yes! Organic walnuts are not always available but because we work with local growers and maintain a refrigerated facility, we are able to offer a consistent, year-round supply.
Should walnuts be refrigerated?
Walnuts are an ideal pantry staple as they have a long shelf life. So always keep some on hand to add to recipes or enjoy as a snack.
Storage Tips:
- Store walnuts in low moisture, (55 to 65 percent relative humidity), and low temperature 32-38ºF (0-3.3ºC) conditions;
- To ensure maximum shelf life, keep walnuts in an odor-free environment;
- Exposure to light, moisture and heat will reduce the shelf life of walnuts;
- Keep chopped walnuts in an air-tight container stored in a dark, cool place;
- Chopped walnuts refrigerated in an air-tight container will last up to nine months;
- Chopped walnuts frozen in an air-tight container will last up to two years;
- Cold storage is best because coolness prolongs the oxidation of natural walnut oil, which can contribute to off flavors;
- Whole, inshell walnuts keep best; and
- Inshell walnuts should also be stored in a cool, dry place. If properly stored, they will last up to two years.
Do you have any good walnut recipes?
Walnuts can be used in appetizers, entrees, desserts, soups, salads, side dishes and snacks. For a great sampling of recipes, click here. http://www.walnut.org/recipes/rcp_index.asp
Where can I buy your walnuts?
All over the world! Our walnuts are available in organic and natural food stores throughout the United States and Japan. Specifically, you can find our walnuts at Trader Joes and Whole Food markets. In addition, you may be eating a Dixon Ridge Farms walnut at the very best bakeries and confectionaries near you!
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