In the Store

Eat the Seasons

breaded tofuAn important part of buying local is making an effort to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables during their harvest season. Check out what's in season now.

By buying local foods in season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollars stay in the community, you support family farms and you'll enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply tastes better!

Selecting foods that are grown in Central Virginia will make you more aware of the seasons and local agricultural cycles. Seasonal eating leads to a heightened sense of awareness and excitement as the season for your favorite local produce arrives. The Virginia Department of Agriculture provides a guide to help you select fruits and vegetables when they’re at their peak flavor and freshness. Check the guide.

Tofu Done Right

The many health benefits offered by tofu are icing on the cake for those who enjoy the versatility, easy preparation and great taste of this venerable food. With a gourmet history spanning thousands of years, it's no wonder tofu has stood the test of time and changing palette.

Even if you're already a tofu fan, we invite you to sample a treat -- the fresh, artisan-made tofu produced with great care and high standards by the Twin Oaks Community Foods, a worker-owned co-operative that has been producing quality Organic Extra-firm Tofu since 1991. Their line now includes three flavors of Extra-Firm Tofu, two flavors of Vegetarian Sausage, Mushroom Pate, Tempeh, Soymilk and, now available in bulk pack, Italian Tofu Balls. Twin Oaks' soy foods are crafted using unbleached well water, organic non-GMO soybeans, and the highest quality organic herbs available. Virginia-grown soybeans are used to support local farmers and reduce the use of fuel for transportation.

Enjoy!

Breaded Tofu

Ingredients:
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 Tbs. low fat milk or soy milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten or equivalent of vegan egg replacement
1 lb. tofu, cut into 1 inch slices
1/4 cup oil
salt & pepper

How To Cook:
Combine breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste on a dish. Combine milk and egg in a shallow bowl and mix thoroughly. Dip tofu in milk mixture and dredge in breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Heat oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat.

Sauté tofu 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned. Best served when hot; delicious with peanut sauce, below.

Tofu Vietnamese Style Peanut Sauce

2 tablespoon peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
2 tablespoon soy sauce
water

Put the soy sauce and peanut butter in a small sauce pan. Add a bit of water and let it simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens. Pour in a dish and let it cool before serving.     

Inspired? Check out a few seasonal recipes.

Keeping it local

Virginia Grown

produce calendar

More information at VirginiaGrown.com

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Monthly Specials

What's in stock and what's on sale! Download our monthly specials flyer. (PDF, large file)

Gift Cards Are Here!

Gift cards can be purchased for any amount. The gift card can be used in any department and the balance remaining on the card will appear on your receipt when it's used. Look for gift cards hanging around the checkout areas.

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