People often struggle to understand what “organic” means, and consumer research has revealed that many are not familiar with the regulatory and enforcement processes that uphold the organic seal. In response to this, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come up with four easy-to-understand pillars that make up the USDA organic label. Each pillar highlights a key component of the National Organic Program's (NOP) process for developing and enforcing organic regulations.

As you know, we spend a lot of time thinking about at-risk herbs and what we can all do to support these botanical allies. The issue of overharvesting in the wild is a key reason why Mountain Rose Herbs is increasingly turning to cultivated herbs when possible and why we support certified organic forest farming, particularly for hard-hit herbs like North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). We know that to ethically procure these valuable botanicals, they must be consciously and mindfully gathered and harvested. We only work with growers and harvesters who have been fully vetted, who we can trust to cultivate, harvest, and handle our plant allies with the respect and care they deserve. With that in mind, we’d like to show you what successful forest farming looks like.

With the start of autumn come vibrant red maple leaves, cooler temperatures, and the ubiquitous resurgence of pumpkin pie spice. Our blend of organic and fair-trade ingredients is the perfect way to welcome back the season of sweaters, ciders, pies, and family gatherings.

Nothing gets me ready for winter quite like a batch of homemade fire cider. But the typically long fermentation duration has kept me from having this tonic when I need it most. For those who are short on time and fresh horseradish, this recipe is for you! I actually discovered that you can make a fire cider that has the same kick as the traditional recipe in half the time and with dried horseradish. In fact, it can still be a power-packed remedy without any fresh ingredients at all!

The holidays are here, and that includes the beloved National Cookie Day (December 4th, for future reference)! Enjoy these sweet treats in celebration of this special day!

Adoration for cacao can be traced back to ancient cultures in Mesoamerica. Bitter beverages made from the crushed seeds of this voluptuous fruit were enjoyed with a belief that these pods had magical properties. Mildly stimulating with a pronounced twinkle of euphoria, cacao was reserved for sacred rituals and royalty.

Fire Cider is a popular (and tasty!) herbal folk remedy popularized by esteemed herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar (who inspired the recipe below). This tasty vinegar infusion powered by warming and wellness-supporting ingredients is an especially pleasant and easy way to boost natural health processes, stimulate digestion, and raise your internal thermostat on cold days. Mmm...mmm!...how we love this hot and sweet, zesty, vinegary recipe!

This blog was originally published in 2013. Because it's so popular, we decided to update it for you. Enjoy! 

If you love the aroma of toasty sesame seeds and the oceanic saltiness of seaweed, you might soon find this seasoning blend gracing your dinner table nightly. With just a flick of the wrist, this delicious combination of flavors adds a nutritive boost and subtle richness to just about any savory recipe. 

The holidays are the most giving and generous time of the year. They are also the most wasteful. Between Thanksgiving and New Years, Americans throw out about 25 million tons more trash than normal -- a 25 percent increase over the rest of the year. We can change that!

Earlier this fall, we visited our farm that straddles both Oregon and Washington, interrupted by the blue Columbia River running down its middle. The farm's verdant green fields shone brightly against brown, parched hillsides that stretched as far as the eye could see. The irrigated fields provided relief to the eyes, a soft green that promised healthy harvests yet to come.