Organic vs. Conventional Spices

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October 17, 2023

Spices have defined traditions & cultures for centuries. They are the hallmark of signature cuisines & have proven to heal the body; while even some people say they calm the soul. And, with the holiday season in full view, we think you might appreciate knowing just how important it is to choose a high quality, organic, NonGmo spice brand.

Afterall, who doesn't love the aroma of fall!! No time to prepare the entire holiday meal, but love all the scents of the season, click here!

Make your own Pumpkin Spice Room Spray and more...

Want to know where you can buy the highest in quality spices, oils and more...read on...

Cliff's market, the home of Cunningham Pastured Meats, in Caldwell, Idaho provides high quality bulk spices sourced from high quality producers and distributers like Azure Standard, and they are worth every penny!!

According to Azure standard, "...fruits and vegetables, spices and herbs come from plants that are susceptible to many pests and diseases, so conventional growers who seek to maximize profits while minimizing costs often treat their crops with various insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Because they are not following organic recommendations, they are also able to use various synthetic chemical fertilizers and other growth enhancers to increase the yield or speed up the growth of the plants.

By contrast, organic growers...typically manage pests by selectively treating affected crops as opposed to blanket spraying everything. (Azure Standard)

And, this is why Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho chooses to selectively source our herbs and spices.

Want to learn more about these high quality spices and how to make your own organic All Purpose Spice Rub!!

Click here-

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Warm Salmon, Squash & Apple Salad

Warm Salmon, Red Kuri Squash & Apple Harvest Salad At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we love bringing together trusted partners who share our values of quality, transparency, and care. This Warm Salmon, Red Kuri Squash & Apple Salad does just that—pairing vibrant produce from Cliff’s Country Market with premium wild-caught sockeye salmon from Alsek Fish LLC. The result is a hearty, nourishing salad that tastes like autumn in a bowl. 🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4) For the Salad: 1 medium red kuri squash from Cliff’s Country Market, peeled, seeded, and cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt & pepper, to taste 1 ½ pounds Cunningham Pastured Meats Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon (sourced from Alsek Fish LLC) 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, if not baking) 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced thin — also available at Cliff’s 6 cups arugula or baby spinach (Cliff’s seasonal greens) ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped Optional: ¼ cup goat cheese or feta For the Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette: ¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional) 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup Salt & pepper, to taste 🔪 Instructions Roast the Squash Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan and roast 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until tender and caramelized. Cook the Salmon Pan-seared: Heat oil in skillet. Season salmon, cook skin-side down 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook 3–4 more minutes. Baked: Place salmon on parchment-lined pan, season, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until it flakes. Cool slightly, then flake into hearty chunks. Make the Dressing Whisk vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Adjust to taste. Assemble the Salad Toss greens with half the vinaigrette. Arrange squash, apples, salmon, and pecans on top. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Add goat cheese if desired. 🌊 About the Salmon: Know Your Fisherman Our salmon comes from Alsek Fish LLC, a small fishing family that spends summers in Southeast Alaska and calls the Treasure Valley home the rest of the year. They fish the Alsek River, a glacier-fed river that averages just 39°F. Those icy waters mean salmon from this run naturally carry higher levels of healthy fats and Omega-3s—fuel for their long journey home. Alsek Fish LLC catches and processes every fillet themselves, so when you buy from Cunningham Pastured Meats, you truly know your fisherman. 🌱 About the Produce: Local & Fresh from Cliff’s From the earthy sweetness of red kuri squash to the crisp bite of Idaho-grown apples, all of the fresh produce in this salad is available at Cliff’s Country Market. It’s the perfect way to enjoy seasonal flavors while supporting local growers. ✨ Why You’ll Love It Sweet, savory, nutty, and tangy flavors in every bite Features Cliff’s seasonal produce and Alsek wild-caught salmon Balanced enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner A celebration of real food from trusted families and local farms

Subscribe & Save 5% Storewide + Free Item with Every Order of $175+!

Subscribe & Save 5% Storewide + Free Item with Every Order of $175+!

Organic vs. Conventional Spices

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