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Turning Ordinary Into Gourmet... the Healthy Way
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Specialty and Naturally Flavored Gourmet Goods

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Take a look at the overview of all the amazing, artisan products we sell. Find infused oils, specialty vinegar, and natural teas, as well as other food items and accessories. Branch & Vine olive oils are chemically tested and certified to meet the Ultra-Premium Standard, which are the highest standards in the world. Our balsamic vinegar is not made with wine vinegar and does not have added sugar. All our flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and loose leaf teas are flavored naturally and are gluten-free.


Branch & Vine has the products you need to enhance your culinary experience. In addition to the products above, we offer many all-natural products such as salts, herbs, rubs, and other condiments. They also make great gifts and we ship to any U.S. location. Visit us at either location for pressure-free shopping and personalized service. If ordering online, please call or email us and we will be glad to assist you with any questions.

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Health Benefits of Olive Oil

 

Studies have provided evidence that olive oil may.....

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  • reduce LDL-the "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood 

  • displace saturated fats from the diet

  • contribute to satiety (make us feel full with less amount of food)

  • delay the absorption of food, preventing fast absorption of high glycemic index carbohydrates and, thus prevent insulin spikes and premature hunger

  • increase adiponectin-a hormone that promotes the "burning" of body fat for energy production

  • contains additional beneficial substances (antioxidants and phytochemicals)

  • reduces hypertension, lowers blood pressure

  • limit plaque-formation and strengthens teeth

  • lower risk of blocked arteries

  • decrease rate of cardiovascular disease

  • reduces the risk of stroke

  • lower risk of some cancers (Colon, Ovarian, Prostate, Skin, Breast Cancer)

  • reduces pain and inflammation including arthritis

  • decreases the risk of Alzheimers's disease

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Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar

 

Studies have provided evidence that Balsamic Vinegar may.....

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  • Lower risk of some cancers (high in cancer-fighting antioxidants 

  • be a natural appetite suppressant

  • reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure

  • help increase metabolism

  • slow down the effects of aging (high in antioxidants)

  • reduce the severity and frequency of headaches

  • help digestive disorders

  • help prevent or slow bone diseases such as osteoporosis

  • helps prevent strokes

  • assist in the treatment of anemia and fatigue

  • help control diabetes

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Health Benefits of Pure, Unrefined Sea or Mineral Salt

Gourmet s.a.l.t. sisters sea salts in their natural state tastes great and include the following:

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  • Organic French Gray sea salts, which are certified to ensure the quality of sea salt

  • Hawaiian table salt, with the natural mineral "alaea" (volcanic baked red clay), added to enrich the salt with iron oxide

  • Naturally smoked sea salts that make your dishes taste as if you've slaved over hot coals all-day

  • Flaked sea salts for delicate flavor and excellent crunch

  • Traditional sea salts for your salt grinder

  • Flavored sea salts fused with purely natural flavors

Your Body Needs Salt...when it is pure, unrefined sea or mineral salt!


Our gourmet s.a.l.t. sisters unrefined and unprocessed sea and mineral salts have many great health benefits, especially when compared to table salt. In its natural, earthly state it is very beneficial. It contains minerals that are important for the body. The human body processes it easily and it matches the body's PH balance. Unrefined, unprocessed sea and mineral salt also helps maintain healthy blood pressure & cholesterol levels, helping maintain the body's overall function. 

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Definition of Unrefined Salt:

 

Salt in its natural form is referred to as unrefined salt. Unrefined salt has not been altered by man. It is harvested from the earth all over the world. This salt contains many useful minerals and elements that are useful for the human body. 
 

Definition of Refined Salt:


In contrast, refined salt is what we commonly know as table salt or iodized salt. This salt begins as unrefined salt, but is bleached and stripped of all its mineral content to obtain the pure "white" appearance. It contains two major ingredients: sodium and chloride. Other ingredients are added to preserve longer shelf life. Iodine is added, supposedly to prevent swelling of the thyroid, but there is an insufficient amount to provide the body what it needs.

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When refined salt is a part of one's diet:

 

  • The body is provided with too much sodium

  • The body is not provided adequate trace minerals because refined table salt has NO minerals

  • The results include mineral deficiencies, too much acid in the body and onset of chronic illness to the human body

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When a low -sodium diet using refined table salt is promoted by conventional medicine, evidence suggests:

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  • Blood pressure is not reduced for the vast majority of the population

  • Insulin levels can decrease, and/or insulin resistance can occur

  • Overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels can actually become elevated, which, in turn, can increase the risk of cardiovascular events

  • The body's pH is lowered 

  • The body grows deficient in important minerals for proper functioning

  • Chronic disease can develop due to lack of these minerals

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When unrefined sea salt is part of a person's diet:

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  • The body is receiving many different trace minerals

  • These trace minerals help maintain proper body pH balance

  • These trace minerals also help supply the proper balance of sodium and chloride, keeping the body in better functioning order

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*Source: Brownstein, Dr. David, M.D. Salt Your Way to Health. Bloomfield, Michigan: Medical Alternatives Press.
 

Branch & Vine All Natural Teas to Benefit Your Health


Olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and loose leaf teas, all have a very important common factor. They are all so very healthy for you. But it is also true that the benefits are different for each one of them.


During the process of researching, we learned that many teas (even some of the really big brands) are flavored artificially. Even though they may say “Natural Flavors”, it doesn’t mean that they are flavored naturally and often contain artificial flavoring. This usually makes the flavors very bold. Branch & Vine teas are only flavored with all-natural flavoring, nothing artificial. Simple. Pure. Healthy. Delicious.

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We feature teas for everyone's liking: Black, Green, Chai, Tisanes, Oolongs, Pu-erhs, White, Matchas (green, white, black and rooibos) and Wellness Teas!

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The Powerful Antioxidants in Tea


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to philosopher Bernard-Paul Heroux, “There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea." While this might be a slight exaggeration, according to a wealth of research conducted in recent years, it might be completely true. Study after study conducted at university laboratories around the world has shown that the consumption of tea can offer protection against some cancers, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and liver disease. So, what is it about tea that makes drinking it so good for you? The answer lies in antioxidants. So, what exactly are antioxidants? 


Good question. First, it’s necessary to understand what exactly oxidation is. Oxidation is a normal bodily process that steadily damages our cells. Some researchers believe that the process is what causes aging and ultimately, death. Although oxidation is a natural result of our body’s metabolic processes, exposure to things like pollution, smoking, alcohol or excessive sun exposure can accelerate the effects. 


Antioxidants and related polyphenols are compounds found in many foods and herbs that combat the effects of oxidation, hence the name anti-oxidant. True teas, those plucked from Camellia Sinensis, provide an excellent natural source of antioxidants - with the added benefit of delicious flavor! 


Interestingly, although the concepts of oxidization and antioxidants weren’t known at the time, in ancient China, a popular expression extolled the health benefits of tea: "Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary." Now, rather than starving your apothecary (pharmacist) we believe it can be beneficial to talk to a medical professional about how drinking tea can help you. Tea…is there anything it can’t do?

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Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Infused Apple Cider Vinegar

The infused Apple Cider Vinegar teeming with immune-boosting turmeric. The organic apple cider vinegar base gets its flavor-enhancing jolt from organic turmeric root grown on their Harpersville farm. Layering in our signature lemongrass, hydrosol, honey, lemon, and red pepper gives this vinegar a balance that is only complemented by the addition of garlic, cinnamon, clove, star anise, and cardamom.

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Apple Cider Vinegar and Balsamic Vinegar is kind of amazing. It has a long list of proven benefits.

  • boosts your immune system

  • acts as a cold remedy (soothes a sore throat and clears a stuffy nose)

  • boosts energy

  • prevents indigestion

  • regulates blood sugar level

  • lowers cholesterol

  • reduces risk of heart disease

  • may prevent cancer

  • benefits the skin (acts as a dandruff treatment and a skin toner to clear acne)

  • aids in weight loss

Turmeric is also incredibly amazing. Here are just some of the reasons why:

  • it’s a strong antioxidant (it can improve skin conditions and delay aging)

  • It has strong anti-inflammatory effect (including helping with arthritis)

  • It acts as an anti-depressant

  • It prevents and treats cancer

  • It improves brain function

  • It lowers the risk of brain disease (including Alzheimer’s disease)

  • It lowers the risk of heart disease

Honey

Honey has been loved by humans since the Stone Age. Today its promoters flaunt its miraculous healing properties. Honey is known to aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. It can help reduce ulcers and ease other digestive issues. Honey can also help regulate blood sugar, soothe sore throats and ease coughing. It has also been known to increase athletic performance. What is in honey makes it antimicrobic you may ask? Well, bees deposit hydrogen peroxide into the honey as they synthesize flower pollen. Honey is naturally acidic, so there you have a recipe for antibacterial properties. As with any natural product; however, one must ensure care is taken to rid the honey of free contaminants.

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This sweet liquid made by bees is graded by color. Clear and golden amber honey generally will fetch a high retail price with comparison to the darker varieties. The flavor of honey is based on the type of flower which harvested the nectar.  Honey comes pasteurized and raw. Raw honey is removed directly from the hive and bottled; whereas, pasteurized honey is heated and processed. Honey also has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and glucose. It contains around 70-80 percent sugar, which is where the sweetness is derived. In addition to its healing properties, honey offer a host of other benefits such as:

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  • Replaces sugar in meals, which provides a healthier option

  • Prevents acid reflux

  • Fights infections

  • Relieves cold symptoms

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There are some medicinal uses for honey as well. It has been used to treat a variety of illnesses, ailments, and injuries. Honey can be mixed with other remedies and consumed, or it may be rubbed into the skin. According to Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, honey can be used as a remedy for the following issues:

  • Stress

  • Weakness

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Vision problems

  • Bad breath

  • Teething pain in children over a year

  • Cough and asthma

  • Hiccups

  • Stomach ulcers

  • Diarrhea and dysentery

  • Vomiting

  • High blood pressure

  • Obesity

  • Eczema

  • Burns, cuts, and wounds

  • Arthritis

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(Nordqvist, J. (2018, February 14). "Everything you need to know about honey." Medical News Today).

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Let’s take a look at the properties in honey. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, 17.3 grams (g) of sugar, and 0 g of fiber, fat, and protein.

Choosing honey over refined and processed sugar may lead to long-term health benefits. Honey is known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing effects.

It is made up of glucose, fructose, and minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium, and magnesium.

Below is a typical honey profile, according to BeeSource:

 

Fructose: 38.2 percent

Glucose: 31.3 percent

Maltose: 7.1 percent

Sucrose: 1.3 percent

Water: 17.2 percent

Higher sugars: 1.5 percent

Ash: 0.2 percent

Other: 3.2 percent

 

The slightly acidic pH level of honey is what helps prevent the growth of bacteria, while its antioxidant elements clean up free radicals that are linked to diseases.

The physical properties of honey vary depending on the specific flora used in its production, as well as its water content.

 

Reference:
Nordqvist, Joseph. "Everything you need to know about honey." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 14 Feb. 2018. Web.
17 Oct. 2019. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264667.php>

Verdant Kitchen Gourmet Products


Ginger and Tumeric have added flavor, texture, and color to food for thousands of years. But they are also prized for their wellness properties. For ages, people have used these spices for their calming effects and anti-inflammatory benefits. Used as regularly as a part of your diet can aid in nutrition and contributes to building a strong active defense. 


Delicious products with layers of flavor, warm aromas and wellness benefits. Verdant Kitchen® products are simple to use and share, helping you build a Strong Active Life.

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Below are some of the key benefits of these ancient ingredients:

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Ingredient                           Helps With
Ginger                                 Nausea       
Tumeric                               Inflammation       
Ginger or Tumeric              Hydration, Nutrients       
Honey                                  Inflammation, Nutrients       
Lemon                                 Hydration, Vitamins, Nutrients     

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Note: When used as a dietary supplement, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
 

Liquid Concentrates/CBD Oils


Branch and Vine offer Verdant Farms 60 serving bottle Liquid Concentrates. They can be a daily part of your wellness.
Natural super plants like ginger and turmeric contain a wide range of phytochemicals. These are the naturally occurring bioactive compounds that act on our bodies' natural processes. 


The question is how to get these powerful compounds to where they are needed in the body?

Let's first look at the source of these phytochemicals. Ginger and turmeric each have over 50 biologically active compounds. There is a lot of press about these key compounds.  Curcumin, found in turmeric is one compound that gives turmeric it's bright yellow color. Many high-quality medical studies have looked at the positive impact it can have on a healthy inflammatory response. Likewise, gingerol from the ginger root has well documented positive results at reducing nausea from motion sickness and exhibiting positive impacts on circulation, headache, cell repair, and anti-clotting. 

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It would be wrong to assume that curcumin, no matter the positive effects it can deliver, is the only bioactive compound in turmeric. Medical research surrounding ginger and turmeric grows every day and much of it is focused on the cascading reactions and interactions that the many different bioactive compounds have on our bodies.

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These bioactive compounds are made by the plant cells and are often held within the cellulose matrix of the plant. To make them available to be absorbed by our bodies, we need to consider how to best prepare and use them.

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 Key Considerations to Ensure Maximum Natural Quality

 

Use "whole roots" rather than isolates or heavily processed ingredients to ensure you provide a broad cross-section of the many bioactive compounds founds in natural plants and herbs. Your body will use what it needs and is well-tuned to utilize these compounds that have been ingested for over 10,000 years of human history. Ensure the plants are grown sustainably and without synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Using a raw food temperature process prepares the plant materials and minimizes any degradation.

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Best Ways to Get Maximum Positive Impact in Your Body

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Whole Root Powder Capsules

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Pros: Very convenient. Easy to carry and store. Measured dose. The product is finely ground providing a high surface area for your digestive system to absorb more easily. May release slowly across your entire digestive system

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Cons: Need to swallow a capsule. Active compounds are still bound up in the cellulose matrix. Not all compounds are water-soluble so this can limit or slow adsorption. Not well suited to add to foods or beverages.

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Liquid Concentrates

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Pros: Easy to use and carry. Liquid concentrates can be easily added to beverages. Easy to control dosage. During preparation, the whole roots are extracted in a cane sugar-based alcohol solution. Many of the bioactive compounds that are not soluble in water are very soluble in alcohol. This provides a high level of available adsorption.

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Cons: Not very suitable for direct consumption as the undiluted concentrate can have a very strong flavor. 

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Oil base Concentrates

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Pros: Easy to use. As an oil-based concentrate, they can be easily added to foods and cooking. Easy to control dosage. During preparation, the whole roots are extracted in a food-grade oil. Many of the bioactive compounds that are not soluble in water are VERY soluble in oils. This provides a high level of available adsorption.

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Cons: Not very suitable for taking direct as the undiluted concentrate can have a very strong flavor. 
These natural and potent plant-based materials that are "Made in Nature", when properly prepared can help support your body's systems and help you return to the "Natural State of Wellness" that we all seek.

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Reference:

 

2019 Verdant Kitchen. https://www.verdantkitchen.com/blogs/blog/liquid-concentrates-good-choice-for-complete-adsorption-of-natural-botanical-compounds

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