food / brunch / menu / soups / glossary / what’s organic? / gluten & wheat-free / Nutritional Breakdowns

Agave Nectar

A sweetener that is harvested in Mexico from the agave cactus plant. It has a low glycemic level and is 98% natural fructose. Fructose does not stimulate digestive insulin secretion as do other refined sugars. Even better, agave is sweeter than table sugar or honey, so less is needed.

Brown Basmati Rice

A variety of long grain rice, unhulled with a delicate nutty flavour. Brown rice retains nutritional composition and is an excellent source of fibre.

Gluten

A protein group found in wheat and other flours that forms the structure of bread dough. Gluten provides the elasticity and stretch in bread dough, which allows it to rise. Gluten is indigestible to some people.
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Goji Berries

These berries grow on an evergreen shrub in China, Mongolia and Tibet. They are rich in antioxidants and have been used for centuries for their ability to protect the liver, boost immune function, improve circulation and promote longevity. They are shriveled red berries that look like long red raisins.

Heart of Palm

A vegetable harvested from the inner core of certain palm trees.

Hulled Hemp Seeds

A highly nutritious source of protein. Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids in a more easily digestible form than any other plant source.

Miso

A nutritional Japanese paste produced by naturally fermenting soybeans. It has a rich pungent flavour that is delicious in soup and sauces.

Nori

Thin sheets of toasted seaweed traditionally used to wrap sushi. Crunchy and slightly salty.
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Puffed Quinoa

A small ancient grain grown for thousands of years, primarily in Peru and South America. It was one of the three staple foods, along with corn and potatoes, of the Incas. Puffed quinoa is rich in protein and has been moderately heated so that it puffs up, just like popcorn.

Soba Noodles

Originating from Japan the soba noodle is thin, nutty in flavour and high in protein. It is made of buckwheat flour with varying percentages of wheat added.

Spelt

An ancient and distant cousin to modern wheat. It is in the same grain family as oats and wheat, but is a different species. Some gluten sensitive people can eat spelt without adverse reactions.

Tahini

An all natural paste made from ground sesame seeds. Tahini is used as a base to make the popular middle eastern sauce of the same name.

Tamari

A dark, rich, naturally-brewed Japanese soy sauce. Tamari is lower in sodium than generic soy sauce.
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Tempeh

A fermented soybean cake. It is very nutritious and contains many health promoting ingredients like soy phytochemicals. It is a complete protein food. Tempeh has a firm texture and nutty taste.

Tofu

A soft cheese-like food made by curdling fresh hot soymilk with a coagulant. The curdling agent is calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. The curds are then pressed into a block.

Vegan

A vegan diet excludes all animal products or animal by-products.This translates into meals without red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, butter, milk, eggs or honey. A balanced vegan diet is abundant with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices.

Wasabi

Also known as Japanese horseradish, it is a root that is used as a spice and has an extremely strong flavour. It is most commonly used as a condiment for sushi.
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