Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

One of the reasons we’re fortunate to live in the northwest is that we can shop at what we consider the best food stores in the world: PCC Natural Markets. (And for a change I’m not exaggerating. Of course this is my opinion, but I sincerely believe that anyone who regularly stops at PCC would nod vigorously in agreement.)

PCC, a co-op with nine stores, goes far beyond most markets in terms of its standards and its incredibly detailed research as well as communication with its members. Having become somewhat cynical in my old age, PCC is one of very few organizations I completely trust.

As a certified organic retailer, PCC must:

• Maintain records of organic purchases, providing traceability.
• Verify that the organic products we purchase are certified.
• Handle the organic products in a way that maintains their organic integrity.
• Use appropriate cleaning, sanitizing and pesticide products and procedures.

They are certified by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), which inspects their records and facilities annually, interviews staff, and conducts an audit.

But I always have the feeling that PCC maintains the standards that it does not because some agency forces them to, but because from top to bottom in this organization, they are committed to doing the right thing.

PCC investigates every product from a variety of perspectives and supplies honest responses to customer concerns, not only in person, but through its monthly newsletter, Sound Consumer, which rivals many well-known publications for its well-researched articles about subjects pertaining to food that consumers ought to know and understand, but that are rarely publicized by mainstream media.

I learn a lot each month and look forward to receiving Sound Consumer (and not only for the 10% off my entire purchase coupon that comes in each issue.)

You can see we have a serious case of love sickness when it comes to PCC.

This is the kind of place where I’m willing to spend a bit more to support because I want them to continue to educate the community as well as provide the best in real food.

Among their many attributes, is offering cooking classes and recipes. With their generous permission, we’ll be sharing some of them in the upcoming months starting with this one which makes my mouth water just reading it!

Whole Spice Crusted Moroccan Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole organic chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 1/2 stick cinnamon, crushed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (or 2 strips lemon peel, about 1/3-inch wide)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Olive oil for brushing
• Pomegranate Plum Reduction Sauce

How to