No Dairy, No Soy, No Problem
We get new products in all the time, but some we just have to share with you! If you’re looking for a non-dairy yogurt alternative to soy, we’ve got you covered. Amande is a cultured almond milk yogurt that is vegan, dairy-free, soy free, GMO-free, has 6 active live cultures, and is sweetened with fruit juice. It’s also an American made product!
Amande is now available in the refrigerated aisle.
Winter Beers in Warm Weather
Lately this winter in Richmond is seeming more and more like spring. Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, winter still seems like a long ways away. Until then, we’re taking every advantage of the warm weather to sit back on our front porch and sip one of these delicious brews.
Here’s 5 beers that we’d like to share!
Amazing Grass = Amazing for You!
Not all cereal grasses are created equal. Tray grown wheatgrass juice you find in most juice, smoothie or grocery stores is different from field grown dehydrated wheat grass. In fact, most field grown cereal grasses are different from Amazing Grass. Today, Amazing Grass offers the most powerful vegetable on earth, consumable in a convenient way that aligns with our hectic lifestyles. For the month of February, we’re giving you 20% off all Amazing Grass products!
Free Nutritional Consultation with Jane Wilson!
Jane is a Registered Dietician and Registered Nurse, specializing in Diabetic issues and Board Certified in Renal Nutrition. She has a passion for helping people eat for a healthier and better life & works with all age groups. If you would like to meet with Jane she will be in the store today. Please call (804) 359-7525 to schedule your free 30 min consultation!
This just in — Organic Blueberries!
We just got in some delicious organic blueberries! In one serving, you can get 14 mg of Vitamin C – almost 25 percent of your daily requirement. Vitamin C aids the formation of collagen and helps maintain healthy gums and capillaries. It also promotes iron absorption and a healthy immune system. Blueberries deliver a potent antioxidant punch — in fact they have the highest antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits. They are an awesome healthy snack! We have them on sale for $2.19 a pint
Egg Fruit is here!
Attention lovers of exotic fruits, veggies, and plants in general. Somehow, we’ve just gotten our hands on some USA-grown egg fruit. It’s mildly sweet with a texture reminiscent of thoroughly cooked buttercup squash or pumpkin pie. It is native to Mexico, El Slavador and most common in the Bahamas, Jamaica and Cuba. Egg fruit is rich in niacin and provitamin A and have a fair level of ascorbic acid. Some enjoy the fruit with salt, pepper and lime or lemon juice!
Infant Formula and USDA unapproved additives
The Cornucopia Institute, one of the nation’s leading organic industry watchdogs, condemned the position of the United States Department of Agriculture for its position allowing products containing unapproved synthetic additives to be labeled “organic” for an indefinite grace period.
The Cornucopia Institute had filed legal complaints against infant formula manufacturers and Dean Foods, manufacturer of Horizon dairy products, for adding unapproved additives: Martek Biosciences Corporation’s omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (DHA/ARA), derived chemically from fermented algae and fungus, to foods with the organic label. These additives have been linked to serious gastrointestinal symptoms in infants according to reports submitted to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
A list of products that are using these synthetic additives has been issued. Ellwood Thompson’s will not sell any products from this list while they contain these additives. Click here to read more about this issue.
The Dish Of The Week: Farro!
If you’re like me you knew nothing about farro before reading this post. It’s an old grain that is said to be one of the first domesticated plants and dates back to pre-Roman times. Farro is a really cool distant cousin of modern wheat and is very similar in texture and taste to spelt. Farro has twice the fiber of wheat and the cyanogenic glucosides found in farro have been found to stimulate the immune system, lower cholesterol and help maintain blood sugar levels. However, if you are a person that needs to be gluten free farro may not work for you. The gluten molecules are weaker than modern wheat, making it more easily digested but farro does contain gluten. We are featuring farro on our hot bar in the store this week. If you are curious about it, stop by and try some of our dishes! Click here for some cool Farro Recipes.
The Urban Assault Ride is Coming!
In just under two months from now, the New Belgium Urban Assault Ride will come through Richmond, Virginia! The Urban Assault Ride has evolved from a lifelong love affair for bikes and all things bike related. The 1st UAR was in Austin TX in June 2003. The idea was to combine all the cool things from bike races, adventure races, and music festivals into one crazy event. It has since grown to be one of the biggest cycling events in the country!
On Sunday, March 25th, the UAR will make it’s way to the east cost to the river city!
Richmond VA – Sunday March 25, 2012 benefitting: TBD
The Urban Assault Ride is coming to the River City! We hope you’re ready for the party, Richmond!
Price : Only $30-60/person! (sign up early to get the best pricing!!) You’ll get a 100% cotton t-shirt, a couple of the best beers you’ve ever tasted, and some great SWAG!
Online Registration closes Friday, March 23th, at 4:00 PM EST.
Packet Pick Up: (Saturday 3/24 11 – 2pm)
Location: TBD
Shopping “Local” and Shopping “Locally”
Do you make a point of shopping locally? What about shopping local? While they might sound the same, there’s an important distinction. When we say “shop locally,” we are referring to the practice of buying from stores in our community, and when we say “shop local,” we are talking about buying from locally-owned small businesses.
Eat local, buy local, give local — the local movement is alive and well in central Virginia. One of Ellwood’s primary missions is to promote local goods and produce; to support local charities and nonprofits; and to make a difference in our community. Be sure to join us by supporting the many wonderful growers and producers in Virginia. Stop by a farmers market; adopt a pet from a local rescue organization. Help us support our community. Click here for a cool article we found in Forbes Magazine about supporting local business and why it is important.

