PCC Podcasts

It may not be an "essential nutrient” like vitamins A or C, but this antioxidant's health benefits – from cancer protection to UV radiation protection – are well documented. Find out what summertime produce contains it (hint: it’s not just tomatoes!).

Potassium gets less press than other minerals, even though we literally could not live without it. Learn which foods offer the highest potassium content (hint: it's in way more than just bananas!).

Like all of summertime's delicious fruits, cherries are a rich source of fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. But new research confirms cherries also are a standout among the most potent anti-inflammatory foods.

First, let's clarify that pastured eggs have zero in common with pasteurized eggs, which usually are sold in liquid form and have been heated (pasteurized) to kill any salmonella. Pastured eggs come from chickens raised outdoors, on the pasture (a.k.a., grass). When hens roam outdoors they feed on whatever insects, grubs, grass or plant matter they desire. This dietary diversity boosts the nutritional profile of their eggs over those from hens fed only grain. Farmers are allowed to provide some supplemental feed (grains) to pastured hens, but the majority of their diet comes from what they find in the field.

Is olive oil a good choice for high-heat cooking? Description: Nutritionists everywhere sing the praises of olive oil for its positive contributions to our health. But while it's wonderful in salad dressing and for baking and sauteeing, but is it also the healthiest choice for stir-frying and other high-heat cooking? Find out, and get to know several other reliable options.

Cooking with culinary herbs is a wise and easy way to boost both the flavor and health benefits of your meals. Many herbs boast long histories of traditional medical uses and have deeply influenced global cuisines. The aromatic oils found in most fresh and dried herbs contain the unique compounds responsible for their healing properties. Pretty much all culinary herbs offer some form of nutritional benefit, but here are a few standouts.

Listen to highlights from our conversation with Van Vlahakis, founder, owner and CEO of Earth Friendly Products. Earth Friendly is the maker of, well, earth friendly cleaning products including dishwasher and laundry detergent and dish soap that keep our homes and clothes clean without harming the environment. Listen as Van shares his philosophy of what makes plant-based cleaning products a healthier choice for your home. Learn more: Go behind the scenes in this video at Earth Friendly's Lacey, Wash. plant.

So, just how careful do you need to be about your food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity at potlucks, restaurants and parties? We share tips and advice that’s helpful whether you've got the allergy or are hosting someone who does.

The cruciferous vegetable family is vast, and for good reason: cauliflower, radishes, collard greens and other crucifers help our bodies ward off cancer and other ailments. Learn cooking techniques to maximize their health benefits and find out how else they help us thrive.

Did you know you can find raw foods throughout your neighborhood PCC store far beyond the produce department? Learn the benefits of raw foods, how to fit them in your diet, and cooking techniques to preserve nutrients and flavor.

Cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, ginger and other spices deliver more than flavor and a delightful aroma: they also can boost your immune system, increase alertness, ease inflammation and nausea, the list goes on. Find out why and get tips for how to incorporate more spices to your cooking to enjoy their many benefits.

Yes, we all need to eat more kale. But did you know carrots and other vegetables rich in beta-carotene are a close nutritional runner-up to leafy greens? Find out why carotonoids are so vital to good health (and, whether you really can turn orange from eating carrots.

Learn more about PCC's involvement in Market Nights. A special program in King County schools, where a simulated farmers market is set up for kids to learn about healthy eating. PCC supports the event with a bounty of fresh produce for the market.

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for our brains, hear t health, and reducing inflammation. Adding a tablespoon of flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed to our diets is a popular w ay to meet our daily requirement for these essential fatty acids, but now we ar e lucky to offer additional "super seeds" on our shelves at PCC . Chia seed (ch-ch-ch-chia!) is an ancient food that is making an impr essive comeback in the world of popular nutrition. In addition to providing a full day’s wor th of omega-3s, just 2 tablespoons of the tiny chia seed also delivers 6 grams of soluble fiber and 4 grams of protein.

Listen to our Meatcast to learn all about pastured meats, plus discover plenty of delicious cooking tips for grass-fed meats!

Just how many ways can a plant-based diet benefit you? Find out from PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose.

Cultures around the world celebrate the magical results when microorganisms convert the sugars in grapes and grains via fermentation into ethanol (a.k.a. alcohol), a compound that makes people feel happy and may even extend our life spans. The health benefits of alcohol peak at one to two glasses per day and include improvements in HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure, a reduced risk for diabetes, and a reduction in stress - which may explain many of the benefits associated with moderate drinking in today's stressful world.

PCC Cooks instructor and passionate ghee fan Lesa Sullivan tells us how her upbringing in Utah infused within her a passion for seasonal produce and the fruits of the earth. It also made her resourceful in the kitchen – able to turn out meals atop a broken stove, over butane, in a toaster oven, you name it. "There's more than one way to boil a pot of water," Lesa says, "and by god, I found them all."

Nestled in the heart of the Columbia Basin, Pure Éire Dairy is the realization of Richard and Jill Smith's dream to create luscious, nutritious milk and cream they'd be proud to stand behind. Hear Jill describe their all-Jersey, 100-percent grass fed herd and share why dairy farming was right for them.

Chef, cookbook author, blogger and PCC Cooks instructor Becky Selengut discusses the origins of her passion for food and cooking. Hear about her first culinary concoction (at age seven!), her grandmother's organic garden and what she learned from Julia Child.