And don't forget to send us your own ideas for making use of this great resource from Lost River Market & Deli. You can submit recipes and suggestions to the webmaster.
Next time you are in the Lost River Market & Deli, take a look at the bulk bins at the back of the store. You will find an amazing selection of whole grains, beans, pasta, dried fruits and delicious treats at bargain prices.
A wide array of organic teas, spices, and baking supplies are also available in bulk. You will be amazed at the difference in quality and price of these luxuries over conventional prepackaged goods.
Buying food from bulk bins is a paradigm shift for most of us. We aren’t accustomed to buying food that isn’t wrapped up in pre-measured packages. But there are many advantages for buying from the bulk bins, including:
Some people are hesitant to buy bulk, especially grains, because they don’t know how to cook the product. Here are some basic guidelines for cooking grains. (Remember cooking time will necessarily vary depending on the type of pan used.) The guidelines come from a variety of sources including that old standby of the 70’s “Laurel’s Kitchen”.
Rinse grain in cold water and drain. Bring water and salt (1/4-1/2 teaspoon per cup) to a boil. Stir in grain, return to boil, cover, lower heat and cook until all water is absorbed. If grain still seems tough, add a little boiling water.
| Grain 1 Cup Dry |
Water | Cooking Time |
| Barley - Whole | 3 Cups | 1 1/4 hours |
| Brown Rice | 2 Cups | 1 hour |
| Buckwheat | 2 Cups | 15 minutes |
| Bulgur Wheat | 2 Cups | 15-20 minutes |
| Couscous | 1 1/2 Cups | 2 minutes |
| Polenta | 4 Cups | 25 minutes, stir occasionally |
| Pearled Barley | 3 1/2 Cups | 60-75 minutes |
| Steel Cut Oats | 4 Cups | 30 minutes |
| Rolled Oats | 2 Cups | 15-20 minutes |
| Rice: White, Basmati, Jasmine etc. | 1 1/2 Cups | 15-20 minutes, let stand 5 min. |
| Wild Rice Blend | 3 Cups | 1 hour |
| Millet | 2 1/2 Cups | 20-25 minutes, fluff, let sit 10 min. |