Earthy Plate’s Glossary

Key terms that we reference frequently

A

  • Anti-inflammatory: Foods or ingredients that help reduce inflammation in the body, promoting overall wellness.

C

  • Certified Organic / Organic: Refers to food grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and free of GMO's. In British Columbia, businesses can only use the term "organic" in marketing if all products are certified organic.

  • Cover Cropping: A farming technique where crops are grown specifically to protect and enrich the soil during off-seasons, improving fertility and reducing erosion.

  • Crop Rotation: The practice of alternating crops grown in a specific area to maintain soil health, prevent pests, and optimize nutrient usage.

F

  • Free Range: A farming method where animals are allowed access to outdoor spaces, promoting better welfare and more natural behavior compared to confined systems.

G

  • Glyphosate: A widely used herbicide linked to environmental and health concerns. Earthy Plate avoids ingredients grown with glyphosate to prioritize health and sustainability.

  • GMO's: Genetically Modified Organisms; plants or animals that have been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Earthy Plate avoids GMO ingredients to prioritize natural, nutrient-dense food.

  • Grass Fed: Refers to livestock raised on a diet primarily consisting of grass, which results in higher nutrient content in the meat.

H

  • Heirloom: Traditional plant varieties that have been cultivated and passed down through generations, valued for their rich flavors and genetic diversity.

N

  • Naturopath: A healthcare professional specializing in natural and holistic approaches to wellness, often using nutrition and lifestyle changes to address root causes of health issues.

P

  • Pasture Raised: Refers to livestock raised with continuous access to open pastures, which allows for natural grazing and healthier, more humane conditions.

  • PFA's (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of man-made chemicals often found in non-stick cookware and food packaging, linked to environmental and health concerns. Earthy Plate avoids products containing PFA's.

R

  • Refined Sugar: Highly processed sugars, stripped of natural nutrients, often linked to inflammation and health issues. Earthy Plate meals are free of refined sugars.

  • Regenerative: An approach to farming and food production that goes beyond sustainability by actively improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems.

S

  • Seasonal: Ingredients grown and harvested during their natural growing season, ensuring peak flavor, freshness, and nutritional value.

  • Seed Oils: Industrially processed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil, often high in inflammatory omega-6 fats. Earthy Plate meals are made without seed oils.

  • Seed Saving: The practice of collecting and preserving seeds from plants to promote biodiversity, reduce dependency on commercial seeds, and maintain heritage crop varieties.

  • Sustainable: Practices that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, often involving resource conservation and minimal environmental impact.

T

  • Teflon: A brand name for a type of non-stick coating often containing PFA's. Earthy Plate prioritizes cookware and kitchen tools free from such materials to support healthier, toxin-free cooking.

W

  • Wild Caught: Refers to fish harvested from their natural habitats, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers, as opposed to farm-raised fish.