4:49 minutes (1.1 MB)
There are many health benefits gleaned from eating locally grown produce. The Herbal Pharmacist explains the importance of eating fruits and vegetables from your area and also examines why eating foods in season is sound nutrition and good for bodily functions.

Pasta, the staff of life. They say it's bread, but I don't think so. Does bread come in over 350 shapes, colors and sizes? Does bread have never-ending sauce options? Can you eat bread alone every single night? Maybe, but I'd bet you'd rather eat pasta.

Summer is the season for tomatoes and basil! But with pesto usually off-limits for people with food allergies—it traditionally contains tree nuts and dairy—I set about creating an allergen-free version of the original. The sweet and tangy roasted cherry tomatoes are the perfect compliment to the earthy flavor of the basil and the smokiness of the grilled chicken. Upon tasting this recipe, my 4 1/2 year-old son, Lennon (who has food allergies) even asked, "Can I have this pasta for lunch every day?" There is no greater compliment.

Pasta, the staff of life. They say it's bread, but I don't think so. Does bread come in over 350 shapes, colors and sizes? Does bread have never-ending sauce options? Can you eat bread alone every single night? No, but you can eat pasta for dinner 7 days a week, with pleasure. "But how can you still eat pasta when you're on an allergen-free diet?", one might ask. If you're one of the 12 million Americans with Food Allergies, you're probably avoiding one or more of the following foods; wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish. Given that pasta dishes are generally comprised of wheat/gluten, dairy, and eggs, and sometimes tree nuts, or fish and shellfish, eating pasta may seem like an impossibility. Not so! Go back to the basics, with simple, fresh, organic produce and allergen-free pasta will be the centerpiece of your summer table.