The Amish believe in living off the land.
The Amish are members of a strict Mennonite group and are descendants from the followers of Jakob Ammann -- a seventeenth century Swiss Mennonite bishop. Members establish communities across the United States, and abstain from modern conveniences, such as computers, televisions, electricity, automobiles. They maintain a strong belief in living off the land, and this includes dairy and crop farming. A variety of Amish stores are now open to the public, offering items grown in the community that are for sale in bulk.
Amish Cheese
Cheese is a prominent product in the Amish community, with more than 50 flavors available in Ohio, alone. Amish cheese is made with natural milk, which contains additional cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifid bacterium. It also contains no additives or preservatives. The addition of cultures helps reinforce proper digestion, which is often affected due to the consumption of preserved foods and antibiotics.
Amish Grains
Grains including wheat bran, quick-cooking oats, seven grain flakes and oat bran are commonly available in bulk at Amish stores. Weight for purchasing grains in bulk averages one to two pounds. According to the Mayo Clinic website, whole grains contain fiber and many important nutrients, including magnesium, potassium and selenium. These nutrients reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart problems. Amish stores sell grains whole, without removing the bran, thus leaving valuable nutrients intact.
Amish Jams and Jellies
Amish jams and jellies have a distinct taste. They are not sweet but emphasize the natural fruit used to create them. Unique jams and jellies are found in Amish stores, including corn cob jelly, dandelion jelly and quince jelly. Jams are made from fruit pulp. Jellies are made from the juices that come from the fruit.
Amish Popcorn
Natural rain and the lack of modern fertilizers allow Amish crops to flourish. Corn is a major crop, occupying much acreage in the Amish communities of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Amish popcorn is made fresh within the Amish community, allowing all of its natural nutrients to be preserved, including antioxidants. Antioxidants aid in the reduction and onset of illness. Popcorn is available in an assortment of colors including rainbow (mixed colored kernels), red, white, yellow and purple.
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