Real Food Real Talk

Fermentation y’all! A way to preserve food over a long cold season. A source of amazing nutrients and probiotics for your body. An expression of culture and identity. An action we can take in the steps towards reclaiming our food system. Oh, and it’s also really tasty! Amanda Feifer of sat down with Jaq to share her rich experiences navigating the world of fermentation. Learn what it is, why you would want to do it, and how you would go about making your own tasty fermented creation. Come explore the wondrous art of fermentation with us!  

Quick Bites is a new series giving you a behind the scenes listen to our guests talking candidly with Host Jaq Gleason. Interesting questions, quick answers, and a whole lot of laughter. This episode features Paul Shapiro, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection for the Humane Society of the United States. Jaq interviewed him as part of our upcoming in-depth podcast on sustainable meat. Enjoy this little taste and remember, food worth eating is worth discussing.

Food labels are the cause of much debate these days, especially when trying to understand what they are actually trying to convey to us, the consumers. In this episode we explore the term natural—what we think it means and how that’s been co-opted by the last two decades of corporate takes overs of small natural food companies. Clarissa Leon, Food Editor of Alternet.org, joins us to share her thoughts on this trend, as well as the details of a recent lawsuit against Kashi and Kellogg over their use of the natural label and what this could mean for other food processors.

Urban winery doesn’t exactly bring to mind the idyllic country side complete with endless hillsides of sun drenched grape vines. But there is something special happening within the enclaves of our cities. People are working hard to bring you delicious fermented fruits with all the skill of an estate winery, sans the pretensions. Despite women graduating with almost half of the enology degrees at UC Davis and purchasing near three quarters of the wine in the United States, they only make up 10% of the actual winemakers. We sat down with  of  who is putting out some award winning wines from an old airplane hanger in Alameda, California. We explored what it’s like to be a woman in a field dominated by men, why urban wine-making is so awesome, and learned all about the  event taking place this weekend in Oakland. Join us to get a little local wine flavor!    

Have you ever been told, “Your bread is fantastic, you should sell it!” Or maybe you’re interested in starting a small business out of your home as a way to generate a little extra cash. Perhaps you are already doing this, but you’re not really sure if it’s legal. Good news, it probably is. Over 30 states have recently passed laws allowing food made in the home to be sold to the public. These are commonly referred to as cottage food laws, but in California it is known as the Homemade Food Act of 2012. There are many people working to transform our food system into something more equitable and sustainable. The Homemade Food Act provides an opportunity to do just that. We spoke with a number of different people within the cottage food movement to hear their stories.

Food, justice, and the entrepreneurial spirit find their full expression with . This Bay Area based organization is dedicated to supporting the efforts of local non profits through the sale of a delicious and healthful beverage. They've created a new, sustainable model to address the funding challenges facing non profits today, and are partnering with  and the  in Oakland. And of course, is also a tasty addition to your grocery shelf! Jaq spoke with Co-Founder and Product Manager about  philosophy, which is exemplified in who they partner with, where their tea comes from and how its made.  

Know your farmer know your food, eat local, eat real, you've heard this story for awhile now. But what about real milk? Raw milk activists have been pushing for years for the right to produce and sell raw milk to the public. The FDA and many public health officials warn that it is an extremely harmful product, particularly for children. Yet others believe that it is a key component of eating a healthy, whole foods diet. Here's a story that highlights the ongoing struggle to redefine our food system to reflect the health needs of the people and the environment. Raw Milk Revealed in episode #8.

On Episode #7 we learn about all the amazing works of Tree & the folks at in San Francisco & we get some restaurant tips from Geneva Europa, Co-Owner of . Free Farm Stand: Like: Website:   Savor Oakland: Follow: @SavorOakland Website: Tumblr: The post appeared first on .

Our Thanksgiving Special features turkey carving tips from Head Butcher Thomas McEntee, Pastry Chef Jessica Entzel's spin on the Thanksgiving classic pecan pie, & we talk food waste recovery with Founder Mary Risely. Food Runners: Website: Food Runners 4505 Meats: Follow: @4505meats Website: Like: Pastry Chef, Jessica Entzel's: Orange Pecan Pie Tarts > Tart filling 3/4 Stick butter 1 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 c molasses 1/4c maple syrup 1/4c agave nectar 2 tsp Orange liqueur 1 tsp orange zest 1/4 tsp salt 3 large eggs 2 cups pecans (or any other nut!The post appeared first on .

From permaculture and food as medicine, to art and technology, we talk the many facets of food justice with Food Activist and Co-Founder . Dehydration as a method of preservation that can be delicious and addicting, Randall Hughes of shares his delicious methods with us. Where can you get tasty food, a great beer selection and some spicy Cajun Po'Boys? Well, probably lots of places, but gives us the goods on some prime spots in the East Bay.The post appeared first on .

25 million people in the U.S. live in food deserts, tells us about how they are rectifying that in West Oakland. Olive oil is at the top of the list for food fraud. What's in your Olive Oil? 4th generation farmer explains & a delicious soup recipe from San Francisco native & food blogger. Chorizo Lentil Soup recipe on this episode: Info about Food Deserts: Sciabica & Sons Olive Oil: The post appeared first on .

On this week's show we talk taco trucks in Oakland's Fruitvale district with Kate Williams. From fresh in a bottle, to juice bars, & making your own at home, owner of Luisa Alberto talks us through it.  The people who feed us can't feed themselves; Jaq breaks down food worker wages in the United States. Fruitvale Taco spots mentioned on the show: 44th Ave and International Blvd Oakland, CA 94620 Neighborhood: East Oakland 3340 E 12th St # 11 Oakland, CA 94601 2138 International Blvd Oakland, CA 94601 34th Ave & Farnam St Oakland, CA 94620 Kate's Full Review & List: Stay up to date with Sow Juice: Website: Follow: Like: The people who feed you, can’t feed themselves.The post appeared first on .

On this weeks show we talk Granola, that is, Roaster & Co Founder Matt Teichmann joins us. Did you know 40% of the food we produce in the US is thrown away? We talk creative solutions to tackle this problem with Executive Director Dana Frasz, & Restaurant Critic fills us in on where to get our grub on in the Eastbay. 00.51 Eastbay Express Restaurant Critic, Luke Tsai 6:43 San Franola Granola, Matt Teichmann  17:45 Food Shift, Executive Director Dana Frasz Restaurants mentioned on the show: - Tian Jin Dumplings 989 Franklin St Ste B (between 11th St & 10th St) Oakland, CA 94607 - 2868 Fruitvale Ave (at Brookdale Ave) Oakland, CA 94602 For more information about the quarterly Food Summit that San Franola Granola Hosts: Email: food@sanfranolagranola.com Website: Like: Follow: Get involved with Food Shift: Volunteer: Donate: Website: Like: Featured Restaurant Critic Luke Tsai: Blog: Follow: @theluketsai Website: Like: FEEDBACK Email The post appeared first on .

Vegan food, from catering to Food Truck, Co-Founder Sylvee Esquivel takes us on their journey.   Kombucha in a can? Owner Rana Lehmer Chang discusses. Let's celebrate it all and more at the , Executive Director Marcy Coburn guides us through this spectacular food event!The post appeared first on .

Episode 00: The Real Food Real Talk Podcast. Coming to iTunes and Stitcher Radio Thursday, September 19th 2013. Learn what the show is about! The post appeared first on .