In the town of Arauco in the La Rioja province of Argentina stands the oldest olive tree in the country, planted in the 1600s. Although not native to Argentina, the Arauco olive is highly prized for its buttery smoothness and meaty texture, and for the robust floral and fruity flavor notes it contributes to olive…  Read More →

When we began discussing a fair trade avocado program with Equal Exchange, we were told that not only were the avocados organically grown by PRAGOR, a small, farmer-owned cooperative–therefore P6– they were supposedly more delicious than other organic avocados on the market from both California and Mexico. Satisfying our values and our palettes is something…  Read More →

If you’ve been in the store or followed us on social media, you may have noticed it’s Avocado Month at Seward Co-op. We purchase our avocados from Equal Exchange, who sources them from a grower cooperative in Central Mexico. Equal Exchange’s mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound,…  Read More →

Hoch Orchards and Gardens, run by Harry and Jackie Hoch (above), is a family farm near La Crescent, Minn., with a long tradition of growing fresh fruit. A handful of the farm’s original trees, planted in the 1940s, can still be found on the farm, though production is concentrated on newer varieties. Besides 50 varieties…  Read More →

March means Banana Month at Seward Co-op, so watch for specials and deals on Equal Exchange bananas throughout the month. According to the USDA, the average American eats 26 pounds of bananas per year. That’s a lot of bananas — and a big opportunity for impact. Most bananas are grown on giant plantations as a…  Read More →

This is Valentine’s Island. It’s a beautiful place located just offshore the Seward Deli Hot Bar and due north of the Frozen Section. Sure, about a month ago it was Christmas Island and a month forward in time, it will be Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day Island. But right now it’s the place to…  Read More →

As an important source of protein, an alternative to peanuts for those with allergies, and a unique ingredient for many traditional dishes, cashews are a key staple sold at Seward Co-op. Cashews are so popular with Seward customers, in fact, that we’ve sold over $56,000 worth since the beginning of 2014. So when our long-time…  Read More →

The new Farm Bill, or, the Agricultural Act of 2014, is being signed into law today, and as usual, every sector of the country and economy is finding something to despise in it. The sustainable foods movement can take heart and celebrate several small victories though. Farm Bill 2014 makes it easier for low income…  Read More →

Wondering how to celebrate Mom this year? On Mother’s Day, Sunday May 12 from 8 a.m. – noon, treat Mom to a special brunch made fresh in our Deli. We’ll be rolling out white tablecloths and flowers to beautify the dining area, too. And pick up a floral bouquet; we’ll custom wrap it for you…  Read More →

Do your bananas support small scale farmers? If you purchase them at Seward Co-op, they do! In 2012, consumers purchased 11 million Equal Exchange bananas. These purchases have tangible impacts on the livelihoods of courageous banana farmers in El Guabo co-op, located in Ecuador, and CEPIBO co-op in Peru. They’re making history for themselves, and…  Read More →