YumSugar

Monkey Tea, Monkey Do

YumSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:03:33 -0800

This tea is called Monkey Picked Tea, and it's not just a name it's a fact. According to legend, monkeys used to pick tea from high branches and brought them to their masters. The masters - mostly monks - thought it was delicious and so a cycle was born. These days, the monkey picking tea practice has all but died out, but apparently one remote village continues the tradition. Each bag of tea ($24.99) contains about two ounces of loose leaf tea, or approximately 28 cups. Oh and I should tell you that no monkeys were harmed in the tea-picking.

The flavor is supposed to be amazing, but to be honest, I haven't tried it yet. What do you think, is this something you'd want to try?

These Ice Cream Sandwich Molds Will Have You Seeing Stars... and Pigs and Cows

YumSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:40:39 -0700

These little molds came out a while back, but I could not let National Ice Cream Sandwiches and the Summer of Sandwiches pass without mentioning them. They come in packs of three - a cow, a pig and a star - and are used to mold ice cream and cookies into the perfect little ice cream sandwiches. The best part is that the ice cream sandwich molds are now on sale for $10 (they were $14 last year).

Plus, if you're hesitant to order them because they're "uni-taskers", then don't fret - the folks at Lunch In A Box have used them to create perfectly molded hard-boiled eggs!

Source: Neatorama

Do You Feed Animals Food?

partysugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:43:39 -0700

I do not feed animals food. I'm not talking about domestic pets, like dogs or cats, I'm talking about wild, untamed animals. Sea gulls on the beach, squirrels in a park, bears in the forest, deers in a meadow - those sort of animals. I prefer not to feed them as they always come back in larger groups wanting more. As cute as they may be, I believe they are best left untouched by humans. How about you: Do you feed animals food?

Cows Eat Candy Too

YumSugar — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:58:04 -0700

Turns out that while corn-based ethanol fuel might be a good fuel alternative, it's actually causing candy to be a good livestock feed alternative. Due to the recent demand of ethanol, corn prices have gone up, forcing farmers to find an alternative source of food for their livestock.

Dwight Hess, a cattle feedlot operator in Marietta, Pa., is located in the heart of snack country, near Hershey and Herr Foods Inc., a maker of potato chips, pretzels and snack mixes. His cattle ration consists of about 17% "candy meal," a blend of chocolate bars and large chunks of chocolate; 3% of what he calls "party mix," a blend of popcorn, pretzels, potato chips and cheese curls; 8% corn gluten; and the remainder corn and barley he grows.

I guess we're not the only ones enjoying National Candy Month?

Also, I wonder how it affects the flavor of the meat. Do you think things would have sweeter or saltier undertones?

Via: Amazon al Dente

Learn More About Animal Crackers

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:03:33 -0700

When I was a kid, my favorite part of going to the grocery store, was the box of Animal Crackers my mom would buy as my reward. I think she may have liked them more than me, but at the time I thought they were my special treat.

These days I hardly ever get them - although they do make for a nice alternative to a crushed graham cracker crust - but since today is National Animal Crackers Day, I thought I'd go ahead and pick up a box. And to celebrate further, I thought I'd whip up this quiz! Ready to learn about Animal Crackers?

Source

Take the quiz

Labeling Won't Be Required For Genetically Engineered Animals

YumSugar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Last Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration issued its long-awaited regulations on genetically engineered animals. Its conclusion, after considering genetically altered animals? Consumer labeling will not be required for genetically engineered food.Currently, genetically engineered animals are being developed for the market, but so far none of the animals have been approved by the agency for marketing. Prior to entering the marketplace, the animals themselves will need to receive FDA approval, and be labeled as genetically altered. In contrast, food products derived from these animals will not need to be labeled.

Proponents of the practice argue that it will create livestock that grow faster, produce less toxic waste, are resistant to disease, and are generally healthier to eat. But opponents argue that messing with Mother Nature could have unintended consequences, such as altering the genetic structures of animals.

What do you think of this ruling? Do you think the Food and Drug Administration has made the right decision?

Source

Animal Shot Glasses: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:00:34 -0700

Party animals, take note. These Goody Grams Pewter + Glass Animal Shot Glasses ($32) are perfect for any hunting enthusiast or lover of kitsch.

The bull, deer, bear, moose, and rhino shots can be displayed heads up, then flipped over to fill. Do you find them charming or just weird?

Animal Rights Proposition Passes in California

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:15:24 -0800

Yesterday, California passed the most far-reaching farm animal treatment measure to ever be placed on the ballot.

Proposition 2 passed with an estimated 62 percent of the vote in early returns and will affect 20 million farm animals in California, America's largest agricultural state. It requires farmers to give animals space to turn around, spread their wings, stand up, and lie down.

This ballot measure, which was sponsored by the Humane Society of America, goes into effect in 2015 and will entail, among other things, phasing out gestation crates for breeding pigs and veal cages for calves. Opponents, however, fear that the measure will actually bolster the market for cheaper, out-of-state agriculture where farmers aren't under the same regulations.

Did you vote on this measure? How do you feel about this animal rights victory? Do you think it sets an example for other states?

Source

Genetically Altered Animals as Food?

partysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:00:23 -0700

The government has decided to consider farmers' proposals to sell genetically altered animals as food. Although genetically engineered food is not a new concept (the process is used in agriculture to produce more crops), this is the first time that the FDA has contemplated applying the process to animals. The animals' genes would be manipulated to bring out or change certain characteristics. Faster growing fish, featherless chicken, and mad-cow-resistant cattle are examples of the types of changes that can be made.

The development is incredibly interesting and somewhat disturbing. The FDA will not always require the genetically modified food to be labeled, so consumers may not know if they are eating pork from a reduced-waste producing pig or fish that has grown in 18 months instead of three years.

What do you think of the news? Would you want to eat genetically adapted animals?

Source

Yum Market Finds: Animal Accents

partysugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:45:20 -0700

The other day I talked about my love for a lizard-shaped bottle opener, and today, as I was browsing the Yum Market on TeamSugar, I noticed a wide variety of animal extras. Animal accents add a touch of whimsy to a stark kitchen and a hint of humor to a formal table setting. Look for small pieces in the form of salt and pepper shakers, coasters, napkin rings, or place card holders. I personally adore these durable, pewter bird cheese markers that shelleymonster saved. The set comes with additional cheese labels so you can write or print your own label in a font and style that matches your party. Browse below for more animal accents.

To learn more about the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar please read GeekSugar's explanation.