In search of...

Sometimes it is hard to find the foods that you want and need... Many of the health foods on the market are less than palatable. Others are wonderful, but for whatever reason are hard to find. It becomes a catch-22 for the poor companies making quality products -- it is hard to get the word out if no one carries you, but no one will carry your product unless customers are clamoring for it...

For example, I recently got to sample some great rice bran oil. The flavor is mild, it is filled with antioxidants and has a really high smoke point. The problem is that I can't buy it locally.

We have plenty of health food stores in the area, but none of them carry it. One place was willing to order a case of it for me, but I don't really want to store a whole case. I just don't use that much oil in my cooking.

I ordered 2 bottles online, paying a premium by the time shipping was included. But, I have to chalk it up to health - in my mind, it is similar to paying more for organic foods for the health benefits.

I can only suggest that we all make lists of our favorite, high quality, trans fat free foods and hand them to our supermarket managers. Maybe they will eventually get the message and some of these great products will find a happy, healthy market.