For some weeks now, I’ve been conducting a large-scale taste test of whole grain and multigrain pancake mixes. One thing that has surprised me a great deal has been the trouble I’ve had with batter consistency; even when prepared according to package instructions, the majority of batters have been too thin or too thick. But with one exception, the folks at Littleton Grist Mill seem to have figured out this whole pancake mix thing. True, I had some difficulty with the Organic Oat Pancake Mix. But the three others I tried (Organic Whole Wheat, Multi-Grain, and Organic Buckwheat) produced batters of ideal consistencies…and, even more important, the pancakes taste great! The Buckwheat, in particular, is wonderful. Buckwheat can be a tricky mix to get right; most buckwheat pancakes are either too wimpy or too assertive in flavor. But these pancakes somehow struck a perfect flavor balance. They had a hearty, grainy flavor, but it didn’t hit you over the head. There was a slight sweetness to them, too, so you almost didn’t need syrup (although they’re even better with it). And these pancakes weren’t gummy at all, a common characteristic in some whole grain/multigrain hotcakes.

The co-founders of this small business are neighbors in Vermont. Tom Kenyon has been growing organic grains for over 15 years, with most of his crop going to the industrial market. Jane Kirby is a registered dietitian and food editor with experience in both recipe development and food marketing. Nitty Gritty Grain Company of Vermont was created to get Tom’s good grains into the hands of consumers in a form they’d enjoy.

You hear a lot of talk from companies these days about sustainability and organics, but not everyone walks the walk. Nitty Gritty Grain Company of Vermont does. First off, their products are certified organic. The grains are grown, produced, and packaged in one small region; they aren’t shipped vast distances for processing or manufacturing. The products are packaged in a biodegradable cellophane that is not petroleum-based. The labeling is printed on recycled paper with soy ink. One of the varieties of corn they use is an heirloom variety, as well.

It’s hard to believe there are still people who haven’t heard about Fiddler’s Green Farm, but I know it’s true. Run by two families in Belfast, Maine, this business produces cereals, baking and pancake mixes, syrups, and jams, but they also offer a number of products they don’t make themselves, such as chocolate sauce and coffee. Many items are organic (or mostly organic, like that chocolate sauce); you can even find organic catnip for your favorite feline or organic dog biscuits for that special pooch.