Stocking a raw food kitchen is one of the toughest parts of starting the raw food lifestyle.For many people, raw food staple ingredients are unknowns to them.

Some new raw fooders get overwhelmed by the recipes that call for a number of ingredients they don't have on hand or have not even heard of. Here are a few tips on stocking a raw food kitchen.

I've broken down this post into two sections: required kitchen implements and required raw food ingredients. This list is based on my personal experiences starting out as a raw fooder.

Required kitchen implements:
For a detailed discussion of kitchen implements, see my recommended raw food appliances post.

• Sharp knives
• Cutting boards
• A blender
• A food processor
• A dehydrator (optional)
• A coffee grinder for small seeds (optional)!

Example 20-item shopping list for stocking a raw food kitchen:

• 1. Seeds - Such as pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds (seeds are more affordable than nuts)
• 2. Basic nuts -  Such as almonds, walnuts or pecans (can usually substitute these for one another)
• 3. Creamy nuts - Such as cashews or macadamia nuts (creamy nuts are more expensive and should be used sparingly if you're on a budget)
• 4. Sea salt
• 5. Spices - Cinnamon, Italian spices, Cumin, Cayenne pepper, Curry powder (buy as needed)
• 6. Olive oil - Or another oil
• 7. Apple cider vinegar
• 8. Garlic
• 9. Flax seeds - Used as binding agents in many recipes to hold food together
• 10. A concentrated natural sweetener - Such as agave nectar or stevia
• 11. Nori rolls - Sheets of seaweed to make sushi-type rolls
• 12. Dates - Medjool are best, be sure to remove the pits (dates are used as natural sweeteners)
• 13. Bananas - Add creaminess and sweetness
• 14. Apples
• 15. Avocados
• 16. Lettuce
• 17. Tomatoes
• 18. Cucumbers
• 19. Onions
• 20. Your favourite fruits or vegetables - Such as fresh pineapple, kalamata olives, celery, kale, strawberries and/or grapes or whatever you like!

What do you think? When you started out stocking a raw food kitchen, what did you include? What couldn't you live without?

When making raw dishes that use a dehydrator, I usually make savory recipes way more than sweet recipes. This is because  dehydrator recipes take many, many hours to dehydrate! But when making sweet recipes, there are many quicker and easier ways to make raw desserts without having to use a dehydrator. But if you don’t use a dehydrator when making these dehydrator recipes, it would be impossible to achieve that satisfying texture of raw breads and crackers.

So here’s my list of easy raw food dehydrator recipes that you can make in your dehydrator. I know you'll be delighted with the results. I promise you'll find the long hours worth the wait after you've tasted these healthy and savory treats.

Raw pizza crust recipe

Most of the raw pizza crust recipes out there have too many ingredients and too many steps to follow. But in this dehydrator recipe, I came up with a very easy to make raw crust for your pizza.

In this raw pizza crust recipe, the first and most important step of all is you have to process the almonds until they become as fine as flour. Put the almond meal in a bowl and mix it with the rest of the ingredients to make your pizza dough. Then you can shape your crusts into circles or triangles, put them on parchment paper or Teflex sheets in your dehydrator and dehydrate them on high for 1 ½ hours. After reducing the temperature to 105 degrees, dehydrate for another 7-10 hours, making sure to remove the parchment/Teflex and flip the crusts over halfway through the dehydrating process. Once they’re all dry, store the crusts in a Ziploc bag and put them in the freezer. Now you have raw crusts ready anytime you want to make raw pizza!

Raw veggie burger recipe

You would probably wonder how a veggie burger could taste so savory and tasty. Well, this simple raw food dehydrator recipe will surprise you with its flavorful and moist raw patty. Except for hemp hearts and chopped veggies, just mix all of the ingredients together in a food processor and transfer it into a bowl, where you can add the rest of the ingredients. When the mixture is thoroughly combined, form the patties and place them on the dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper, and make sure they don’t touch each other. Set the dehydrator on high for 1 ½ hours then reduce the heat and dehydrate for 5 more hours. You can remove the parchment paper when the patties are firmly holding together. Continue dehydrating until they reach your desired consistency. Pair the veggie burgers with your favorite bread or cracker, and there you have your delicious raw veggie burger!

Raw onion bread recipe

Now here’s a raw food dehydrator recipe that doesn’t need too many ingredients, but can make enough for three Excalibur trays. Start by processing the sunflower seeds into a fine meal, set aside, then process the peeled onions in a food processor, but make sure they don’t turn mushy. Using a spoon, mix the onions with all of the other ingredients in a large bowl and spread them onto parchment-lined dehydrator trays. For the first hour, dehydrate the bread at 120 degrees before reducing the heat to 105 degrees for the next 6 hours. Remove the parchment at some point before it finishes dehydrating and flip the bread over. You can dehydrate it for another 4 hours or longer if you want it to be crispier. It’s really all up to you how you want your savory raw onion bread recipe to turn out, so go ahead and try them!

Raw flax cracker recipe

Yes, it's yet another raw flax cracker recipe. But hold on! It’s quite different I should say, because not only does it taste awesome, it’s also really easy to make with just a few ingredients. All you need to do is process all of the ingredients in a food processor, and when it becomes well blended but still chunky, spread the mixture onto two dehydrator trays lined with parchment/Teflex. Put them in the dehydrator at 115 degrees, and after an hour score the crackers with a knife, then reduce the heat to 105 degrees. After dehydrating for another 6 hours, flip the crackers, remove the parchment/Teflex, and dehydrate for another hour until they become cracker-like. I know it's tempting to nibble, but try to wait until they're done so you can enjoy your tasty raw flax crackers!

Start dehydrating now

These are just a few of my raw food dehydrator recipes that you can try out if you are new to using a dehydrator. They are quite simple yet very savory, and I’m sure you'll try making these recipes over and over when you get the hang of using your dehydrator.

Need a dehydrator? Check out The Rawtarian's recommended appliances here.

Wanting to transition to a raw food diet? Either you’re a newbie trying to figure out the hows of effectively switching to an entirely different lifestyle, or a raw fooder who’s been falling off and on the wagon. But transitioning to raw food quite commonly poses as a challenge for many. You have to break those junk-eating habits and turn away from the cooked food life you’ve been used to.

I wouldn’t say there’s an absolute formula for the most effective lifestyle shift. But it takes a bit of time to learn and adapt to a new habit, and here are some of my useful tips on transitioning to raw food diet.

Start slow

There are some people (like me!) who just out of the blue turn a complete 180 and totally go raw overnight. While it may work for a few people, most find it hard to keep at it and eventually fall back to their comfort non-raw food. Others just give up and think it impossible to accomplish. (Or worse, put off starting all together!)

But you don't have to just suddenly abandon your non-raw food lifestyle when you decide to explore raw veganism. It’s actually helpful to start slow and help your body get accustomed to the changes by simply gradually adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals day by day. Keep a slow and steady pace and before you realize it, you’re tastebuds are searching for more greens, and your fridge is stocked with nothing but fresh raw produce.

Get a food processor and a blender

Living on a raw food lifestyle requires using only a few specific kitchen tools. Two of the most vital and very helpful equipment you will need when transitioning to raw foods are a food processor and a good blender. Believe me, these trusty devices will save you so much time and trouble, especially if you’re the type of person who’d rather not spend too much time in the kitchen.

But when you have good equipment, whipping up your own delicious raw dish can actually be just as speedy as dialing your favorite take-out number. If you get a food processor and a blender, all those chopping and grinding times will be reduced to just a few seconds. You can just dump the ingredients of your favorite quick and easy raw food recipes in them and be done in no time.

So if you think that your reasons for having a difficult time transitioning is because raw food is too bothersome and time consuming to prepare, then you probably need to consider investing in these two pieces of equipment. Check out my list of recommended raw food appliances here.

Start with a recipe that appeals to you

When it comes to food, we normally choose to eat recipes that are tasty and look very appetizing to us. It’s the same with raw food. It’s just that most of us have had this common preconceived idea we grew up with that healthy food is yucky but good for the body.

Well, you don’t have to force yourself to eat what you hate. If you don’t like spinach, don't eat it at all, or turn it into something very appetizing (like a delicious silky green smoothie, perhaps).

And if you find junk food tempting, just find a raw food recipe that really pulls you in. Find the flavor that your palate likes best. There’s a whole lot of variety you can choose from. Check out my big list of simple, satisfying raw food recipes here.

Start with a dessert

Most temptations start with desserts. And many people’s weaknesses include desserts, including mine. The best part of the raw vegan lifestyle is that there are tons of raw food dessert recipes – and they’re divine!

So if you have a sweet tooth, raw desserts are the perfect recipes you can start infusing into your daily diet. Most of them are very quick and simple, too. Even if you eat a bit of non-raw food during your meals in the first stages of your transition, you can at least start diving into raw food through desserts.

Keep going

Remember that you’re not alone in your journey. Find your closest support group or seek like minds through online communities for raw vegans that share your passion. (Don't have a community? You are welcome to join The Rawtarian's Kitchen.)

Even if you fall back once in a while, it always helps to simply charge forward again and continue to have fun living the raw food lifestyle. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Are you ready to transition?

Don’t you think these tips on transitioning to raw food diet are quite simple? Just keep the basics in mind: no need to rush it, make it simple, don’t force it, and have fun! Do you have any tips to share regarding your own transition to raw foods?

One of the biggest challenges going raw is 'taking it with you.'

Are you guilty of running out the door with empty hands, only to end up starving (and grumpy)? Or dashing into the nearest convenience store for an unhealthy snack? 

Perhaps you do make the effort to bring some raw food. Nuts, fruit, veggies: all good! But in case you were wondering (and I know you were!), I do have many yummy recipes that travel well.

Wondering how to get your children into the raw food diet? Getting your children to eat raw food may not be as exciting for them as it is for you. A lot of kids are reluctant to try new food, especially since children have more tastebuds compared to adults, making certain food taste more intense for them. But eating habits are learned, and introducing tasty raw food recipes for kids that they can make on their own will help improve your children’s overall diet.

Here are some quick and easy to make raw food recipes for kids that you and your children can enjoy making and eating together.

Raw sesame seed bars

One of the best raw food recipes for kids that you can easily teach your children to make is a recipe that doesn’t need any equipment. Well, you'll probably have to help them with the measurements. But all this raw sesame seed bar recipe takes is just mixing in a bowl, pressing down into a dish, and freezing! Your kids will not only enjoy this crunchy and delicious snack, but they will also marvel at their own dexterity in the kitchen.

Raw green smoothies

Green might not be the best color in your children’s food color wheel. But this shouldn’t stop you from encouraging them to eat healthy and tasty raw food recipes for kids. A good way to start introducing to them to the concept that green doesn’t have to mean yucky is to mix greens with their favorite fruits. In my silky green smoothie recipe, mix all of the ingredients using a high-speed blender to get that silky smooth texture that even your kids will love. And it still tastes sweet!

Raw chocolate shake

Who doesn’t like chocolate? Every child (or even child at heart) says yes to a chocolate treat! Adding bananas to your children’s otherwise regular chocolate drink of cocoa powder with some agave nectar and water couldn’t be so much easier. Just blend them together and this raw chocolate shake recipe will be a hit to your kids’ developing tastebuds.

Raw chocolate pudding with hidden avocado

Kids can’t get enough of chocolate, and introducing raw food recipes for kids is probably more effective when disguised as one! Allow your children to get busy in the kitchen blending the raw chocolate avocado pudding ingredients while teaching them the benefits of a raw food diet. That way, they will not only learn new tastes, they'll also learn to appreciate them.

Raw ranch dressing

You’ve probably noticed by now that all of these raw food recipes for kids are about mixing and blending. Guess what? This raw ranch dressing recipe is no different! Get your high-speed blender, throw in all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Kids can enjoy making this healthy ranch dressing to pair with savory raw pizza or with some raw salad.

Raw recipes for children

Aren’t you itching to try these raw food recipes for kids with your little ones yet? It’s important to start eating healthy at a young age and developing healthy eating habits can be taught by gradually introducing new tastes that are not so far off from what their palates usually enjoy. Infusing your children’s diets with raw food shouldn’t be so hard if they also learn how to have fun making raw food recipes for kids on their own. You’ll soon find your kids asking for more once they understand that healthy food can be delicious and that raw food doesn’t mean yucky food.

My name is Laura-Jane The Rawtarian, and I first went raw in August 2009 and it changed my life. As a result, I created this website, www.therawtarian.com, to share the easiest, most delicious raw vegan recipes with the word.

Since then I've had the privilege of teaching classes, creating two recipe apps, being interviewed on national radio, being featured in Vegan Life magazine, curating one of the most popular raw vegan recipe websites, hosting The Raw Food Podcast, and speaking at national food blogging conferences across North America--from Miami to Vancouver. It is an honor to spend my days changing the way the world eats, and I am humbled every day by you.

My "before" story

Although I was a long-time vegetarian, my diet was not healthy. I knew it, and my weight fluctuated up and up.

I was often snacking on pizza, chips, and lots of processed fruit juices. I didn't feel good. I was often moody and depressed.

I wasn't much of a cook and the foods that we ate were simple and unhealthy. For example, pasta with pesto sauce--with no salad or veggies. Breakfast was sweetened soy milk with mini wheats or another processed cereal.

I barely bought or ate any unprocessed vegetables.

Every year I gained five more pounds.

In the back of my mind I realized that if this five-pound-a-year-weight-gain continued, by the time I was forty I'd be at least fifty pounds overweight. I looked around. Many women at forty seemed to be fifty pounds overweight, so I accepted that this was the way it would be for me, too.

But enter raw food...

After the first two months of being a 100% raw vegan I had released ten to fifteen pounds. I looked great and I felt even better.

I've found preparing delicious raw foods to be so simple. Inspirationally simple.

Before I began my raw food journey, I was not comfortable in the kitchen. I had absolutely no confidence and no idea how to cook. I just made pasta and sandwiches and ate frozen pizza.

Learning how to prepare raw food has been an amazing and empowering experience for me. I started very rigidly following raw recipes, but after just two months I was creating some of my own recipes. With a limited number of ingredients--fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds--I find that I now understand more about how to combine food. I experiment so much more than I ever did before.

Will I be raw forever? I have no idea. All I can say is that right now I am still excited about the raw food lifestyle and being 100% raw.

Only time will tell where this journey takes me.

The purpose of this website is to inspire others to try and love this amazing lifestyle. Check out my best raw vegan recipes right here and make your first raw recipe.

You may have noticed that some raw recipes include psyllium as an ingredient. Psyllium adds texture (think moist, soft and light - yum!) to recipes like my Moist Spongy Loaves, and can be used as a thickener in puddings, shakes and soups. But some of you might be wondering: what is psyllium and how much psyllium is safe to eat?

Psyllium is available in both 'husk' and 'powder' forms. (Note: I use psyllium husk in my recipes). It is an excellent source of fiber (derived from the seeds of the plantago ovata plant). It is commonly used to promote bowel regularity. (Check out the constipation section at a store and you'll see lots of psyllium products!) You can purchase it as a laxative or as a fiber supplement, or in bulk at your health food store.

Psyllium also has other health benefits, such as lowering cholestrol,  alleviating Irritable Bowel symptoms, and maintaining colon health. As you can see, psyllium fiber can be a beneficial addition to your diet.

Psyllium absorbs water as it passes through your intestines, which then bulks up your stool. It's this action that facilitates passage through your bowels. Most healthy folks who eat a varied diet to meet their fiber requirements will not have a problem adding psyllium to their diet.

However, if you eat too much psyllium, especially if you don't drink enough water or you're not used to it, you could run into trouble. Eating too much psyllium can cause problems like gas, bloating, intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and even intestinal blockage. As with any fiber (or anything in life, really), too much isn't necessarily a good thing!

You know your own body. If you have a predisposition to intestinal problems (from surgery or other medical problems), check with your doctor first before charging out and buying a sack of psyllium! If you are on any medications, check to make sure that eating psyllium is okay (as it can interfere with absorption).

And if you don't have any issues, use common sense! Don't scarf back an entire loaf of Raw Sweet Bread (no matter how good it tastes!) or you may suffer the embarrassing (or worse) consequences!

When hosting a party, the food on the table always makes the spotlight of the occasion. You want to wow your guests with your brilliant skills like you’ve just had a raw chef prepare what’s on the menu. In this post, I’ve got some fancy raw food ideas for parties that you can proudly show off to your friends. You just read fancy up there, but truthfully, the procedures in making these raw vegan dishes are nothing but simple and easy, your guests would never guess.

Raw pumpkin crumble

This raw pumpkin crumble recipe is downright perfect for special occasions, especially for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. (You can also bookmark this recipe for your next party. It’s never too soon to plan, is it?)

This recipe is fast and easy. Blend all pumpkin filling ingredients in a blender and set aside. Next, briefly process coconut, pecans and salt, then add your dates and continue processing until the crumble mixture turns into a fluffy coarse meal. To avoid it getting soggy, always store the filling and the crumble separately until it’s ready to eat. Add dried cranberries to the crumble for a more festive touch.

Raw cheesecake recipe

Next up – cheesecakes! They simply look classy, and everyone loves their flavor. Definitely perfect for raw desserts. But making this raw cheesecake recipe requires no magic or chef expertise, so don’t fret. Just place macadamia nuts, salt and dates in your food processor and process well, making sure the mixture is still airy. Layer the bottom of your cheesecake pan with dried coconut and press down your crust mixture into it. Blend your cream-cheese filling ingredients in a high-speed blender and pour it over the crust. Allow the cheesecake base to firm up in the freezer for about an hour while you blend the strawberries and dates in your blender. When the topping mixture is blended nice and smooth, pour it on top of the firm cheesecake base and pop it back in the freezer for five more hours or until it reaches your desired consistency. Before serving to your guests, you may want to defrost the raw cheesecake for about 10 minutes beforehand. (I doubt it will last long once served!)

Raw cranberry lemon cheesecake bites

Gotta love this twist on raw cheesecakes! These heavenly raw cranberry lemon cheesecake bites are sure to capture your raw food and non-raw food friends’ palates alike. All you need for this recipe are a few ingredients and your trusty high-speed blender. Dump all your lemon cheesecake base ingredients into the blender and blend your way up from slow to high speed. Pour the mixture into pans or fancy, decorative molds and allow them to firm up a bit in the freezer. Now blend your cranberries and dates into a nice and smooth texture, then evenly spread the topping onto the already firmed up cheesecake base. Freeze again for about five more hours and serve only when you’re ready to eat them, because it will melt quite quickly.

Raw chocolate superfood brownies

This is a pretty easy raw superfood brownie recipe that has a perfect chocolate taste. And paired with strawberry sauce? Divine!

And this one is super easy too. Just process most of the ingredients in a food processor, then mix in the goji berries, hemp hearts (and optional additional sweetener) by hand. Then press into two glass brownie dishes and refrigerate.

Which one will you choose for your next gathering?

There you have it. These are only some of many more fancy raw food recipe ideas for parties. I’m certain you can also come up with more creative ways to pretty up your raw food dishes. It’s always great to be able to prepare delicious food you love to guests who aren’t even raw fooders (and leave them in awe).

What occasion calls for loads more green than usual? Yes – it’s Saint Patrick’s Day! (Err, I realize the post title spoils it, but let’s just pretend you didn’t see that.)

For raw vegans, having lots of greens on the table may be already an ordinary sight. It seems like everyday might be Saint Patrick’s Day. But this occasion is extra special for many, so why not go the extra mile and whip up a few mean green recipes to enjoy all day!

Just something a little different and festive from the usual green salad, ya know?

Silky green smoothie

What better way to start your St. Patrick's day than with the Rawtarian's classic Silky Green Smoothie? It's big and it's green! And of course, it's extra smooth and oh, so good for you! Fill up a clear go-cup and take it with you to work. Wave it at people as you walk by, so they know YOU'RE celebrating St. Patrick's Day in style!

You must have a high-speed blender to achieve the ultimate silkiness of this recipe!

Raw broccoli soup

Keep up the festive theme for lunch (or supper!) with this surprisingly delicious Raw Broccoli Soup. Cashews provide this soup with its yummy creaminess. And broccoli being the numero uno ingredient, it is a lovely shade of green. So you're still rockin' St. Patrick's Day!

If you haven't made this soup before, give this recipe a try. If you love broccoli, you are going to totally love this soup!

Raw stuffed mushrooms

Impress your friends (or just yourself!) with these Raw Stuffed Mushrooms. They are stuffed with spinach and basil, so yes, this recipe still fits in with today's green theme! Pine nuts and red/yellow peppers are also included in the filling, so you can be assured, these little morsels are most delectable!

This recipe does require a dehydrator, so make sure you plan ahead (it's worth it!).

Raw sweet kale cheesecake

The vibrant green color of this cheesecake recipe is just perfectly fitting for a St. Patrick’s Day raw dessert. Even though it’s green and all, it’s surprisingly sweet and doesn’t even have that green flavor to it. This Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake requires only a few ingredients and very quick and easy to follow steps: blend, pour and freeze.

What makes this raw sweet kale cheesecake recipe stand out is its lovely shade of green and its sweet flavor.

Surprising and delicious St. Patrick's Day recipes!

St. Patrick’s Day is looming just around the corner, and if you don’t have shamrocks or any creative green ideas to prepare, any of these green recipes will fit the bill! You can start your day with the silky green smoothie, and finish with the sweet kale cheesecake. Or serve up the broccoli soup and stuffed mushroom caps for a yummy lunch!

Do you have your own raw food green overload for the 17th ready?

Are you the type of person who likes to play jokes on April Fool's Day? If so, then congratulations! If not, then instead of a joke, try something a little different on April 1st. Why don't you "surprise" someone with one of these raw desserts?

Read on and find out why each dessert is so surprising...

Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake

After your guests (friends, family?) finish off their slice of Raw Sweet Kale Cheesecake, shock 'em with the news that kale is the main ingredient! Watch their jaws drop as they process the news. Kale? That leafy green vegetable that no-one ever eats? (Except raw vegans, of course!)

Kale is what gives this cheesecake it's crazy green color. And it does NOT make the cheesecake taste green. It is sweet and delicious, and the texture is creamy (thanks to the cashews and banana). Plus, it's totally gorgeous. So, this April Fool's Day, serve it with confidence. Then drop the kale bomb after the last crumb is gone!

Raw Brownies

Here is another surprise dessert to whip up for April Fool's Day. Why are these Raw Brownies such a surprise? Because these brownies are are actually good for you! With the decadent chocolate-y taste and chewy texture, you'd be forgiven for thinking these are 'real' brownies. Not! Pecans, dates and coconut are the healthy ingredients in this recipe. No sugar, no butter, nada.

Make a batch of these brownies and you'll agree. These are the ultimate healthy treat that will fix your chocolate itch... without guilt!

Raw Cheesecake

Here's a classic raw cheesecake that will fool anyone into thinking it's the 'real deal.' This cheesecake is so rich and decadent, you'll be surprised that there is no dairy in this recipe! Well, you won't be surprised, but your guests will! After you tell them they are eating a raw, vegan cheesecake (cream cheese free!).

Instead of a cream cheese filling, this recipe uses cashews, coconut oil and agave (or honey), plus lemon juice and vanilla. See, no dairy! The crust is also divinely delicious as macadamia nuts are its primary ingredient. Yum!

Make one, or make all three!

Each one of these desserts is so good, another (pretty much predictable!) surprise will be if there is any left for the next day!