Let’s talk organic, and why we love it!

By Feb 15, 2018BLOG
organic tomatoes

Love is in the air, and we thought it only appropriate to talk about our love for food, specifically organic food. It’s the heart and soul of our little business, but it’s about more than an ‘organic’ label, and more than the food we’re eating, it’s about the heart behind it. Here’s what organic means to us!

What does organic mean?

Organic is a word that gets thrown around a lot, especially when it comes to food. And there’s a lot of confusion and misunderstanding that can go with it. By definition, organic food is produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals. However, in South Africa, there’s not a lot of control over the use of the word ‘organic’, and it’s not strictly regulated. It’s also difficult and costly for small-scale farmers and artisans to be ‘certified organic’ by an independent body, and often not a local one. There’s a lot of red tape involved, and the costs are often prohibitive.

What does organic mean to us?

When we talk about organic, we like to think about the relationship that exists behind the food we’re eating. We like to partner with people whose hearts are in the right place. For example, Mandy started Mooberry Farms because she wanted her family to be drinking milk from a healthier, happier place. Her herd of beautiful jersey cows are now part of the family, known by name, and treated with love, care and respect. Merryn, owner of Aloedale Farms, started her business because she just loved being in the garden, and being in nature, and it was important to her to know where and how her food was being grown. These lovely ladies had their hearts in the right place, and ‘organic’ just flows from there.

Each and every one of our suppliers have been carefully chosen for being ethical and sustainable in the way they do things, whether it’s farming using natural, biological and organic farming principles (no chemicals, pesticides, hormones or GMOs) or creating products in old-fashioned, natural ways (no preservatives, handmade, etc). Although they may not all be certified organic, they are all working towards that, and their hearts are all in the right place. We regularly visit the farms we work with and engage with our suppliers on an ongoing basis. We all want to work towards a healthier, happier world, and we all try to help each other on this journey.

Why we love organic food?

Organically grown food is good for our planet and it’s good for us. By reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals, we are improving the health of our soil and our water, and we are limiting the amount of these chemicals that we consume. Organically grown food is often higher in nutrition, because it’s often grown in healthier, more nutrient dense soil. But our favourite reason to embrace organic food? It just tastes better. Seriously. You just can’t beat the taste of an organically grown banana.

So, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, show a little love for our planet by choosing organically grown produce and supporting the amazing, local farmers and artisans whose hearts are in the right place!

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