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Organic French Wine

May 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Organic French Wine

I’ve always been a big supporter of Australian preservative free and organic wines. Even if I don’t buy organic for every single food item I buy (as much as I do try), I only go organic when it comes to wine. A lot of pesticides are used on non-organic grapes and wine produced in this way is not something I want to consume or support.  I’ve tried many organic wines over the years and I have my favourites but lately I’ve been getting into French wine.

Being major producers and exporters of wine, it’s not difficult to find organic French wine although the options in Australia are a little limited. Initially I was in two minds about buying products which have to be transported such long distances but I now accept it’s not always possible to buy local, especially if you want variety in the products you consume. A lot of people seem to think local is the only way to go and while I appreciate that in theory, in practice it’s not that easy. I say go local and go seasonal when you can but don’t deprive yourself of the wonderful products you can find around the world.

My husband loves red wine so I usually buy a few bottles for him but personally I prefer lighter wines like this white wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon region in south west France. I lived in that part of France for 6 months or so and it’s one of the most pristine parts of France and they take pride in producing quality organic products. They produce a lot of rosé wines there too so if you find an organic rosé from the south west of France I’d say give it a try, it’s likely to be good.

France has strict organic certification laws which are tightly controlled so if you see the organic AB label you know it is organic. Each European country has their own organic label but if you do a bit of research you can quickly determine which are the authentic certified organic labels. When shopping online also look out for the term bio which is the word they use for organic in France as well in other parts of Europe.

So what do you think? Does buying organic wine from France or from elsewhere overseas go against everything organic and green living stands for or is it ok to purchase products from far away destinations?

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Unique Organique Fudge Bar

January 17, 2011 by 1 Comment

I first wrote about Unique Organique a few months ago, shortly after Cecilia showed me her website. I was interested in trying a few things but I was overseas at the time and didn’t want to have the products sent so far. But now that I’m back in Perth, I’m hoping to try lots of products I had only read about so picked up a Unique Organique Raw Coconutty Fudge Bar from Manna Wholefoods in South Fremantle.

Unique Organique

The hand made fudge bar was full of nuts (just almonds I think) and had a definite coconut flavour. Personally I love coconut so wouldn’t have minded having a bit more coconut in it but it was delicious anyway. I probably haven’t had this kind of fudge type bar for 10 years or more and don’t recall liking it when I did, so I’m glad I gave this a go as it was unexpectedly good.

Unique Organique Fudge Bar

The only negative for me was the price. $8.50 for a 75g fudge bar is a bit out of my budget. They are a little cheaper if you buy directly from Cecilia’s site but I still don’t think I can justify it. Maybe just as a special occasion treat which is probably what it is meant for anyway. I understand the ingredients are probably quite expensive, I know organic almonds cost a fortune, so it’s not really a criticism just a statement that it’s not for me.

Nevertheless, I guarantee this is better than any industrially made fudge bars you’ll find in the supermarket and it’s contains 100% certified organic ingredients too.

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Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

January 9, 2011 by 1 Comment

The following guest post is by Linda from Healthy Shelf.

Chia seeds are an ancient seed which was a major part of the diet of the Aztecs and the Mayans. The Chia seed is a whole grain so you are getting the goodness of the whole seed. They come in black and white and there is no difference in smell and taste, only a very small difference in the nutrition. It is more a personal choice as to what you find more appealing.

Why are Chia seeds so good for you?

Chia Seeds Australia Chia seeds are a fantastic superfood to add to your diet. They are great for vegans as they contain the highest plant based Omega 3, protein and fibre. Chia seeds also contain Omega 6 which helps keep skin healthy and antioxidants which are important for cell health. A diet high in antioxidants has been proven by studies to slow ageing of the body and brain. The seeds contain vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

How to add Chia seeds to your diet

Chia seeds can be added to your baking, such as in breads, cakes, cookies, pancakes and muffins. You can add them to your breakfast cereals, porridge or salads. Mixing 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of water makes a gel that you can add to smoothies, juices, shakes, herbal teas, yogurts, soups, salad dressings and sauces. The Chia Co has two recipes Crunchy Apricot and Hazelnut Granola and Raspberry Pancakes with Orange Cinnamon Ricotta.

The Chia Co grows the seed naturally in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. The great thing about this company is they practice sustainable farming. Their website contains more information about their company and the health benefits of the Chia seed.

Linda is a mother of two very active boys, a four and two year old. As a new mum she began to read and the more she read the more she saw value in a organic life style which inspired her online business Healthy Shelf. Join Healthy Shelf on Facebook.

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Unique Organique

October 15, 2010 by 1 Comment

Healthy, organic, biodynamic, and definitely unique is what you’ll find a Unique Organique. Based in Perth and run by Cecilia, you can buy all kinds of hand made traditional foods which are organic and completely natural. The interesting product range includes raw lacto-fermented organic vegetables and fruit:

  • Traditional Sauerkraut
  • Tomato Salsa
  • Beetroot Slaw Relish
  • Ginger Carrots

If you have a sweet tooth like me, Unique Organique has that covered too:

  • Raw Coconutty Fudge Bar
  • Raw Almond Apricotty Honey Bar

Other products you might want to try are:

  • Almond Coconutty Butter
  • Raw Australian Almonds

Although based in Perth, they deliver Australia wide and overseas too. Just ask and they will deliver.

If you want to see what they have before you buy, many of the products are stocked in stores throughout the Perth metro area or you can visit their stall at the City Farm Organic Growers Market. Full details here.

Further info about the products and the people behind it can be found on their site, Unique Organique.

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Organic Meat

October 13, 2010 by 1 Comment

Organic MeatGoing organic can be costly and organic meat is no exception. For those individuals who want to go organic without switching to a vegetarian diet, the decision is going to cost. So what are the benefits of organic meat? What makes it superior enough to justify the price hike?

Better for You

If we are what we eat, then it naturally follows that animals are, too. Certified organic meat doesn’t contain any of the additives, nitrates, chemicals, or antibiotics that normal meat might be laced with. George Seimon of Organic Valley Family of Farms, explains that “Animals are accumulators, and they become whatever we feed them. Organic farming starts at the bottom of the food chain by raising healthy soil, which grows healthy plants, which grow healthy animals, which make healthy humans.” Every piece of organic meat has to pass a barrage of tests for compliance to strict guidelines as well as food safety guidelines. With organic meat, you’re getting nothing but the meat you want, which in the days of mad cow and e. coli outbreaks, can be reassuring.

Better for the Animal

Although heaps of Aussie beef is already raised free range, that certainly isn’t the case for the rest of the world or even for other Aussie meats. Traditionally farmed animals are often kept in small, confined areas and fed all sorts of animal by-products or cheap feed. Sickness and disease is common, not to mention the inevitable animal cruelty issues that arise from such treatment. Organically raised animals, on the other hand, are raised free range on clean, healthy pastures free from pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. Their feed is better and effort even goes into making sure that their lives are as stress-free as possible, promoting naturally robust animals that rarely get sick.

Better for the Planet

In loads of ways, organic farming recalls the old fashioned days of farming, before the bottom line was the only thing that mattered. Organic farms are conscious not only of their pastures and fields but of the overall effect their farming practices have on the world around them. The free range nature of their animals as well as the use of organically grown feed means that from the ground up, organic meat makes less of a negative impact on the world around it.

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Organic Milk

August 25, 2010 by 1 Comment

Perhaps one of the more controversial organic products, the question about what health benefits are really provided by buying organic milk is much debated in the health food world. Several countries, including the US, don’t even recognise organic milk as being healthier for you than the mass market milk. Still, health food enthusiasts around the world insist that organic milk isn’t just better for the environment, but better for you too.

Organic Milk

For some mindful shoppers, simply knowing that buying organic milk supports organic farming practices is reason enough to eat the extra cost in their weekly grocery bill. Organic dairy cows have to be grazed entirely on organic fields that aren’t treated with pesticides. Any extra feed they are provided must be grown organically.

What It Means For You

Of course, there are customers who want more than generic assurances that they’re helping the environment by spending extra money – they want to know that they’re helping themselves. Luckily, there’s ever growing proof that organic milk provides a lot of health benefits for the average consumer. Obviously, pesticide residues are less of a problem with organic milk. Perhaps even more impressive, though, is that tests are proving the organic milk actually has more vitamins and healthy components. With more vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, milk from organic cows provides a nice boost to our bodies. It can even improve the quality of a mother’s breast milk and has been known to help protect children against asthma and eczema.

How do you feel about organic milk? Do you buy it?

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TOFWD

August 20, 2010 by Leave a Comment

TOFWD (The Organic Food and Wine Deli) is a gourmet deli in Melbourne where you can find ready prepared meals, salads, sandwiches, snacks, sweets, and cakes.

A little about TOFWD:

After many reincarnations TOFWD*the organic food & wine deli has grown into a successful business offering the best in organic produce into ready made food and café offerings in an environmental setting for all to enjoy.

The new store has ‘biopaint’ on it’s walls, the shelves are made from low emission plantation timber.

Sugar cane fibre packaging which breaks down in 6 weeks, is used for takeaway. Including certified organic Bioplates , paper straws, recycled paper bags.

Shopping bags made from non sweat shop, non child labour villages.

Coffee which is fair trade and is part of the rainforest alliance.

We use local growers and suppliers as wherever possible to avoid unnecessary food miles.

We cater to the following dietary requirements, wheat free WF, sugar free SF, dairy free DF, gluten free GF, vegan VG and vegetarian VEG.

You can visit them for takeaway meals, to order catering, or to pick up one of their organic gourmet hampers.

TOFWD
28 Degraves Street
Melbourne Vic 3000

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Organic Baby Food

July 6, 2010 by 1 Comment

If there’s one segment of the population that is sure to benefit from an organic diet, it’s babies. While you might not think that it would make much difference what a baby eats, there is plenty of research to support the idea that an organic diet for at least the first few years of a child’s life can decrease their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. This can reduce the risk of any possible health complications that might arise all the while fostering a healthy appetite for their vegetables and whole foods.

Why Are Babies At Risk?

Babies naturally only eat a limited number of foods at any given time. Also, the amount they eat in relation to their size means that they are going to be much more vulnerable to any lingering pesticides in their baby food than an adult might be by the same amount of pesticide on their food. Their brains are developing more rapidly than at any other period of life, which leaves them vulnerable to neurotoxins, hormones, and antibiotics that traditionally can be laced into most commercial baby food products. Match that with their still developing gastrointestinal tract that may not be able to process them all correctly and you have a nasty combination that means one thing: the more you can reduce their exposure, the better.

Potential Side Effects

If babies really are more vulnerable to adverse effects from pesticides and other additives in their food, then the side effects can be worrisome. In larger doses, pesticides have been linked with cancer, lung disease, and immune disorders. They also may have lingering effects and ties to behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. They can block the absorption of needed nutrients for growth and development. While the extent of these potential effects has yet to be proven, the ties are significant enough to worry plenty of conscientious parents out there.

Organic Baby Food

Commercially prepared organic baby foods are becoming more and more common as the demand for them increases. If they still don’t offer ingredients you’re comfortable with, try preparing your own baby food. It’s easy enough and just requires a little more time with a food processor than you might otherwise spend. 

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6 Foods You Should Always Buy Organic

June 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Even the most fanatical organic food specialist has to admit that switching over completely to organic food just might not be financially feasible for every Aussie. If you’re willing to make an effort, it can be confusing – where will your limited funds do the most good for the environment and for yourself? Well, here’s an easy list of six foods that should always be bought organic if you can manage it. What’s more, make sure it is ‘certified organic’ so you know you’re getting the real deal.

Chicken and Eggs

Although certified organic chicken is significantly more expensive than regular chicken, there are a lot of environmental and humanitarian bonuses to buying organic chicken. Organic chickens are free-range, offering a bit of peace of mind to the soft-hearted who can’t stand the idea of the birds in tiny little cages. What’s more, they are fed at least 95% organic feed and grazed on pastures that aren’t treated with harmful pesticides. No antibiotics means that when you eat chicken, all you’re getting is quality chicken. Eggs offer all of the same benefits and peace of mind.

Beef

A lot of Aussie beef is already free range, but organic beef is also fed with organic feed. Organic feed and grazing on pesticide free land is the way to go for a healthy animal and you won’t find toxic chemical residues in their milk either.

Apples

People swear by the taste of organic apples, stating that they’re more than worth the increased price. What’s more, apples often have the residue of synthetic chemicals on their skin, meaning that switching them in your diet can automatically decrease your exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.

Strawberries

A 2003 study called the Australian Total Diet Survey found that strawberries contained more synthetic chemical residue than any other fruit, having traceable amounts on at least two thirds of the fruit tested. A few studies even suggest that organic strawberries contain more antioxidants than their traditional counterparts.

Chocolate

While a lot of people wouldn’t think that going organic could be important when talking about junk food, the truth is that organic chocolate is simply better for you. Cheap choc bars often have trans fats that aren’t allowed in organic foods. With the number and kinds of additives limited in organic chocolate, you know you’re getting more actual chocolate for your money.

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5 Organic Grains to Add to Your Diet

May 19, 2010 by 3 Comments

In this day and age of low carb diets mixed with the bizarre bedfellow of convenient processed foods, whole grains have largely fallen by the wayside. Dismissed either as too high in carbohydrates or too much work to cook, these old staples are too often passed over for less healthy alternatives. If you’re serious about going green with your diet, adding these 5 whole grains back into your diet is a great way to really support the planet and your own health.

Brown and Wild Rice

Unlike white rice, organic brown rice is high in fibre and vitamin E. This means that not only will eating less of it fill you up faster, but that simply from eating it you’ll gain a boost in immunity and other essential systems in your body. Although it takes slightly longer to cook than white rice, it’s easy enough to switch in any basic recipe. Organic wild rice isn’t actually a grain at all, but rather the seed of an aquatic grass. It’s a bit higher in price than a lot of the other grains on this list, but it’s also idiot-proof, with a natural nutty flavor that’s hard to ruin. Low in calories and easy to cook, its an easy addition to any diet.

Barley

Barley has a great history of being useful, and has been used for centuries as a source of food, medicine, and even money. High in fibre, it helps keep you regular, which is something no one likes to talk about, but everyone appreciates. Organic barley has igh levels of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, protein, and loads of other vitamins and minerals make it a great option in any diet.

Oats

It’s important to note that we don’t mean those rolled kind that come in cardboard boxes. We also don’t mean the kind that are microwavable and come in prepackaged flavors. Real organic oats should be as whole as possible, because the more you break them down, the less nutrients you’re going to get out of them. Easy to make and tasty, these grains should be on everyone’s menu.

Spelt

Related to wheat, spelt is actually more nutritional than the average wheat you eat every day. High in protein and other minerals, it boosts energy. What’s more, oftentimes people with wheat allergies can eat spelt with no problem.

Quinoa

Actually a herb, organic quinoa is known to help with migraine pain and lessens the risk of heart disease. Being a protein rather than a carb means that it’s even fad-diet friendly.

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