There are many reasons why people choose to eat organic foods. Most people like to know that what they are putting in their bodies is pure and chemical-free, whilst others may do it for medical reasons - to eliminate chemicals that may be playing havoc with their immune or digestive systems. For many, they realise the benefits of eating organic, however they may also just prefer their food to taste like it is meant to - naturally. Here in Canberra, there is a wide range of organic outlets to buy your fruit, vegetables, weekly shopping, snacks, meat, eggs and even a sneaky coffee and cake fix! Let's go shopping!
Shop for organic produce at Organic Energy, Griffith. Image: Organic Energy Facebook
is a fruit and vegetable store in Griffith that only sells the freshest, certified organic produce from Young and around the region. They also sell a range of raw treats to take home and offer fresh produce boxes to deliver to your home. See
here for details.
Choku Bai Jo is a fresh fruit and vegetable store in Lyneham and Curtin, which sells local produce from local farms - including a wide variety of organic produce. Look for the green signs in the store which indicate they are organically-grown. See
here for details.
The Food Co Op in the CBD sells local, organic, sustainable, Fair Trade and ethical fruit and vegetables and a wide range of bulk products. On the other side of the store is a popular
café, which uses fresh, vegan produce from the store and offers delicious, organic coffee. See
here for details.
Organic and bulk produce at the Food Co Op
sells one type of organic bread - Organic Spelt Sourdough - from their popular bakery and
café at Majura Park. You can also buy it from
As Nature Intended, below. See
here for details.
As Nature Intended is an organic health food store at the
Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, which sells fresh produce and a wide range of health items. Whilst there, why not have a bite to eat in their café and enjoy their healthy range. See
here for details.
Bulk Health Food Stores are located all around the city, with organic dried fruits, cooking ingredients and snacks sold by the gram - so you can buy as much or as little as you like. Wander the aisles and pick what you like, with each tub clearly marked if they are certified organic. Two of the most popular include
Naked Foods and
The Source. See
here for a full listing.
* Also see Market Health Foods in Fyshwick and Go Vita Woden.
Go shopping and stop for lunch at As Nature Intended, Belconnen Fresh Food Markets
Select from a wide range of organic bulk products at Naked Foods, Braddon
There are three main markets where you will find organic produce around the region -
Capital Region Farmers Market (Mitchell),
Southside Farmers Market (Woden) and the
Southern Harvest Market (Bungendore and Queanbeyan in NSW). These local organic farms, below, sell at one, two or
all of them, so check their websites and Facebook to see where they are setting up their stalls this week.
Windellama Organics is located 1.5 hours north of Canberra and they sell certified organic fruit, vegetables, herbs, jams, tea and flowers at the Capital Region Farmers Market and Southern Harvest Farmers Markets in Queanbeyan. See
here for details.
Greenhill Farm is located near Bungendore and they sell quality certified organic, grass-fed angus beef meat, as well as organic vegetables and seedlings at the Capital Region Farmers Market, Southern Harvest Market and Southside Markets. This farm is
biodynamic, which means it is organic and also uses methods of farming the way nature intended. See their
website and
Facebook for updates of where they will be this week.
You can't beat this for colour! Image: Original photos from Greenhill Farm Facebook
is a holistically-managed farm located at Mulloon, between Bungendore and Braidwood. Their produce includes organic herbs, vegetables, fruit, nuts, eggs and meat. You can find them at the Southside Farmers Market, Southern Harvest Farmers Market and on their farm - by appointment only. See
here for details.
Mulloon Creek Natural Farms is located in the same region as Caroola Farm, above, and they farm organic, free-range chickens to produce delicious, organic eggs. This interesting farm has two Maremma dogs looking after the chickens, to enable them to be completely free-range and protect them from foxes. This farm doesn't sell at the markets, however there are 10 stockists for their eggs here in Canberra. See
here for details.
Image: Mulloon Creek Natural Farms website
in Braddon is a popular organic, vegan and cruelty-free café, with an array of beautifully-cooked meals on their menu and delicious
cakes in their display cabinet. They only use the finest organic ingredients, which makes everything they make full of intense flavours. See
here for details.
The Organic Bean is a small café, tucked away at the back of the
Kingston Foreshore. It specialises in selling organic produce, organic coffee and gluten-free snacks, which are made in-house using organic ingredients. Also stop for a delicious coffee and waffles, made from organic ingredients. See
here for menu.
Mountain Creek Wholefoods is a health food store located in Griffith and at the back of the store is the
Organic Kitchen, which offers organic juices, smoothies, soft-serve yoghurt, salads, wraps and sandwiches to enjoy outside on a bench under the trees. See
here for details.
When you buy organic produce, it may cost a little more than the supermarket, however you can really taste the difference. The natural flavours are robust, the colours are more intense and the knowledge of where your food comes from, seems to make everything taste even sweeter. Why don't you check it out this weekend and see if you can taste the difference?
It's worth the effort - your body will thank you!
Healthy, organic takeaway food Organic Kitchen, Mountain Creek Wholefoods
