Buying organic always seemed like something of a luxury. As a student I’d tell myself that it wasn’t something I could justify, and even as a young professional trying to juggle savings and regular expenditure, it wasn’t something that rose up the priority list. For me, the tipping point came in 2012, soon after I’d moved to Bengaluru.
It might sound like something of a cliché, but it came watching a Satyamev Jayate episode that focussed on toxic food. The statistics were scary enough, but what really stayed with me were the interviews with commercial farmers, who shared that they kept separate plots of land where they grew food for their family’s consumption, free from pesticides. If those who use and know most about the effects of pesticides are not prepared to eat food that contains them, then surely the rest of us should be wary.
Since then, for me at least, the proof has been in the pudding. All of our fresh produce now comes from organic sources, and not only does it taste better and change with the seasons, but we know that we’re making a decision that benefits our heath, benefits farmers and ultimately also benefits the environment. With convenience (apart from price) being one of the most cited reasons for not going organic, here are a few of our favourite city options.
Healthy Buddha
Discovering this start-up six months back has revolutionised the way that we shop. If you live in or around Whitefield or Indiranagar then they will deliver fruit and veggies and staples to your door, with no delivery charge. If you live anywhere else in the city, then you can get the cupboard staples (pulses, flour, bread, pasta and baby food, among other things), but not the fresh produce. 80 per cent of your shopping is covered by their range, and they also have a very convenient ‘essentials’ basket (which has all of the vegetables and fruits a small family would use in a week) for just `385. Most importantly, their service is excellent, with courteous and helpful delivery staff who consistently arrive on time. Get more info on www.healthybuddha.in
Rasa
If a meal out is what you’re looking for, then Rasa on CMH road is a place to try. We’ve found lots of interesting organic/health food restaurants, but what we love best about this place is the fact that you can enjoy your pesticide-free food with a glass of wine (or two). It’s wonderful to see everything that you order, being prepared in a completely open kitchen, and we’d recommend the set lunch (which varies seasonally) to give you a taster of several of the items on the menu. Take a look at www.rasaindia.com
Taantraa Organic Handbaking
Going green doesn’t mean giving up sweet treats. Run by Chaitali Taantraa and based out of Domlur, you can order birthday cakes, muffins and other delicious organic bakes that are maida, sugar and gluten-free as well as eggless to boot. Reading what’s not in these desserts might make you fear that flavour might also be out of the window, but we can vouch for the fact that everything tastes deliciously sinful, even though it’s actually guilt-free. See www.taantraa.com
Akshayakalpa
For fresh and desi cow’s milk that is 100 per cent organic, Akshayakalpa is a great option. Akshayakalpa works with farmers to help develop their livelihoods, and also provides jobs for rural youth. Apart from milk, they have a range of milk-based products, including delicious mithai. While they don’t deliver to every area of the city, if you phone their customer services number then they’re flexible about negotiating delivery points, and will send someone to your home to discuss your options. The price for one litre of milk starts from `50 upwards. Details: www.akshayakalpa.org
Soul Bakers
Bread is another staple, and after much experimentation, we’ve found Soul Bakers to be the best option. Their loaves come sliced, are also not too heavy and are available in a number of interesting varieties – our vote goes to the palak bread, but you can also try the carrot or wheatgrass variants. Apart from bread, the brand makes a range of other baked goods like pizza, muffins and cookies. You’ll find the products at stores all over the city, including Fresh Earth on CMH Road, and several branches of Namdhari Fresh, with a full list available on the website. See www.soulbakers.wordpress.com for more details.