December'gram

Aneka

Alex

Heaven on Gaia

Folie Douce

ekfairy

eatfitfood

Michael Joubert talks Super Organic Supplements

Can you give us a little bit of background as to the origins of Super Organic Supplements and how it came to play such a pivotal role in your lives

As a natural health practitioner every time I recommended a client take a supplement, invariably they would buy something I was not happy with them taking.

This led to me to doing a huge amount of research and then creating relationships with organic manufacturers.  For 10 years I sourced my clients fantastic products that really worked and even though I wasn't seeing people as clients anymore, they were still ordering product from me and many had put their friends and family on to me.  So I decided to create a business selling organic supplements online to cater for the ever growing list of customers I had.

For those who may not completely understand the concept of "supplements", can you briefly outline what they are and why organic supplements contribute to our overall wellbeing in a far more positive way than, say, the standard off the shelf kind

To supplement basically means to take extra nutrients (vitamins and minerals) that you are not getting from your diet.  In our busy world where a lot of what we eat is not really food because of the processing and chemicals, it is important to supplement for health.

Now this would not be the case if we were eating fresh organic food all the time rather than processed junk and we weren't depleting the soil of nutrients, polluting the oceans, spraying our food with toxic chemicals, injecting our animals with antibiotics and hormones and consuming massive amounts of sugar and toxic vegetable oils.

Because of the toxic load we are faced with from man-made pollutants and from our commercially farmed and processed food, supplementing has gone from just getting extra nutrients that are missing from our diets, to now getting very specific nutrients that help our bodies to deal with toxicity and help us fight diseases.

Many of these highly specific nutrients have only just been discovered.  Most of them come from plants and fruits in remote corners of the planet and are not accessible to us as food.  That is why they are made into supplements.

The difference between the off the shelf and organic is that most off the shelf products are pharmaceutically manufactured.  If you are taking something from nature, because it has been researched to improve your health, it makes no sense to take something that has been synthesised in a laboratory, trying to replicate what nature has created all for the sake of making it cheaper.

You might as well then say that processed chemically made food is as good for you as fresh organic food.

You have a holistic approach, where your range includes products for mind, body and spirit.  Was this a deliberate choice when you first started or was it evolutionary (ie. as your knowledge and awareness grew, thus your need to provide specific supplements also grew)

It was totally deliberate.  As a holistic therapist, everything is about the mind, body and spirit.  You can't have total health by just concentrating on one part.  Even though the business is called Super Organic Supplements, we stock a range of products that are designed to help people remove toxicity from all aspects of their lives.

Stock a range of products including organic supplements, super foods, organic foods and oils, organic skin and hair care products, water and air purifiers and wellness devices such as cold pressed juicers.

What is it about market life that makes it tangible for you both as a business and personally

As an online shop, you don't get to have that personal interaction with people.  Being at the markets allows us to talk to our customers and guide them into making the correct decision for their health.  It allows us to create relationships with our customers which I feel is really important when it comes to the quality products we sell.

What has been one of the highlights of market life for you so far

There are way too many to choose just one.  With the kind of market stall we have, people really divulge their health problems to us.  So when they come back to you overjoyed that they have been able to stop taking (prescriptive) medications that they have been on for a very long time or that a chronic condition has stopped, that really makes it worthwhile.

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And trust us, these guys are not only some of the nicest people you could find, but their genuine interest and care, where no question is too big or too small, makes them super easy to talk to and able to show an organic alternative can work.

Muchos

Nolita

latteria espresso

Benji

Tiffany

Ilona

Eat Me Chutneys

What's the story behind the delicious Eat Me Chutneys

Eat Me Chutneys is a mother (Jaya The Amazing Chutney Queen) and son (Ankit The Annoying French Trained Chef) team.

Jaya: enjoying meals with family and friends, sitting around the table, discussing food and exchanging recipes has been followed through generations in our family - jazzing up the meal with chutneys and pickles just made the whole environment is so exciting - the sounds of Ooh, Ahh, Yumm! just used to fill the air.

Ankit: so one night we suggested that Mum should share her phenomenal recipes with the Sydney community and start at a farmers market and I could throw my French training to it. And so the socially good jars were born embodied by the thought of doing well for the community, supporting local farmers and of course sharing some lip smacking chutneys and pickles along the way.

Jaya:  preservation has been the essence of lour life - grandmothers used to plan, all the kids helped in cleaning and preparing vegetables, mums and aunties helping in sterilising and the cooking process.  Grandmas keeping a close eye - no one was allowed to touch their hair or face or scratch their noses.  It was a very clean process.  

These were the pleasures of living in an extended family: we ate together, played together, cleaned together, preserved together and laughed together.  Preservation is the key to bringing families and communities together.  It brings out the sharing, caring and social abilities in people.  This is what I saw growing up in my extended family.

Ankit: ah the name....well whenever I open the fridge and see a jar of tamarind chutney, the jar literally stares back at me and yells out "don't just stare at me...Eat Me".

Your range is incredibly with literally one to suit every taste (and even the non-chutney'ers now being converts!) with the most amazing achievement being the first Certified Fair Trade Chutneys to be had in Australia & New Zealand.  Having this mantle must not only be incredibly satisfying but the ultimate positive reinforcement that you have a good product!  How did this come about

Jaya: the story continues....we were born out of the that we want to be socially good jars first and business second.  As children living in an extended family we saw our parents and grandparents supporting our less fortunate relatives and paying fees for children in our neighbourhood.  We grew up with very strong morals, empathy and giving and helping others was instilled in us right from a very young age and so couldn't view the world any differently.

Ankit: using Fair Trade ingredients just seemed right as we support and communicate directly with the farmers/cooperatives.  Our chutneys are the first and only Fair Trade certified chutneys across Australia and New Zealand.

Jaya: understanding the ethos and workings of Fair Trade, understanding the Fair Trade supply chain, the right suppliers, ensuring a proper audit mechanism is in place, made the process challenging but the Fair Trade team were ever so helpful. However, knowing our decision would eventually help a farmer across the world made it all the more rewarding.  Sure, the costs go up, but the joy of supporting someone out there, who really deserves it, is extremely satisfying.

The Fair Trade logo will shine on our jars very soon!

Your start at Frenchs Forest Market was spectacular and seems to be going from strength to strength.  What is is about market life that keeps it tangible for you

Jaya: preservation and living in tribes evokes deep rooted, almost primeval feelings of self-sufficiency and survival, of gatherer and hunter, of community and societal bond, for this is how our ancestors stayed alive.

I've only ever taught primary school children all my life.  The thought of running a business was daunting enough but being in the public eye was just a crazy thought at first.  But right from our very first market, the amazing feeling of family has made us feel so welcome.

We've made great friends with our customers and other stallies with whom we barter our jars for food.  The great feedback from people at Frenchs Forest has given us such an incentive that now our profile includes a range of unique pickles and chutneys.  

And we will soon be introducing two Christmas chutneys!!! YAY!!!

Do you have a personal favourite amongst your chutneys and why

Jaya:  oh gosh...where do I start!  My personal favourite is the tamarind and fig as it brings back the happy old memories of fun times, eating together as a big family. Move aside honey soy chicken wings and welcome tamarind chicken wings - perfect for a quick BBQ meal to feed 3 boys in the family.  

And to look at (of course it tastes amazing too..especially with a bowl of vanilla ice cream) is rhubarb and ginger.

Its amazing rich colour just brightens my day and is a mighty fine and funky addition to toasted granola, yoghurt and fresh fruit.  But my new favourite could just become the Christmas chutney....it's coming sooon!

Ankit: my absolute personal favourite is eggplant pickle - works a treat on anything. No lunch in the fridge?  No worries!  I just boil some rice and mix in the eggplant pickle.  Done!  Bread, ham slices, eggplant pickle and happy me!

As a stallie, what is it about markets like Frenchs Forest, that form an important part of the local foodie community

Jaya: the farmers market is just a fantastic concept.  It's like running a big social enterprise where everyone involved is benefiting from it.  The farmers are able to get the right price for their hard work and the consumers are happy to get organic and other fresh produce.  There is a lot of honest and good sharing of information by the stallies on how they source their ingredients, where their farms are, their secret recipes, but above all a lot of appreciation and respect for what each one is doing.

Ankit: and Mum has made very good friends with Peter & Stephanie, a lovely couple who live down the road from the markets.  They enjoy pickling too and are always giving us samples of their experiments, advising us on different flavour combinations and sharing their recipes.

Jaya:  there is so much to learn at these markets, especially different ranges of foods which may not be generally available outside (a market environment).  You can hear a lot of talk about healthy eating, cooking ideas, recycling, food wastage - so much to learn.

It's very encouraging to see more and more people becoming part of the foodie community at the markets.

Go Team Markets!

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Insightful and enlightening and with interviews like this, we love learning just that little bit more about our stallies.

Massive thank you to Jaya & Ankit for letting us share just a little bit of their chutney world and if you're a fan as we are, we are SO looking forward to seeing these mysterious Christmas chutneys!

Can you believe it??? It's THAT time again!

Simon

aimee

Bangalow Cheese

Eri

Bec

Balles Bazaar

Audrey talks Gourmandise de Paris

From ham & cheese crêpes or galette to mouth watering quiches, Gourmandise de Paris now has an almost ritualistic following where it's a Sunday "must have". How satisfying is this for you

I am absolutely thrilled with it.  To start with it wasn't easy but as people got to know us and us working incredibly hard at providing good products, we are really proud of what we have achieved since starting.

How long does it take to set up stall each market

All up it takes about an hour

With samples, come smiles and with smiles which in turn results in purchases...as a chef how does that make you feel

Everyone who tastes our products really enjoy them. We've had people tell us that they love it and want to know more about how we make them and are above surprised when they learn that I am the chef!

You have created little corner of Paris that seems to draw people in.  Was this deliberately planned or did it come from observing customers seeking somewhere to sit and truly enjoy your French culinary creations

It just simply seemed to "fit" with what we were wanting to do.  Because some of our food is not take away, and needs plates and cutlery, it seemed a shame to not have a nice place to sit, chill, enjoy and eat.

For anyone who has NOT yet found Frenchs Forest Market, how would you sum up the fabulousness of it to them

Frenchs Forest Market has a lot to offer from things for the kids to do (jumping castles, dancing to the music, trying new foods), really nice fresh fruit and vegetable, cheeses and of course some FABULOUS French food.  For me it's interesting, it's friendly and it's relaxing.

To anyone who hasn't been yet, I would absolutely recommend that they come, have a look and enjoy it!

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We thank Audrey and her amazing team giving us a little French Quarter every Sunday and if you haven't found them yet the clue is in the "Quarter".  

So find them, take a load off, eat some sensationally amazing French cuisine and simply enjoy "being".

We looooove it!

twysden

Eri

studio2103

ekfairy

bec

5 Questions with LIzzee and One Tiny Bite

When did you first discover and became art of the now infamous Sunday experience aka Frenchs Forest Markets

I discovered Frenchs Forest Markets late September this year.  Being the middle of Spring, the weather was perfect, also the seasonal fruit & veg were bright and delicious!  I love the energy - it was really buzzing!

Someone was collecting signatures for a petition.  Someone else was playing music. Children were everywhere, sampling fresh produce, talking to farmers.  Friends and acquaintances stop to chat.  It was a very wonderful experience.

Can you tell us a little bit about One Tiny Bite Soldiers and how you first became involved with it

One Tiny Bit is a team of "Soldiers" who report on the latest health news from Australia and around the world, as well as tips and information to help you improve your health and wellbeing.

It was founded and created by Lisa Brown, Author of "One Tiny Bite At A Time".  Lisa is an amazing, inspirational lady who shares her story on dealing with Multiple Sclerosis in her pursuit for a fabulous life.  One Tiny Bite is actively involved in raising awareness about the disease and stem cell therapy.  We have a tremendous enthusiasm about the potential stem cell therapy which Lisa received in Panama City twice.

I accompanied Lisa on her second trip to Panama City recently, not only as her support for stem cell therapy but also as One Tiny Bite's "On Tour" Reporter.  I was responsible for recording, documenting and blogging events with a strong focus on building community support and sharing the experience to achieve a loyal and dedicated following.  I now continue to work as a One Tiny Bite Soldier.

Lizzee & Lisa downing a Big Green Monster at Frenchs Forest Market

(please feel free to check out our "being well, hug and tell website "here" or via our facebook page "here")

Do you have a fave stallie and if so, who and why

My fave stallie is Ready 2 Plant Organics.  They have an amazing range of organic fruit & veg, smoothies, herbs and more!

read our interview with Bec and Ready 2 Plant Organics "here"

I had their famous "Big Green Monster" green smoothie, which is dairy and gluten free as well as 100% organic....it's delicious!

What is one of your all time recipes made using produce bought at market

I have access to many fantastic, healthy recipes through my job with One Tiny Bite. Lisa is a fabulous cook and I upload her recipes to our website weekly.  I like the recipe below because it's easy, super healthy, uses only organic ingredients from the markets, and it also incorporates my love for juicing!

I'm a big juicing fan because it's enormously beneficial for your health.  It supercharges your nutrient intake by providing your body with pure micro nutrients, vitamins and enzymes - with none of the bad stuff that constitutes processed food.

By putting the most nutritious fuel into your system as possible, you can kick start your metabolism and give your body a break form all the strange chemicals you've been challenging it to process until now.

Juice Recipe: Magic Green Potion

• 2 bunches of kale
• 1/2 bunch of celery
• 1 bunch silver beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 apple

But wait.....have a look at what can happen next!  All the leftover pulp that usually serves no purpose can be put in a freezer bag, then make the decision to add a little bit of it in everything you cook.  It is still rich in fibre and magic stuff after it's been juiced.

Recipe: Organic Chicken Superfood Balls

In a bowl add:

• 500 organic chicken (minced)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of nuts (cashews, walnuts, macadamia)
• 100g (1/2 a box) Amaranth seed
• 1 mashed avocado
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• season with chilli flakes, tumeric powder and salt
• Add 1 cup of the "magic green potion" pulp

Method:

• Roll the balls and gently fry in coconut oil in a fry pan
• Move them around a little so they don't stick
• Serve with salad or vegetables

From your stance, what is important about shopping at markets like ours and how do they form an integral part of the community

Markets like Frenchs Forest not only offer consumers the opportunity to eat fresh, locally grown food, they also provide the opportunity for the producers and consumers to get to know each other on a personal level.

There's a lot more going on in them than the exchange of money for food.  One sociologist calculated that people have 10 times as many conversations at the markets than they do in the supermarket.

Socially as well as sensually, the markets offer a remarkably rich and appealing environment.  Someone buying food may be acting not just as a consumer but also as a neighbour, a citizen, a parent, a cook.  In many cities and towns markets have taken on the function of a lively new public square.

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And this is exactly why we love doing interviews with people like Lizzee.  Educational, insightful, inspiring are a only few adjectives that spring to mind when reading.

We thank Lizzee for being a One Tiny Bite Soldier and for taking part in our blog.  We love Lisa for sharing her world via her website (remember you can see and read more "here") and hopefully triggering something in all of us to not only follow her on her quest for goodness but most importantly making a conscious choice of making organic not merely a weekly shopping event but incorporating it in to your everyday life.

Shouting out

daniel

bradley

Lizee

ekfairy

@springfever

aimee

Belinda and Olive Tree Providores

What initially drew you in to the world that is now known as Olive Tree Providores

I decided my passion for food and healthy lifestyle could also be a business that supported local farmers.

Olive oil also has amazing health benefits and Australia produces some of the world's best, so Olive Oil Providores was born out of a love of local food and a boredom with the conventional corporate business principles.

Why markets?

Because they are the best place to meet our customers and build a relationship with them.  I also detest the major supermarket manipulation of local farmers and growers, so I was keen to support an alternate place for growers to sell and market their produce.

Obviously market shoppers attend for varying reasons including promoting the Buy Australian mantra.  What other ways do you think this message can be given either overtly or by other means

We should encourage our friends and family to shop from sustainable and environmentally sound sources.  Big corporate supermarkets are none of those.  We simply have to encourage everyone we (personally) know to shop locally for fresh healthy food and by doing that we automatically help farmers build and maintain a sustainable business.

The more we enthuse the principle, the more it will happen and the more we protect our environment.

Do you have any new additions on the horizon that we can look forward to

Yes, we are about to launch a whole new range which we are very excited about which should be ready by Christmas.  The new range takes the "shop local" to an  entirely new level......so stay tuned!!!!

it ain't new but it's so yummy we simply could not NOT include it

What 5 words would you use to encourage conversion to not only organic but more importantly to buy Australian

Future proofing a sustainable future for all  (a little more than 5 words) plus it's a fantastic place to meet really friendly people!

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And on that note we thank Belinda, not only for having an amazing range of oils, soaps and dukka each week at market, but more importantly her determination to encourage everyone (and by that we mean everyone!) to shop and buy local