There’s something to be said for organic and/or fair-trade products. No I was not part of the generation that created the Hippie movement. I don’t practice yoga (I tried but I was bored. Boxing is more my style) nor do I wear hemp clothes. I do however own 2 pairs of Birkenstocks, does that count? I am deeply concerned about the environment. I do recycle, ‘though I don’t compost as it’s tricky to do so in an apartment. I am quite water conscientious, love the idea of a green, environmentally friendly home that’s off the grid, believe that more money and research should be put into electric cars (if only to make them look better) and solar energy and wind power are fine by me. I was even on the environment committee at work and at Anna’s Indulgence, we sold fair-trade coffee (which was delicious and I miss it greatly. Shout out to Green Bean Coffee Imports!) But with all that being said, I don’t normally buy organic because frankly, it can be expensive. However I am starting to dip my toe so-to-speak into the organic waters.

I guess we need to define what organic food is and what fair trade means and what is single origin chocolate anyways? According to Soil Association; the “…definition of organic food is food which is produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods on organic farms” At the website for World Fair Trade Organization, they have posted the latest definition of Fair trade; “The currently accepted definition of Fair Trade is as follows: “Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers. Fair Trade products are produced and traded in accordance with these principles.” Single origin chocolate as defined by Chocolate Trading Co states that “Single origin chocolate is so called because the cocoa beans used to create it are taken from a single source/origin, in some instances a single estate or plantation but in most instances a single country.” So there you have it. Some of the buzz words to be looking for are “sustainable”, “environmentally friendly”, “renewable”, “certified organic”, and “ocean wise” All very good things.

I recently visited an all-organic fair trade market and I honestly did not know where to look first. It’s sensory overload yet intriguing all at once. Not quite like Vegas or anything but definitely a form of overwhelm. If you are not familiar with organic markets and organic products, all the packaging is new to you and unfamiliar. The colours of the displays run from calm and soothing to vibrant and colourful. There is more of a concentrated effort on the products labeling. Consumers who shop organic tend to pay more attention to the labels. They want to be informed on what’s in the product, where it comes from and how it’s made. Most of all, the labels better be listed with few ingredients, or even better if all the ingredients are organic and fair trade. At the market, you will find everything from coconut oil, laundry detergent to tree bark. I never knew I needed tree bark, but it’s for sale (organic and sustainable of course) Ok, I’m being a little sarcastic, but on an educational front, cinnamon sticks are a form of tree bark.

The organic movement has been around for a long time but not always mainstream. People who choose to buy organic do so out of a personal and ethical choice, whether its due to their diet or the desire for healthier living. More people are getting sick both physically and mentally due to over-produced and genetically modified foods and are starting to rebel and demand better in which to consume. At one time, food allergies were pretty much unheard of. Now it’s so common that to not have a food allergy seems almost bizarre. Why do you suppose food allergies have become so prevalent? Is it all in people’s minds or is it related to how food is grown and treated with possible additives and/or preservatives? As a side note, have you ever eaten a Twinkie? There is a reason why its shelf life is like a thousand years.

I don’t believe organic is a fad or a trend. It’s certainly here to stay and will get bigger as time passes. Yes, you will always have the people who buy into this because its the “in” thing, a status symbol. And you will always have the naysayers “Organic!? I’m not paying that! Doesn’t taste any different. A load of crap!” Whatever. To the chef, its yet another way to flex our culinary muscle. Something to get excited about and to be inspired by. Maybe if the local coffee shop (you know who I am referring too) started using organic and fair trade coffee beans, the masses would be finally convinced. Fast food joints, take note!

I’m coming around to organic more and more. I was never against it but like most people, I didn’t know much about it. Although the amount of organic products available are increasing every year, there’s still a lot that isn’t. There’s also a lot of people who like the idea of organic but it’s either not readily available in their area or if you have a lean food budget, organic is not feasible. Some would argue that making healthy meals with organic doesn’t have to be expensive and I would agree to a point. But it does take the savvy shopper to figure that one out.

I consider myself very lucky that if I choose organic, its because I want to, not because of the force of dietary restrictions like so many others. I can pretty much eat anything. That may change as I get older but for the moment, I’m going to enjoy it. So I have a lot more freedom to flit about, sampling, experimenting and over all taking the time to try things out and deciding if I like the product and if I buy into the whole idea of organic food.

The shoppers at the market did not give off an air of snottiness and I found the staff very friendly and helpful. Very unlike the lady at the cupcake store I visited right before. (Everyone knows cupcakes are on the way down. Ohh, did I touch a nerve?) At the end of my trip to the organic market, I did make a purchase. Maybe it was too easy of a purchase, but I bought 2 organic fair trade chocolate bars with a cocoa content of around 70%. I know, I kinda played it safe. But hey, baby steps.