In the second part in our short series on organic produce, MARIA SOCRATOUS tracks down what is available on the local market
ORGANIC double chocolate is a full, rich and luxurious instant hot chocolate drink that is not only low fat drink but is produced without exploiting either people or the planet. It also echoes the feelings of most people who buy organic produce. “Organic products ensure growing methods are combined with good standards of social and economic welfare. It also ensures the protection of the land, the people that live and work on it and the wildlife, sustaining a balanced fertile environment,” said Phivos Panayi, bust on his weekly organic shop.
But why do local consumers buy organic products? One reason that was oft repeated to me was for health reasons in light of highly publicised food scares. In the local market, as in others, there is a general perception that organic food is safe, natural and tastes a lot more like it used to when we were children. Another factor is the public perception that organic food is both environmentally and animal friendly – most of the organic buyers are vegetarians – and does not interfere with genetics.
“I care for my family’s welfare. Especially for my young children, I try to balance their diet with fresh organic fruit and vegetables and control the intake of substances that are harmful to their health,” another shopper said. “Where possible, I try to achieve a balance. It’s very hard to stop children from eating what their peers eat.”
At the moment the supply of organic perishable produce does not meet the demand. As Andreas Selearis, Agricultural Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture said: “The Cyprus market needs more organic farms in order to meet the demands of the consumers. The demand for such products is rising rapidly. Perhaps this is the right time for conventional farmers to consider converting as the prospects of organic farming are very positive”.
Panayiota Papalouka is a nutritionist and a naturopath and runs Egeas Edesma Health Food Centre in Nicosia. “We bake our own bread and pies on the premises and every Saturday our customers can sample a different bake for free,” she said. “Today we have a cheese pie that is made with organic wheat flour and oil for the pastry. For the filling we have used goat cheese that is made on the premises from free-range goats. As for bread, we bake different types daily. We use organic rye, wheat and wholemeal flour, with or without pumpkin and sunflower nuts. Soon freshly cooked food for take away will in operation for the public.”
Free-range eggs and other dairy products made out of goat’s milk, like feta cheese and yoghurt are also on offer. “Typically, hens kept in battery cages stand on wire floors and cannot move about freely, stretch or flap their wings properly never mind nesting, perching, scratching or foraging”.
Another shop selling organic products is An Apple a Day, in Nicosia and Limassol. Costas Katsellis is the owner and runs the Limassol branch. “We decided to open a shop selling organic and animal/environmentally friendly products after coming to the conclusion that consumers were entitled to a better alternative.” His company imports organic food from Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands and sells everything from non-chemical household detergents, fluoride free toothpastes and non-bleached recycled toilet paper to books on healthy living and vegetarian cookery. All types of flour, unrefined sugars, pasta, nuts and dried fruit, pulses, breakfast cereals, local and imported wine and olive oil are also available.
“At least twice a week we have fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries from certified organic farmers. As soon as the produce is delivered it vanishes. Regular customers have a standing order each week and as soon as the farmers bring in their crops they are as good as sold”. A big selection of sweets and snacks are available as a healthy alternative to those found in the supermarket.
A monthly newsletter on all things organic is produced by An Apple a Day, with articles ranging from recipes to environmental issues.
Physis has branches in all towns. It provides fresh produce, dry fruit and nuts, herbs and food supplements. A large selection of teas on display aim to calm, offer a good night’s sleep or even promise to keep you forever young! Some of their products, such as the carob jam, olive oil and wine, come from local producers while other are imported from Germany, Greece or even Australia. Like the other two stores featured they also sell a number of household non-chemical cleaners and a variety of locally produced fresh vegetables and fruit.
When visiting an organic shop make sure it is clear from which approved organic farmer you are buying vegetables. All shops must display on their walls the names of the certified organic farmers they deal with if goods are not packaged and labelled with the “Lacom” sign of organic approval.
Prices are higher than in the local supermarket so for now organic produce is considered by many to be something of a luxury. However, over the fullness of time and continued education on bad environmental practices it may become more mainstream.
