Introduction to Organic Food

Aude Richard
Owner and Manager of Biodelices in Embrun, France

In Lebanon, the number of people buying organic food is steadily growing. However, many Lebanese are still not familiar with what is organic food. I remember an interview I did in the mid-2000s in France. At the time, organic food stores were starting to blossom throughout the country. The comments and advises I got from Aude Richard, who has been running an organic food store in the French Alps since 2002, could apply to today’s situation in Lebanon.

Aude and her life partner opened ‘un magasin bio’ in the early 2000 in the city of Embrun in the Alps. Audes notes that from the beginning the essential of her work was to advise her clients on proper nutrition and the use of supplements when needed. “Some people know exactly what they want, but most new customers would like to eat organic food for their health, but they are not sure where to start” Aude adds that “I also often see young mothers who want to provide the best food for their baby. Our role is to explain why it is beneficial to eat organic food (untreated and grown on clean soil): To have a healthy body, but also to limit the damages from pollution and chemicals found in most industrial foods.”

I asked Aude what are the basics of organic food? She advises 5 products for people who want to start eating organic.

- Unrefined sugar cane, which is rich in vitamins and minerals. White refined sugar should be avoided because it has been linked to obesity and onset of diabetes type II. Note that what is referred to ‘brown sugar’ is usually white sugar with molasses added to it; to be avoided as well.

- Bread, made out of whole grain (or half-whole-bread to gradually get used to it). There are many types of breads other than the regular white wheat bread: oat bread (you may want to read 4 good reasons to eat Oat Bread), flax bread, sunflower bread…all offering a healthier alternative to white bread.

- Oils, extra-virgin, cold pressed. Only olive oil can serve for cooking. The others (colza, hempseed, flax) should be used as seasoning on crudité or on fish filet.

- Vegetables and fruits are the foundation of organic consumption. They are healthier (richer in Vitamins and minerals) and so much more savory and tasty!

Are you considering organic food? Are you already a regular consumer or are you an occasional one? Share your experience!

Interview published in Vi-be Mai-Juin 2006.

Posted in: Nutrition,Organic products