June 2009 Newsletter: Reasons to be Organic

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the June newsletter from OrganicFood.com.au - the organic home delivery specialists. We offer wonderful, fresh organic mixed boxes, as well as a huge range of groceries, all certified organic, and conveniently delivered to your door all over Sydney and Melbourne. Its good for you and the environment!

Reasons to be Organic

There are so many reasons to be organic, here are just a few sourced from the BFA (Biological Farmers Association, Australia's largest organic representative body).

• No synthetic chemicals: organic systems prohibit the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers
• Good for soil: organic farming utilises a modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science
• Good for animals: a greater emphasis is placed on animal welfare
• Good for the environment: organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources
• Good for people: a number of studies have shown organic fruit and veg contains more vitamins, nutrients and cancer fighting antioxidants than non-organic food
• It tastes good!: as reported by so many consumers

There are of course so many more reasons....you can read a great piece from the BFA which lists 20 reasons to be organic. For more info on organic, there is lots more info contained in our All About Organic section. 

Grocery Product of the Month

We have a fantastic new range of certified organic make up products from Suvana: all natural and wonderful! Three great lipgloss colours, mascara and a fantastic paw paw and honey lip balm for winter.               

You can check out our full range of beauty products, also including shampoo, conditioner and soaps. '

Recipe of the Month

Again brought to you by Georgina, our customer from the northern beaches, and talented chef from her great cooking school Simply Sumptuous Foods. Mention this newsletter when you register for a cooking class and Georgina will give you 10% off the cost of your class!

Roasted Ratatouille

Serves 4. Ingredients

• 1 eggplant
• 4 zucchini
• 2 onions roughly chopped
• 1/2 red capsicum, de-seeded and diced into
• 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 yellow capsicum, de-seeded and diced into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 green capsicum, de-seeded and diced into 1 inch pieces
• 4 tomatoes
• 400gtinned tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Chop the eggplant and zucchini into 1 inch dice. Place in a colander and mix in a dessert spoon of salt. Cover with a plate and weigh it down, leave for an hour so the bitter juices can drain out.   Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  

Cut a cross in the top and bottom of the tomatoes, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 1 minute then drain with cold water. Remove the tomatoes and peel off the skin.  Chop each tomato into quarters.  

In a large bowl, mix the onion, eggplant, capsicum, zucchini and tomatoes together with 1 tbspn of oil. Pour out onto a baking tray making sure the vegetables are on a single layer. Place in oven for 20 mins or until brown.  

Heat some oil in a large saucepan and gently fry the garlic for one minute. Add the roasted vegetables, tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, 1/4 pint water, chilli flakes, sugar, basil, oregano and combine. Cover and cook on a medium heat for 20 mins or until sauce has thickened and vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally. Season to taste, and serve on its own, or with organic rice.     

Any Questions On Home Delivery Organic Food?

Simply call 9967-9967 (Syd) or 9818-8606 (Mel), or email Leonie@OrganicFood.com.au.  We are here to help!

Thanks for your interest in sustainable agriculture, organic farmers and the environment.  

Adam, Leonie and the Team at OrganicFood.com.au