Joburgers are beginning to support the rapidly emerging organic market, not only because it’s really fashionable right now, but also because of a growing awareness that organic food is healthier and better for the environment. Nearly a quarter of American shoppers now buy organic and one in three people choose to buy organic over ‘conventional’ produce in the UK.

Securing a regular and reliable supply of organic fresh produce can still be a challenge for restaurants and retailers in Johannesburg as there are just not enough local farmers to meet the demand. Developments like the Organic Freedom Project should go long way in increasing the supply to the market. Nonetheless, there are some excellent outlets from which to source organic goodies if you know where to look.

Where to shop organic
Major outlets like Woolworths and Pick ‘n Pay have both increased the number of stores with dedicated organic sections and, if you search amongst cleaning, baby and body products, some Pick ‘n Pay stores have organic alternatives sharing shelf space with conventional goods. Pick ‘n Pay stock Enchantrix, Wensleydale and Olli organic baby food. Woollies has an excellent organic food section, particularly in Greenside. Pity about all the packaging, though.

Fruits & Roots in Bryanston and Emmarentia offer a bevy of organic goods, both fresh and dry. They produce some organic goods under their label earth products and their health shops are a complete pleasure to visit! Their vegetarian restaurant in...