Neat Places: Top spots in Christchurch to enjoy organic produce
Friday, 6 April 2018
April 9-15 is Organic Week in New Zealand, a time to give an extra big thumbs up to all of that chemical-free goodness that we produce on a daily basis here in the land of the long white cloud. To celebrate, we've put together a few of our favourite organic businesses in Christchurch for you to check out.
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GATHERINGS
5/2 Papanui Rd, Merivale
These days, it can be difficult to know who is walking-the-talk when it comes to natural, well-produced food but when it comes to Gatherings, you're in safe hands. Gatherings is a true celebration of local, organic, seasonal Canterbury produce. Offering a set daily dinner menu offering five plant-based courses and the option for these to be served with a range of beautiful living wines, Gatherings is genuinely devoted to providing maximum taste and texture with minimal impact on the earth.
PIKO WHOLEFOODS
229 Kilmore St, Christchurch Central
A favourite among Christchurch foodies, Piko Wholefoods is a low-profit vegetarian wholefood store specialising in certified organic and gluten-free foods. Piko is committed to promoting organics and supporting a sustainable future for communities. From butter and apples to flour and shampoo, Piko has your organic needs covered. Many of Piko's goods are sold in bulk to reduce cost and encourage recycling of containers. On top of this, its low profit policy ensures the mark-up on organic food is kept to a minimum.
NATIVE CAFE
383 Colombo St, Sydenham
A devotion to organic, seasonal and local eating is at the heart of Sydenham's Native Cafe on Colombo St. Every Wednesday, owner Pete Howe receives a delivery of organic produce from Spring Fed Collective which he uses to create beautiful simple breakfasts, lunches and cabinet food. There's even a few veges from his dad's organic garden in the mix too. On the milk front, Native uses organic milk in its baking, smoothies and coffees alongside free-range eggs and meat. Approachable and delicious planet-conscious dining at its best.
HARBOUR CO-OP
12 London St, Lyttelton
The Harbour Co-op in Lyttelton is a community owned co-operative working towards one common goal: to support local, organic, fair trade and wholefoods producers and make these products available to Lyttelton. It's NZ's second largest co-operative with more than 200 members who volunteer in-store and have a say on everything that happens in the shop. From the immediate smell of wooden floors and spices, to noticing that the supplier stacking the milk in the fridge still has mud on their boots from the milking shed, this shop isn't shy about revealing its focus on community and the environment and is well worth a visit next time you're in Lyttelton.
BEARLION FOODS
Shop 3/78 Brighton Mall, New Brighton
New Brighton's BearLion Foods keeps it real. Real flavour, real ingredients and real food made by real people. BearLion's offering is free of nitrates, preservatives, white sugar and white flour, making it a guaranteed real food experience that will leave you feeling energised and inspired. The menu at this favourite deli changes constantly, adjusting to what is available but there's always a delicious organic salad, raw slice or loaf of freshly baked organic bread to be had. With a commitment to using organic, locally sourced, seasonal produce, BearLion makes its food with love and in return, it is loved by many.
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