GET HEALTHIER, honest to goodness health.

I am a big believer in honesty, it is the most beautiful gift that you can give yourself and to everyone else, it's liberating and beyond that it keeps you healthy.

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that people that spoke their truth had fewer headaches and sore throats as well as experiencing less mental health compiaints.

 This insecurity driven behaviour usually leads to self sabbotage, saying 'yes' when we mean 'no', keeping your opinions to yourself and not standing up for what we believe in. 

This doesn't have to be the life you live out,it can be honest and happy and healthy, you can have a strong sense of your self and your self worthiness will define you. not other peoples opinions.

This week I would love you to work on your sustained honesty, it keeps life clean.  Be honest with you, be the most honest person you know.  What do you believe in????? For me, it's a good world, one where we all have access to organic food and to be honest with you all, I would love to know that you begin to live the best, healthiest life ever.   

As always, thanks for your love and support and assistance in creating a better food system, we hope that you have  a beautiful happy healthy week,

Angela and the team at Organic Empire XX

"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth." 

William Faulkner

 

health, organic home delivery, local organic food, fresh organic fruit, fresh organic vegetables, organic food home delivery melbourne, organic empire, organic food store, organic farm, 

Nice to be back, fresh organic produce straight from the farm, FREE JUICING CHART Part 1.

Wow its great to be back, hope that you have had a great summer break and are well on your way to creating the best year yet in 2013.  Whatever your goals, please make health your priority, I know that life can sometimes get in the way, but if you commit to 80% of the time doing the best that you can, you will be rewarded with good health...and this is the most important thing in the world..

We are committed to making you healthier, stronger, and happier, so in addition to delivering the freshest organic produce, this year we are going to provide you with health tools regularily to enable you to make educated change.  This week is part 1 of our organic juicing chart, (there will be 7 more to come) print it out, laminate it , do whatever, just stick it up and get juicing.  

Download it here

   

Our summer break was spent working a bit around the farm, we have done planting, and now we are harvesting.  Its so amazing, the more that you pick, the more that grows. We have some exciting news coming in the next couple of months, we are planting the seeds of something huge on the farm.

In the food store we have a freezer now and in the next week or so it will be loaded with amazing frozen organics, berries, vegetables and so much more.

The food school schedule will be available online in the coming weeks.

I must thank you for the responses that we received from our feedback forms, we have heard what you want and are responding.

NEW THIS YEAR

• There is a reduced delivery charge, only $6.95 per delivery under $100.
• Orders over $100 will receive FREE delivery. 
•  The store will be open longer hours and more days. Now open till 5pm on Monday's and Thursdays and we will also be opening on Sunday's 10-2pm.
•  We will also be adding the convenience of bulk purchases for dry goods.

 We are so happy to be serving you all again, and look forward to the best year yet.

As usual thanks for your amazing support, we are so grateful to build an amazing world with you,

  

Angela and the team at Organic Empire XX

  

"

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive

"

~

Harold Whitman

organic farm, local organic food, free juicing chart, free delivery, organic home delivery, organic home delivery melbourne,freshest organic food, organic fruit, organci vegetables 

Farming, tomatoes and Joel Salatin, what life on the farm is teaching me

I remember once upon a time, dreaming of a farm, a place where food grew naturally, this place was where paradise met the rest of the world....I found that place and my dream came true...I didn't think that anything could make me more focused than what I was..farm life has.  I never considered myself a farmer, that is until now.

You see the sun has come up on our farm...metaphorically and literally....we have ourselves an amazing farm manager, Steve, who is going to growing your divine organic produce. The farm is coming together, your food is. 

You see  I think that I have been blessed with the huge responsibility in life of keeping people  healthy, that is my mission, to create, perpetuate and share real food.  This is truly one thing that creates happiness in the world, for food=life.  I must express my gratitude to you all, because its because of you and for you that this can happen....

It's so important for me to connect with you, as a farmer, at our food school and in our farm store these connections, that one's that make us a community are so important for creating the future that we want, a beautiful one, where our kids and their kids will always have access to the best freshest alive foods. 

What have I learnt in my short time on the farm, that life is miraculous...its is bigger than we could ever imagine.  That the sun rises and sets irrespective of whatever problems you think you may have, and that the people that you love, they are what truly matters...

So tomorrow evening I get to hang out with one of my food hero's, Joel Salatin of Food Inc fame.  He is a farmer that is revolutionising small scale farms the world over, with a holistic system that goes beyond organic. I look forward to seeing you if you are attending the Dumbo Feather event. For those that are not, don't despair I will be sharing Joel's wisdom.  

Speaking of farming, we have over 18 varieties of heirloom organic seedling available in the food store this week, get in quick and start your own...they don't take much to grow and will taste amazing!!!!

I hope that you have a sensational happy healthy week, thanks for all your amazing support

Angela and the team at Organic Empire

"My grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman and a preacher, but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer."

Brenda Schoepp

Organic home delivery, local organic food, organic food store, organic farm, organic home delivery Melbourne.

 

Living the sweetest life

Hope that you are all sweet (pardon the pun)... This week is all about living the sweet life sans the sugar.  Allow me to step back in time, a time when a desire for sweetness was created as a survival mechanism, the sweet foods provided an abundance of instant energy and as much as we believe that we have evolved, humans have an underlying preferance for sweet foods.

Rather than deny our desires, I think that we can all make better choices, one's that contribute to a better body, health and overall life..why do I think that...??

Without going into it too much, refined sugar from the sugar cane contains no other vitamins and minerals and thus robs the body of the B Vitamin complex to process, these sugars when broken down are also responsible for cross linking of proteins, and feeding nasty bacteria's in the body. 

There are many alternatives to sweeten up your day, that can provide nutritive qualities to support good health as well as provide the desire for sweetness. 

A craving for sweets can indicate many things ;a blood sugar drop and the body signalling it requires more energy, can be a reaction to stress, a result of boredom, and so many other health factors.

 So allow me to give you some alternatives, you choose what's best for you, just make it as healthy as you can!

Turbinado - is sugar made from the cane plant, not as processed as normal sugarr with only 1/3 of the molasses remaining.   Same sweetness as table sugar.

Rapadura - is made from can, but is unrefine and unbleached. The sugar stream and original molasses remain together, meaning that nutritionally the essential vitamins and minerals are retained.

Sucanat - is made by dehydrating fresh cane juice. more refined than Rapadura

Agave Nectar -  The Nectar or syrup is 50% sweeter than table sugar but has a low glycemic index. 

Barley Malt - is a sweetener made from sprouted barley, it has a similar taste to molasses.  It is  1/2 as sweet molasses so you can substitute for molasses or other sweeteners. 

Brown Rice Syrup - is made from brown rice, with a slight butterscotch flavour, its 1/2 as sweet as table sugar.

Maple Syrup - This divine syrup, is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals

Honey - is the food of the goods and its your friend too, make sure that you get Raw organic, so that you can be sure that the its still full of vitamins and minerals.  Video to come later on this week

Stevia - This powder is 250-300 times sweeter than table sugar. No calories. 

Personally for me, fresh raw organic medjool dates are the best sweetener, add them to raw and baked goods for a flavour that's real, healthy and alive. 

The ultimate sweet treat though is raw fresh organic fruit, providing your body with all the essential minerals and nutrients, antioxidants, fibre, water and AMAZING TASTE. 

For more information on living the sweet life jump onto our Facebook page and get involved.  There will be tips on curbing sugar cravings, and creating a delicious bounty of sweet treats.

ORGANIC EMPIRE FOOD SCHOOL

 If you are new to raw food preparation, then you must come and join us at our B-RAW workshop. THERE IS ONLY ONE SEAT REMAININGand in three hours, the amazing raw foodie Andrea Brosnan will teach you how to make green smoothies, raw treats, make amazing salads, dips, skin care and so much more with a light meal included.  This is  an event not to be missed.  We only have a couple of seats left for this event, so be sure to book now!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK NOW

FARM STORE and FOOD SCHOOL UPDATE:

Farm news: Our crops have all been decided up and so now we must wait until they can have a chance for survival when the weather warms up.

Store news: Ok so the table for classes is getting picked up this week and we have to just paint a few places and we are ready to go for opening from next week onwards....

DON'T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW.

GET A SMS REMINDER and BE ABLE TO TEXT ORDER  

Forgot to place your order??, register for our SMS reminder service and never miss getting the best organic produce delivered each week. REGISTER HERE.  Once you are registered you can then text through your seasonal box orders whenever you like.  How easy is that?  

DELIVERY DAYS

Don't forget that some delivery days and zones have changed, check here to see yours.  CHECK DELIVERY DAY/ZONES

  

To ensure you receive your delivery, why not ORDER NOW

WEEKLY PRODUCE REPORT

Organic broccolini or baby broccoli is sweet and delicious and its perfect for eating at the moment.  Eat it raw or sautee lightly with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of oil..

Green cucumbers are in, a divine refreshing vegetable that is also an amazing alkaliser and in the absence of lebanese cucumbers, these make every salad complete.

Organic pumpkins are limited at the moment, meaning that if you want pumpkin for this week, order it now!!!

Oh me oh my we have a new organic avocado grower, Kumbara Organics from Victoria...yes you read this right.  His avocado's are huge coming in from the Murray River region of Victoria.  

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Eat your way to the best skin

The health and glow of you skin, is more about what you are eating....and not eating than it is ever about what you are putting on your skin.

The key's to beautiful skin are for the most part minerals and enzymes, critical for every function in the human body. This week we look at minerals,  compounds that are found in the soil, originating over time in the evolution of our existence.  The food we eat has learnt to absorb these minerals, creating a nutritious bank in plants, this nutrition is then transferred to us when we ingest them. The better the soil quality, the better concentration in the plants, which then equates to better nutrition with every bite. This is a very important reason to eat your produce organic, healthy soils=healthy people.

Would you be surprised if I told you that organic green vegetables are one of the most abundant sources of these minerals required for healthy skin, as well as an abundance of complete nutrition to facilitate every other function.

The most important minerals for great skin include silicon, zinc, and iron, and some of the most abundant sources of these are...GREEN FRESH VEGETABLES. These vegetables include chlorophyll and are alkalizing in the body so serve to reduce inflammation and puffiness as well as serving the body as a natural deodorant.

Silicon is a fundamental mineral for skin health, it serves to strengthen the skin, hair and nails, by helping to produce collagens which maintain the skin matrix. Good sources included cabbage, green vegetables, cucumbers, onions, radish, cos lettuce, tomatoes, apples,  

Zinc is essential for re-building damaged tissues and wounds including collagen, preventing wrinkles, hair loss and brittle nails.   Good sources include  Organic raw dark chocolate, Raw pumpkin seeds, Pine nuts, Sesame seeds, Pecans, Rolled oats, Dried watermelon seeds, kale, silverbeet

Iron is required to transport oxygen around the body, including the skin's surface.  This act improves circulation and in turn skin tone, good sources include Spinach, Artichoke, Squash Seeds, Dried Apricots, Pistachios, Raisins, Walnuts, Asparagus, Quinoa, Mushrooms, Beans

Enzymes play an equally important role by purifying the blood, metabolising fats, renewing aging skin and keeping the blood clean.

A interesting fact... a study undertaken by St Andrews University of Psychology found that by increasing fruit and vegetable intake, the tone of the skin improved, resulting in an improved healthiness and attractiveness of facial skin.

So what does this all translate to??? Something truly simple...increasing your daily intake of fresh organic produce, preferably as close to its natural state as possible, this doesn't mean eating all of it raw, but at least in the colder months including at least a juice/green smoothie a day and a salad with your lunch and dinner. 

Try our: Green Smoothie

All Hail Kale Juice

WEEKLY PRODUCE REPORT

So this week we have the certified organic apples available, our local sustainably grown apple orchard will be back first week in September.  

The oranges are sensational at the moment, refreshing, hydrating and sweet.  

Heavy rainfall in the valley has meant that limited amounts of spinach and wild rocket are coming through this week  

Continental parsley is sensational at the moment, so tasty, add it to your smoothies, juice, everything.  Its a great source of vitamin C and Iron  

The rainbow radish's are sensational too.  Make a delicious salad with them, they look and taste amazing 

Watercress is back this week, watch this space for a delicious potato salad with avocado and watercress 

Organic Empire, local organic foods, organic food home delivery Melbourne, Organic Food, Organic Cooking School Melbourne, Organic Farm Gate

Create your food future

What a wild and stormy night in Melbourne, Winter is truly here.  We should welcome this with open arms, this cooler weather makes way for some amazing produce and how blessed are we in Melbourne to have all the seasons to enjoy in one year and mostly in one day.

This amazing weather slows down the world of food, with heavy rains slowing down growth, this is not necessarily a bad thing its just how nature rolls.  Either way at the moment, its great for building ark's, if that's your thing.  My thing is marveling and devouring amazing food, I love it, it truly makes my heart sing, there are only a few things in this world that can do that, people, food and beauty...and I can have all those things with food, it has an amazing ability to bring people together, and when its fresh organic food, it nourishes on a cellular level as well as on a soul level.  

Today in the background I heard a report,  it was about how the larger food corporations are shaping the future of our food in Australia (this is not a new discussion) and for that moment my heart sunk, 'this was a tragedy, how can anybody make those choices for us... then I had a moment of clarity...they can't, we are completely in control of creating the world we want, by voting for the future with our dollars, you see these corporations would not be investing in conventional agricultural systems if the greater society spent their dollars on sustainable, life giving systems.... organic systems.  

I want there to be a future where food can move people, with its taste, nutrition and life.  Where biodiversity exists and where people are healthy and happy and I need your help to do this.  No man is an island (although if these rains continue, my property may become one), my request is that this week, you preach the virtues of organic food, share your food with those you love, teach them about the power of good food and mostly sit and enjoy yours...its truly a blessing and you share your blessing everytime you do this because you create a healthier world.. 

Just some interesting organic information for your perusal:

Organic food can contain up to 40% more vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown food.  That equates to more carrot in your carrot. With one U.S. study finding that organic food contained 63 per cent more calcium, 73 per cent more iron, 125 per cent more potassium and 60 per cent more zinc than conventionally grown food, as well as 25 per cent less of the toxic element mercury.

The EPA released figures which show that 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides and 30% of all insecticides are carcinogenic. 

That kind of information is worth sharing...

DON'T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW.

Ian from Beenak Farm dropped over some amazing organic/biodynamic kiwi fruit to the farm this week...  They are amazing, allow them to ripen at room temperature, then chill.

Corn is back this week, albeit a little pricey.  It is still super sweet, and makes a perfect snack.

Tumeric is really in this week, we have an abundance available.  Add it to your juice for some amazing life giving properties.

Some of you may have noticed the curly kale making its way into your boxes, if you prefer the Cavello Nero/Black kale, please let us know.  The curly kale is biodynamically grown in the Yarra Valley and is so beautiful.

  

  

 ORDER THEM IN OUR STORE NOW

YOUR DAILY BREAD

    

  "To eat is a necessity, but 

to eat intelligently is an art. "

La Rochefoucauld

http://www.organicempire.com.au

We thank you for your support as always, we are very grateful that you are making your body healthier, your kids stronger and the world a better place to be.       Thanks you are awesome, look forward to serving you, have a healthy week   Angela Gioffre  (Your nutritionist) and the team at Organic Empire XXX

What are you bring to the table tonight?

What a question, and as deep as the answer could be, I just want to scratch the surface in the literal sense.  You see what we bring to the table, has the biggest impact on everything in our lives, our energy, health and in turn happiness.  

When we eat foods grown naturally..organically, we nourish the mind body and soul, and doing so we know that every mouthful contributes positivity to not only our bodies, but those whom we share a meal with. It also nourishes the earth, in every sense, encouraging biodiversity, growth and ultimately life.  

It is so rewarding to know where your food has come from and how it is created, it's this connection that breeds respect for the food that we consume and in turn the farmers that grow it.  

Then to use these amazing foods together to create a meal...is the best expression of life, to take the bounty and use it to create energy in our bodies this is bliss.

This week, for us its all about what we are bringing to the table, and we want to share our commitment to you.  We always strive to bring the freshest organic produce to your table, to empower you with the tools to make you and your family healthier, happier to live the best life, and finally to be part of the change for the better, to be able to share our passion for real food. Its our lives, we are so passionate about organic farming, we think it tastes better and is better. 

So what are you bringing to the table? How can you nourish yourselves better?

Let us help you...jump onto our website for more information.

DON'T FORGET.....

Orders to the northern Suburbs, ie orders delivered on Tuesday's, will need to be made before 5pm Sunday's.   

THIS WEEK'S MENU

This week's menu will be live on Wednesday, stay tuned for more information....

WEEKLY PRODUCE REPORT

I don't know that the true taste of nuts can be experienced until they are eaten fresh from their shell.  Cracked and eaten, as nature created, the oils are healthy and safe, the flavour sweet.  Fresh nuts have limited seasons and this is the season for fresh walnuts.  As well as being delicious, there is also something quite gratifying of cracking the shell and eating the treasure. Try them for yourself.

This cooler weather makes for great parsnips, producing a sweeter nutty root.  A versatile vegetable that is equally delicious raw as it cooked, these are being harvested this week for your orders.

Celery is back, and just in time for your juices and soups.  Make sure that you use all of the celery, the tops can be added to stews and soups, as well as juices and smoothies.  This is coming in from Queensland, as the Melbourne crops have finished for the time being.

Tomatoes are making a comeback, albeit at a price, they are very limited at the moment and stock is selling out fast, so be sure to get your orders in quickly.

The star performer this week, by far is the fancy lettuce, it is divine.  Makes for a beautiful salad.....

Tumeric is back, this is one of nature's most powerful healers, juice it dry it, just get it in.

 ORDER THEM IN OUR STORE NOW

YOUR DAILY BREAD        " To be always intending to live a new life, but never find time to set about it -- this is as if a man should put off eating and drinking from one day to another till he be starved and destroyed.".'" " Sir Walter Scott
We thank you for your support as always, we are very grateful that you are making your body healthier, your kids stronger and the world a better place to be. Thanks you are awesome, look forward to serving you, have a healthy week Angela Gioffre  (Your nutritionist) and the team at Organic Empire XXX

Free weekly menu's, get super healthy. Organic ruby red grapefruit, great deal on garlic

So the weather's definitely alot chiller than I dare remember, especially here on the farm.  It really doesn't seem to warm up much more past -3 degrees, ok perhaps a slight exaggeration..This weather lends itself to slowing down though, it's the natural rhythm of this universe, when the temperature drops the activity slows.  Its at this time of the year that life goes underground, with the large majority of root vegetable flourishing, perhaps this is a perfect analogy of what happens to humans, its often at this time of the year we become a lot more reflective, refocusing and comforting ourselves with food.

We have been doing this already and have some fabulous things happening.

This week begins the first week our menu planners, completed, nutritionally sound and delicious created by our very own resident nutritionist....me.  We understand that life is busy and sometimes you just need some guidance, so every week we will have a new menu available for you to download and create a feast everyday.  This week's menu is a very light refreshing high green, high raw menu to start a fresh.  These menu's do not include meat, but if you enjoy meat, please add wherever, -except for in the smoothies and juices ;).

You can also purchase the menu box which comes complete with all the ingredients required to make this week's meals, great for 2-3 people.

In the next couple of weeks we will also have a new shopping experience, with a new shopping cart being installed on the store.  This will mean that it will be more interactive, which in turn makes it more functional and efficient.  This has been constructed with your feedback in mind and if there is anything that you think we need, email us.

Our store is coming along, we are just awaiting the kitchen now, it is being made from over 100 year old recycled floor boards, it is gorgeous and we can't wait for you to see it.  We have a fabulous line up of foodies, chef's, cook's who can't wait to share their magic with you either.  It's so nice when things come together, our aim with the store was to re-construct the disheveled interior with sustainable recycled materials as much as possible and we have quite successful in doing this, we polished the existing floors, after stripping back over 70 years of flooring.  Its going to quite a culinary experience.

DON'T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW.

WEEKLY PRODUCE REPORT

We have amazing organic garlic from the Orbost region at a sensational price.  A great immune booster, and a sensational source of sulphur.

We have local organic watercress coming in this week, Organic Watercress is a member of the nasturtium family, which is the edible flower family.  Loved for its rather bitter and peppery taste.  Can be added to salads, smoothies or used as a garnish or flavouring. Powerhouse of nutrients, excellent source of  vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, manganese, and carotenes. It also a good source of calcium, fiber, iron and copper.

Organic Ruby Red grapefruit are in this week juicy and slightly sour.  If you are into grapefruit you will love them.

The organic cauliflowers are definitely coming into  their own, with the heads bright white.  Don't forget that you can eat the greens that surround the head.

 ORDER THEM IN OUR STORE NOW

YOUR DAILY BREAD

    

  "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Confucius 

We thank you for your support as always, we are very grateful that you are making your body healthier, your kids stronger and the world a better place to be.  

  

 Thanks you are awesome, look forward to serving you, have a healthy week

Angela Gioffre 

(Your nutritionist) and the team at Organic Empire XXX

ORGANIC EMPIRE, LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD, ORGANIC HOME DELIVERY, ORGANIC FOOD HOME DELIVERY MELBOURNE

Need some colour...GO ORGANIC

I'm always a little reluctant to bring out Hot Cross Buns and Easter treats early, much to my children's disgust.  In our home, Hot Cross Buns are saved for the Easter period in an important tradition that the kids look forward to.  Rituals and traditions are the backbones that bind communities and families and interestingly the world over, they are usually formed around food and meals.  You see every culture in the world uses special foods to mark special occasions and celebrate its significance in their lives.  Its these important traditions that over time have brought people together to bake, stir and cook with a common goal of celebrating life by creating foods that nourish the soul as much as the body. 

In Australia we are so blessed with so many different cultures with so many rituals, that we can celebrate life with the people we love irrespective of our religious denominations by creating our own family rituals, one's that can be passed on for generations to come.  Even better your can re-establish your own families rituals as simplistic as they may have been, they are so important. 

This week, we are all about Easter, I know a tad early, but this gives you an opportunity to get organised.  Bake some of your own Hot Cross Buns-in a ritual everyone around you will love... or try your hand at creating your own easter treats.  We will be posting some inventive ways to package and present your treats in an eco friendly but gorgeous ways as well as yummy healthy organic recipes to make.

Don't forget to stock up with the freshest organics for the the Easter period. 


EASTER TRADING

 We will be CLOSED from FRIDAY 6th APRIL , recommencing deliveries on TUESDAY 10th APRIL.

DONT FORGET TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW.

GET A SMS REMINDER and BE ABLE TO TEXT ORDER  

Forgot to place your order??, register for our SMS reminder service and never miss getting the best organic produce delivered each week. REGISTER HERE.  Once you are registered you can then text through your seasonal box orders whenever you like.  How easy is that?  

WEEKLY PRODUCE REPORT

This week, we welcome back the beautiful  Organic Cauliflower, its been some time since we have had a good supply of cauliflower, a sign of cooler weather.

The only remaining grapes we have available are the Organic Crimson Seedless Grapes, sweet, firm and delicious.

Organic Bananas are still a fabulous price at only $3.20kg.

Organic Fancy Lettuce are back, both the green and red.

Organic Pomegranates are available this week, these are grown in Victoria and are divine. 

 Organic Rocket is back this week too, cheaper than most conventional at only $19.99kg

YOUR DAILY BREAD        "  Family traditions counter alienation and confusion,  They help define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world" Susan Lieberman

ORGANIC EMPIRE, LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD, ORGANIC HOME DELIVERY MELBOURNE, ORGANIC FOOD HOME DELIVERY MELBOURNE, ORGANIC FOOD MELBOURNE