Its Christmas Time

Four organic eggs,  three organic apricots, and an organic box of cherries.


Like you need my reminder, here it is anyway there are only 8 more days until Christmas Day is upon us...Just quietly I am freaking out too, presents aside I am also beginning to stress about the food.... The most important part of the day, the blessing that we have I suppose is that with organic food the flavours are so amazing, you can keep the food simple and produce will do the rest.

So in the midst of the madness, maybe we should take a leaf from nature (pardon the pun) and keep everything simple.  Presents, food, our lives.  The simpler that they are the less stress we have!!!

THIS WEEK WILL BE THE LAST DELIVERY WEEK FOR THE YEAR FOR THE MAJORITY OF YOU.  WHILST WE ALL TAKE A WELL EARNED BREAK AND BUILD AN EVEN BETTER ORGANIC EMPIRE IN 2013.

Some things to look forward to in 2013....

Our farm, this last weekend was spent planting out the farm, lead by our amazing farm manager Steve, Jenny and a host of fabulous volunteers on both Saturday and Sunday. What this means is lots of amazing produce from farm to fork for all of you!.

Our food school, we have an amazing selection of food school courses coming your way, including cheese making, vegan, raw pasta, proscuitto and so much more.

Our food store, the addition of our new fridge means that we will be stocking so much more amazing produce!  We will have so many new products in 2013.  We also have a new range of home wares coming in, eco, organic and amazing

Online store, 2013 will see our best website yet, with a new shopping cart, easier shopping and so many more features..you are sure to love.

HOUSEKEEPING:
Our last day of trading will be Christmas Eve,  Monday 24th December 2012, we will then reopen on Tuesday 29th January 2013.  The food store will be open occasionally when we have some amazing summer fruits coming in, ie peaches and blueberries and we will let you know via Facebook when we are opening...
We have some gorgeous Christmas presents coming for all of our clients, so please be sure to place your order this week leading up to Christmas to receive your gift.  If you have a standing order you will automatically receive your gift in your organic box.   

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

  

'Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
~ Peg Bracken.

organic home delivery, melbourne, organic food, fresh organic fruit, fresh organic vegetables,organic food store, organic farm, organic food school

Pesticides and the Dirty Dozen

Have you tried some of our strawberries? They are so sweet and divine...and soooo good for your health.  It is so important to make sure that you eat organic strawberries whenever you can, conventionally farmed strawberries have been found with over 60 different pesticide traces, thats pretty scary.  In fact, there are many chemicals used on conventional produce that remain once harvested....strawberries are one of the worst.  The Environmental Working Group, a non for profit US group has released a foldable pdf, titled the Dirty Dozen, a list complied based on pesticide residues with recommendations for the most heavily sprayed crops. This can be downloaded HERE.  (Even though its from the US, its still relevant to us in Australia)   Back to the sweetness of strawberries , these little wonder fruits are one of the best sources of Vitamin C,  the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient content of strawberries is simply outstanding. Studies have found that the intake of strawberries on aged animals increased cognitive performance and motor function. The studies I think are most interesting are the ones based on digestion with recent studies finding that strawberries can improve the digestive state of those with inflammatory bowel problems including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.     TRY THEM THIS WEEK Come into the shop this week for some great specials on strawberries and lots of other divine produce.  We also have tempeh, yoghurts and cheeses in stock. I hope that you have a sensational happy healthy week, thanks for all your amazing support Angela and the team at Organic Empire XX 'Right now, this moment is the only one we're guaranteed. We make lists and plans.  We think we know what we'll do tomorrow, next week, next month. But really...all we have is right now. All we ever have is one wonderful now after another. So in this one golden moment of precious life-pick the strawberries.' AUTHOR UNKNOWN   ORGANIC FOOD, ORGANIC FOOD MELBOURNE, LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD, ORGANIC FOOD STORE, ORGANIC FOOD SCHOOL, ORGANIC EMPIRE

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

The beginning of conventional farming, edible weeds

The first half of the 20th saw many wars fought, many lives lost and Anzac day is an important day to commemorate the Australian fallen soldiers and the battle that they fought to protect Australia, we thank them for this sacrifice.

This part in time,  also marked the advent of conventional farming with the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers.  Once World War II was over, ammunition companies needed to find a use for chemicals that were created for use in warfare, in particular ammonium nitrate which was an a cheap source of nitrogen. Soon after more chemical concoctions were produced and infiltrated agricultural farms the world over, in particular a highly toxic substance known as DDT, which since was also found to be damaging to reproductive systems in humans, carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting.  DDT has since been banned for use in food, but the tragedy as outlined by the Soil Association, is " that 150 of the available 311 pesticides commonly used have been identified as potentially causing cancer".* 

The irony is that all this drama could be avoided by eating organic food, supporting organic agriculture and refusing to buy into need to use artificial chemicals to grow food.  WE create the world with our dollars, so create a beautiful one, one where life grows naturally....

One place this happens, sometimes much to your disgust is in the garden, in World War II, the virtues of weeds were rediscovered when food was not always in abundance.  Many cultures, regularly enjoy weeds as part as usual daily fare, with some of our most common weeds bottled and sold as superfoods, namely dandelion, reputed for its ability to stimulate the liver, stimulates fat metabolism and serves as an amazing blood purifier.  This week our focus is on foraging in your own backyard, taking a leaf out of your grandparents wisdom...this topic does come with a clause though...don't eat anything you haven't identified and know to be safe...and if you don't know, get out there and get educated. 

 Join us on Facebook this week for some wild weeded recipes, and to identify some weeds in your own backyard that can be nibbled raw or added to a salad.

 Also I need to introduce you to Clare Flynn, she leads a double life as an amazing wholefood chef and yoga teacher and combined she makes life delicious, she has contributed some divine recipes for you. Try this week's salad, Cauliflower, kale and pomegranate.  To learn more about Clare, check her out here 

DON'T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW.

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Anzac day traditionally marks the harvest day for Chestnuts, and rightly so, we have them in abundance and at a sensational price.  Chestnuts are such a divine Autumn nut that is a great source of protein, exceptionally high in vitamin c,  high in folate and the minerals, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and they taste amazing.

The organic Cos lettuce coming in from Macclesfield is fabulous a great size, and sweet to the bite.

Organic Avocado's are back, after a short absence, we will now have enough to supply everyone.

Organic Passionfruit; we have panama passionfruit in, these are a natural hybrid that has not been artifially bred.  The panana passionfruit is large in size, with a light purple skin and tiny white dots on the exterior.  The inside flesh is yellow to orange and is recongised to be one of the sweetest varieties.REGISTER HERE.  Once you are registered you can then text through your seasonal box orders whenever you like.  How easy is that?  

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them."

A.A. Milne

Eat some brain food, fresh organic walnuts, chioggio beetroots and broccolini is back

I have been reading a most fascinating book lately, on nutrition for the brain and I won't bore you with all the details, just yet ..as intriguing as they are but focus this week on a broader topic of brain food...Thinking, dreaming, cooking, focusing, body movement, breathing, living, laughing all these functions and in fact every action you can think of require the brain.  Considering that the brain is the control centre for the whole body, I think that nourishing this organ with the right for foods, should be a priority.

STOP THE CONFUSION

Interestingly the brain requires around 20% of our daily energy intake, and its preferable source is carbohydrates (the organic fresh variety of fruits and vegetables).  This information is no green card to indulge in high sugar foods, quite the contrary with researchers finding that high blood sugar is associated with elevated cortisol...this hormone actually impairs memory.  So keep the food as natural as possible, and choose the slow releasing carbohydrates like beans, potatoes, bananas (with some walnuts..perfect mix), apples and the majority of fresh organic produce contain fibre, this slows down the blood glucose release creating perfect energy for the brain. GRAZE LIKE AN ANIMAL, with the idea being to give your brain a steady stream of energy from fresh foods, preferably organic, eaten often.

EAT YOUR FATS

The brain is the master computer that sends chemical messages throughout the whole body, instructing the organs on what to do. This process is made possible by an important group of chemical messengers, prostaglandins, these initiate the self repair mechanisms in the body. In order to manufacture healthy brain cells and prostaglandins, the body MUST have Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.  Integral to the cell membranes and enzymes within the cells. 

Your brain is 60% fat and it requires supply of healthy essential fats to create healthy cells. 

Interestingly these fats can also be used to treat  treating depression and other psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, as well as benefiting infant brain development.

Some great sources include;  organic flax seeds, organic walnuts organic sunflower seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, cold water fish (salmon and sardines), organic avocado, organic olives and their oil.

Not all fats are created equal and the nasty trans fats found in some processed foods, and all deep fried foods can actually damage cellular structure and affect thinking by affecting the synapses.  So the message is clean, keep your food as fresh, organic and healthy as possible.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The path to a bigger, better brain is loaded with Omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and fibre. Some stand out superfoods in the brain department include:

 ORGANIC BERRIES, in particular blueberries are a fantastic source of antioxidants that mop up free radicals.  These compounds can also improve memory and motor skills and reverse age related decline.

ORGANIC GREENS.  

Most of the Alzheimers present in society is attributed to elevated homocysteines (chemicals that are a normal protein metabolism.)  In order to break down homocysteines, the body needs folate, and the B vitamins, founds in leafy organic green vegetables such as kale, spinach, silverbeet, broccoli.

ORGANIC AVOCADO.

Avocado provides a great source of beneficial brain fats of the monostaurated variety which promoted increased blood flow and circulation, lowering blood pressure and increasing oxygen to the brain.

ORGANIC WALNUTS.

Not only a great source of vitamin E, but the humble walnut also contains Omega 3 fatty acids.  Walnuts also triple melatonin levels in the body, which makes them a great food to munch if you are having trouble sleeping

No coincidences that the walnut resembles to perfection the human brain.

This list is not exhaustive and this week on FACEBOOK we are going to talk all things brain food with new brain food recipes, tips and information.

Whats in Season this week....

Fresh organic walnuts are being picked from the trees as we talk, that means fresh walnut meat, and no damaged fats.  Great to shell and eat with the family.

The cooler nights mean that supply and quality of organic broccoli and cauliflower getting better and better.  The organic broccoli is divine at the moment. 

Fresh organic papaya is back this week, truly a divine organic fruit, add to youur smoothie or just enjoy it as a delicious snack.

This week we have organic chioggio beetroots with leaves available, these beetroots have a distinctive white striping throughout the vegetable.  Look and taste delicious.

Organic Spring onions are back this week and make for a perfect addition to salads or omelettes.

We also have organic broccolini coming back this week, this is perfect for kids with a milder sweeter flavour that the bigger broccoli.

"Motivation is like food for the brain.  you cannot get enough in one sitting, it needs continual and regular top ups."

Peter Davies

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

Make this the healthiest Easter ever

What an egg-citing time of the year...family, food and holidays. Easter, has been celebrated the world over for many centuries and irrespective of religious denomination, is celebrated primarily with symbolic food.  In our home as it is many, its hot cross buns on Good Friday, and a massive family feast on Easter Sunday.  Typically rich and decadant, it makes me feel like I need to alkalize the rest of the year. You see holidays, Easter in particular have evolved from a wholesome traditional occasion to a commercialised opportunity for mass consumption and indulgence of foods that rob our bodies of health.   Ironically Easter, the world over is a symbol of the regeneration of Earth, so why not use these couple of day's off to re-evaluate where your are health wise and where you want to be? What you can you do to help your body re-generate health more effectively?  What foods should you eat?  What foods should you avoid?  Ironically it's most of the foods that we celebrate Easter with, refined processed sugars and products, that we need to reduce.  So this Easter in the midst of the food madness why not make like a bunny and munch on a carrot, some raw spinach or make a delicious juice.  You see food needn't be unhealthy to taste good, its quite the opposite, the best tasting foods are generally in their natural state, raw, unprocessed, unrefined, full of flavour and always ORGANIC. Give life giving gifts, foods that promote health, make everyone a delicious salad and at least enjoy before indulging in all the Easter fare. This week we are going to share some Easter recipes, some not so nutritional, but traditional....but lots OF GOODNESS.  ORDER YOUR GOODNESS NOW. EASTER TRADING  We will be CLOSED from FRIDAY 6th APRIL , recommencing deliveries on TUESDAY 10th APRIL.  IF YOU NORMALLY RECEIVE YOUR DELIVERY ON A FRIDAY AND WOULD LIKE A DELIVERY BEFORE EASTER, ASK US ABOUT IT NOW 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?   DELIVERY DAYS Dont forget that some delivery days and zones have changed, check here to see yours.  CHECK DELIVERY DAY/ZONES WEEKLY PRODUCE REPORT So just when the weather was getting used to the rain and cooler weather, Melbourne is set to put on some spectacular sunshine this week, which will be glorious for our produce, fingers crossed for some strawberries.   How's this for an egg-cellent deal, organic eggs, dozen for only $6.99 Organic Pineapple's are back, generally these are sent out unripened.  Please allow to ripen at room temperature for at least 3 days. Oraganic Rockmelon, coming in from Country Victoria, again once ripened for a couple of days at room temperatures, they are divine. Organic Passionfruit are in this week due to popular demand and a great price at only $2.10 each. Organic Ottway Red Potatoes, these are delicious, and a great all rounder potato.  They clean up beautifully. Local Fuji apples are being picked off the tree as we speak and are divine.  No Pesticides, artificial fertilisers, sprays or waxes.  ORDER THEM IN OUR STORE NOW  "If you don't take care of this the most magnificent machine that you will ever be given...where are you going to live?" " Karyn Calabrese 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.  We wish you and your family a safe, healthy and happy Easter, till next week      Thanks you are awesome, look forward to serving you Angela Gioffre  (Your nutritionist) and the team at Organic Empire XXX ORGANIC EMPIRE, LOCAL ORGANIC FOODS, ORGANIC HOME DELIVERY MELBOURNE, ORGANIC FOOD MELBOURNE