The Green Grocer: Organic food for a better life
Being health conscious and eating organic food has been on the rise in the past couple of years, but it’s not just a gimmick. The Green Grocer eschews name brands sold at a traditional chain grocery to sell fresh products grown at local farms that inevitably bolsters health.
The Green Grocer isn’t a huge store, but the tiny storefront packs in enough products needed to make healthy, tasty food. Shelves are stocked with everything from organic tomato sauce to organic pet food. The prices are a bit extravagant, but considering a lot of the products support local businesses, especially farms, it’s okay to splurge. Owner Cassie Green opened the grocery store in January of 2008 with the hopes of supporting Midwest farmers and converting people to a more “green” way of living. Studies have shown organically grown foods contain more vitamins than non-organic foods and produce is usually riper and better than non-organic food because it’s grown without pesticides and harmful chemicals.
People can’t walk in here and purchase Coke products, but the alternatives of fresh bread, baked goods, Greek yogurt, frozen bison, kombucha, fair trade coffee and tea, tofu, dairy and non-dairy products, organic beer and wine, flour, spices, nuts, cheese, canned food and prepared food should meet requirements for vegans, gluten-free and regular folks. Don’t forget to douse that sweet tooth with homemade treats like cookies and Nice Cream ice cream, which is made locally. Their Blueberry Pie dessert is exactly what it sounds like: bits of blueberry pie crust mixed in with sustainable ingredients.
HelloChicago Tip: Besides the grocery, the store offers weekly tastings and seasonal subscription boxes where a box of assorted fresh produce is available for weekly pick-up. Eating healthy isn’t just a trend -- it’s a way of life. Bring a recyclable tote bag to carry the groceries home in and help the environment even more.
Posted by Garin Pirnia
