Artisan Markets - Hand Made . Home Grown . Trini Flavored

You know Christmas is fast approaching when it's 9 am and the line to sample the local wines is longer than the one for coffee!   For Trinis this joyous season is a time to prepare traditional fare for family and friends to enjoy as they bustle through the hectic prelude to the holidays.

pastels wrapped in banana leave

Sorrel with a twist

You don't want to miss the opportunity to check out the wide range of unique products at our Artisan markets starting  with the South Market next Saturday.  You will find hand made organic beauty products, clothing as well as home made food items, sometimes made from home grown garden produce and local wines, ponche de creme and sorrel... pastels from home ground corn....hmmm.

Ponche de Creme - Trinis say it's better than eggnog

Here's the schedule for the pre-Christmas markets:

November 5th - South Market at Naparima College, San Fernando

November 19th, 11 am to 4 pm - Eastern Market - JFK Auditorium, University of the West Indies

November 27th - Up Market at Country Club, Maraval

December 3rd - South Market at Naparima College, San Fernando

December 4th - Up Market at Country Club, Maraval

December 17th - South Market at SAPA, San Fernando (and possibly Eastern Market, will keep you posted)

Let us know what treasures you come away with and your overall experience at the Artisan Market you visit... Cheers!

Take Another Look at the Price Tag

By now I hope some of you have visited a couple of organic food stores and tried some of the products yourselves.  Share your thoughts here or on our FB page.  Did you taste a difference? Were you surprised at the range of products available?  Did you enjoy the experience and the products or did you day, "not me and dis organic ting nah!"  

One difference I am sure you noticed is the price.  Yes, organic products pack a punch on our pockets. But, don't write off organics as 'unaffordable' just yet. It just might be cheaper in the long run.  Here's how:

• Nutrient-Denser. Organic foods gives you more nutrients per gram than non-organic foods (State of Science Review, 2008).
• More energy. Most people report felling stronger, more energetic when consume organic foods.  With no pesticides (poisons), synthetic chemicals or processed additives for your digestive system  to deal with, your body is free to use the fuel (food) to nourish your body, so you feel more energised.
• Stronger immunity.  Organic foods help to prevent both major and minor illnesses, which translates into less expenditure on medicines and doctor's bills.  You are also less likely to miss work if your immune system is strong, able to fight off the viruses affecting the general public.
• Less Hungry.  Since eating organic means you are filling up on nutrient-dense foods, you will feel more satisfied and your brain won't be telling your body, "I need more food... feed me... gimme more, anything... just fill me up!"  like it does when you eat junk food.  
• Buy Local at the Farmers' Market.  See my previous blog on where to find Local Farmers' Markets.
• Home Grown. The cheapest route to access healthy, organic food.  Learn how to do it at our upcoming workshop, Home Grown Organics, scheduled for November 20, 2016, 9am to 1pm.

The pesticides used on our foods have been linked to diseases such as breast, prostate cancers, ono-Hodgkins lymphoma, immune and endocrine disorders, Parkinsons, infertility, cardiac disease, hypertension and more.  Animal studies done on GM foods indicate changes to major organs and the gastrointestinal system.   

I can hear you saying, ' we all have to die sometime,,, why not eat whatever I want?'  

All I am saying is... it's all about the quality of our years... and even for those afflicted with dread diseases, embracing organic can turn their lives around.  Here is Johnny Gonsalves story , a true testimony to the healing power of organic food.  That said, take another look at the price tag of organic food.

Directory of Local Farmers' Markets

Besides the San Antonio Green Market, there is the Moka I was unable to locate other Farmer's Markets in T&T that support organic farming methods.  I was informed of one on Sundays (correction- Saturdays) in Maraval which I plan to visit soon and will post a blog on that, for sure.

Although I have listed below the regular Farmers' Markets that I am aware of, I am unable to comment on the availability of organic produce you might find there;  so help out We Organic TT nah? Just let us know if you visit any of these markets and find yourself some organically grown produce, okay?

In any case, as you check out these markets, keep in mind the Dirty 12 - foods with the highest residual pesticide levels (so don't buy) and the Clean 15 - foods that are safe to eat even if not labelled 'organic'; note that these lists pertain to imported foods that we Trinbagonians looove to treat ourselves to. Read the 2016 Summary of Findings by the Environmental Working Group here .

On a side note, does anyone knows anyone that can produce similar lists for our local produce?  

In the meantime you can reference the chart below as you shop.  

The very popular NAMDEVCO Farmers’ Markets began in December 2006 at its Macoya facility in the North and Debe in the South.  The objective of establishing these markets was to link farmers with consumers, so that they (consumers) would benefit by getting fresher, more wholesome produce while farmers would benefit by retailing their produce.

They proved to be so popular that NAMDEVCO established two new locations , Diego Martin Valencia in 2007.  The Point Fortin and Chaguanas Farmers’ Market came on in November 2008.  Currently, on a weekly basis the number of farmers selling at these markets is around 150 and over 2,000 consumers visit these markets.

East Trinidad

• Norris Deonarine Northern Wholesale Market, Macoya - Sundays 6am to noon

• Valencia Main Rd - Saturday & Sundays 6 am to noon

Central Trinidad

• Woodford Lodge Factory, Chaguanas Main Road - Sundays 6 am to noon

South Trinidad

• Southern Wholesale Market, Debe - Sundays 6am to noon
• Cor Cap-de-Ville & Guapo Main Rd, Point Fortin - Fridays 10am to 6pm

West Trinidad

• Cor. St Lucien Rd & Diego Martin Main Rd  - Saturdays 6am to noon

UPick Farms - A new concept to T&T,  U Pick Farm offers outdoor fun for the family.  Make it a lime when you head out to this farm in the scenic western peninsula. Pack a change of clothing for the children as they are sure to have a ball running around and helping you pick your fruits and veggies for yourselves.  Fill up  your baskets and take them to the scale and pay for them.

Save the Date - November 20, 2016

Fresh is always better, don't you think?
I remember the first time I picked a cherry tomato from my very own vine .  The skin was so firm it actually seemed crunchy and the juice squirted as it popped in my mouth.  They were always there, an arm and a step away, whenever I needed to add them to a salad.

 Those homegrown, pesticide-free cabbages are a must if you have not already tried them.  You will discover that cabbage actually has a flavour and it's not 'bland' like its conventional counterpart.

Your home garden is a small investment in time and money that will reap big rewards - your very own, very fresh, organic produce within easy reach.

With this in mind We Organic TT plan to hold a workshop to help you get started on the Organic path.  So please save the date, November 20, 2016 and keep reading for details.

Home Grown Organics Workshop 

Facilitated by La Souce Environmental Designs 

Sunday, November 20, 2016  
9AM - 1PM

Santa Cruz

Register now- Space Limited  
Call: Marlene at 798-8524   or     Email: omgrowntnt@gmail.com 

A presentation of We Organic TT - Return to Wholesomeness

Be Free Foods Organic Grocery

Be Free Organic Grocery

Busy mom, health consultant, literacy educator and co-owner of Be Free Foods Organic Grocery on Mucurapo Road, St. James, Mrs. Diasie Sammy-Christopher recently completed a  Masters programme in Health Arts and Science from Goddard College in the USA.    An authentic, engaging and down to earth speaker, Diasie is passionate about helping people adopt healthier eating habits and understanding the link between food and our health.  

This is not just a health food store, and don't for a minute imagine it to be a gourmet shop.      It is aptly named 'organic grocery', designed with comfortable aisles to accommodate its mini trollies as you peruse the wide range of products available on the neatly stacked shelves.   Daisie or hubby Allan can advise you in making the best choices for your needs.

Relief for Allergy Sufferers  

Beet Snack boasts only 2
ingredients: Beets and salt

As I scoured the products neatly displayed on the well-stocked shelves, I was surprised at the wide array of snacks items, chips made from all kinds of veggies, candy and even soda, all USDA certified organic.   Diasie explained that they specially select organic products for children as so many are afflicted with allergies.  Their own son was diagnosed with 'chemical food allergy' from an early age and was unable to tolerate foods with chemical pesticides or additives. In fact, the store was born out of their frustration with the limited options available locally for their growing child.  

While some of us have been diagnosed with food allergies - for me it is cow's milk (imagine not being able to eat ice cream!!), there are others who refuse to see a doctor about their symptoms in case they get banned from eating what they like ( Yes,  I do know people like this).  Instead they take pills or creams or whatever to deal with the itchiness, acne, or bloating and gas which could be triggered by allergies to everyday items such as sugar, flour, eggs, nuts, soy, chocolate.  Be Free Organic Grocery answers the call of these persons with special dietary needs including allergy and asthma sufferers, acid reflux and cancer patients, diabetics and persons with Celiac disease. Interestingly, gluten-free and casein-free is also indicated in the management of autism.

The frozen food section sports several standing freezers labelled to distinguish their contents.  Vegan maintains a safe distance from the meats and desserts while pork and beef are stored separately in recognition of the religious requirements of our social groups.

Diasie will be speaking at the Green Market on 'The Psychology of Reducing Consumption' next Saturday October 29, 2016.  

Be Free Organics Freezers

Contact  Information:                

Telephone 735-0727 or 620-3246

email befreefoods@gmail.com

Directory of Organic Food Stores

 WE ORGANIC TT DIRECTORY

Here's a list of local shops that sell organic products Some are exclusively organic while others are gourmet stores that also stock a range of organic merchandise and products for those with specific dietary needs/restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher and sugar-free).  The list is arranged by region to help you locate those closest to you.  

Have fun checking them out!

PORT OF SPAIN AND WEST TRINIDAD

ARTIE’S MEATS (Maraval and Diego Martin, Trinidad) – Selling a wide range of burgers, meats and seafood along with fruits and vegetables.  Gourmet grocery items are also available.  Online shopping with in-store pick-up is available.  868) 637-7264 (Diego Martin) or (868) 225-2211 (Maraval).

ADAM’S BAGELS (Maraval, Trinidad) – As an all-in-one restaurant, bakery and gourmet store, ADAM’S amounts to more than its delicious bagels.  The grocery section is small but well-edited with housemade frozen dishes (stuffed crab backs, pastelles, fish kebabs, etc.), imported specialty beverages, pastas and snacks.  The bakery is packed with Trinidad’s best bagels alongside local sweet and savoury treats – pone, kibby, currant rolls, arepas, puffs, cookies, and more. Keep an eye out for local free-range eggs, locally made condiments and Adam’s Pepper Sauce.  Full-service restaurant with take-out counter and dine-in area. # 15A Saddle Road.  (868) 622-2435

BE FREE FOODS (St. James, Trinidad) – Lots  of tasty, good-for-you snacks including candy and sodas, all organic... perfect for kids with allergies.  Be Free Foods is a large organic food store owned and lovingly run by Certified Health Coach, Daisie Sammy-Christopher and hubby.  The store carries a wide range of dry goods, frozen goods, and specialty items including gluten-free, dairy-free, wheat-free and nut-free food products.  With separate upright freezers for Vegan, Poultry, Beef and Lamb, and Other Meats, you are confident the owners understand and cater to the local consumer's dietary needs and personal preferences.     Mucurapo Road.  (868) 735-0727 or (868) 620-3246

BLOOM’S IMPORTS (Diego Martin, Trinidad) – Bloom’s stocks various meat products including organic hormone-free chickens, hangar steaks, skirt steaks, lamb products (local and from New Zealand) and baby back ribs; local and imported fish and seafood are also available. The store also carries a large selection of local artisan foods — Perfect Peppers products, Ambrosia by Christine, Bertie’s Pepper Sauce, Simple Sauces & Pastas, and much more.  Hard to find imports are also on the shelves like Sriracha Hot Sauce, KIND bars, gourmet sodas, etc.  The best part is that you can check their website to see what meat and fish products are available.  Diego Martin Main Road (868) 633-5771.

CASCADE MINI MART (Cascade, Trinidad) – Part mini-mart and part gourmet, this shop carries gourmet goodies like Stonewall Kitchen products, NUMI Organic Teas, Hausbrandt Coffee, Steaz sodas, local Guru Snacks, and organic pastas and sauces.  #84 Cascade Main Road. (868) 223-5603

COOL FOODS (Maraval, Trinidad) - This new store opened its doors in 2016 and offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies, from foreign as well as local.  (868) 270-4292

FRESH ORGANICS LIMITED Maraval, Trinidad) Opened its doors in September 2016, Fresh is chock full of lush organic fruits and veggies together with ample supplies of packaged organic products.  Fresh supports local organic farmers and (yummm) chocolatiers.  You will also find natural and organic supplements, body care products and cleaning supplies in an enjoyable shopping experience.  #49 Saddle Road. (868) 622-7828  

LIVE GREEN (Woodbrook, Trinidad) – Tucked away on a side street in Woodbrook, Live Green features a wide range of organic and all natural products – organic foods and snacks (e.g., coconut sugar, Frontier’s organic herbs & spices herbal teas, body and skin care items, herbal and homeopathic remedies, organic baby products, environmentally-friendly water bottles, environmentally-safe household products (e.g., Seventh Generation products) and more.  #5 Belle Smythe Street.  (868) 221-5139 or (868) 685-9291

MALABAR FARMS GOURMET SHOP (Maraval, Trinidad) – This long-standing gourmet grocer on Long Circular Road sells imported brands of fresh, frozen and packaged food items, wines, and in-house breads. With roots as an upmarket butcher, Malabar Farms’ strengths are its cheese and meat sections with imported poultry, beef, lamb,etc. Organic meat and poultry (hormone-free) are also available here at Malabar.  You can also pick up local goodies, including Cocobel Chocolates. #115 Long Circular Road.  (868) 628-7486 or (868) 622-9309

NATURE’S DISCOUNT NUTRITION CENTER (Maraval, Trinidad) – With an emphasis on vitamins and sports nutrition products, Nature’s Discount in Ellerslie Plaza also offers a small selection of organic foods, juices, herbal teas, and other all-natural health products.  On our last visit we saw Nature’s Path organic cereals (both hot and cold), Bob’s Red Mill grains and foods, almond flour, gluten-free and organic pastas, organic coconut oil, organic raw cacao powder, organic coconut sugar, organic Jamaican castor oil, and STEAZ sodas.  Shop #12, Ellerslie Plaza.  (868) 622-2084

NEW EARTH ORGANIC ENTERPRISES (Woodbrook, Trinidad) – An organic food co-operative providing members and customers with organic , fresh local and imported produce, bulk peas, beans, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, eco-friendly personal care and cleaning products. Don’t miss NEO’s local artisan products – Soular sundried bananas, cacao nibs, brewing cacao, dark chocolate; Del Mano pestos and superb handmade cheeses, yogurt and fresh cows milk from Dolce Valle, a local cheesemaker.  The store also offers local kefir; organic bulk grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and dried fruits; specialty foods and beverages; all-natural personal care products; vitamins and supplements; and household cleaning supplies.  There is an excellent small vegetarian cafe – NEO Cafe – onsite.   #80 Roberts Street.  (868) 622-3643

The Earth Market (formerly Whole Foods Market) (Maraval, Trinidad)  - This health food store stocks organic and healthy foods alongside vitamins and supplements.  #7 Saddle Road, Royal Palm Plaza. (868) 628-6221 
Note: Big Rebranding in progress - stay tuned for more 

CENTRAL & EAST TRINIDAD

YUMMY MUMMY GOURMET (Chaguanas, Trinidad) – This market stocks a wide range of gluten-free, organic, dairy-free and all natural products.  Yummy Mummy also bakes their own gluten-free bread and muffins in-house!  Mulchan Seuchan Road. (868) 671-7236.

VANILLA BEAN GOURMET STORE (Cunupia, Trinidad) – Carries an extensive range of gourmet grocery items including halal gourmet deli meats, sushi making ingredients, coffees, gluten and wheat-free cereals, snacks, flour, and sweeteners like Organic Agave Nectar, as well as organic fresh produce, herbs and fresh foreign fruits.  You will also  find tasty, healthy, gluten-free, vegan and eggless treats such as Oatquakes muffins, and artisan cookies, cupcakes and Breads from Cusano’s Artisan Loaves. Daily desserts like Creme Caramel and Cheesecakes are also available. #145 Munroe Road.  (868) 223-9527 

THE HAPPY GOURMET (Valsayn, Trinidad)  is a welcome resource in the East for specialty foods and beverages, including gourmet items, organic, gluten-free and low-sugar foods.  The store also stocks extra virgin olive oils; Sea salts and spices; Real maple syrup and other syrups and jams; Chia seeds; a huge selection of Bob’s Red Mill products; Coffees and teas; Local goodies from Perfect Peppers, Gina’s Chocolates and Del Mano (pestos and sausages). Meats and seafood are also available (including halaal beef and organic meats), along with a wide range of wines and imported beers. Valpark Shopping Plaza. (868) 223-7023

SOUTH TRINIDAD

THE GOURMET GENIE (San Fernando, Trinidad) – Sando’s favourite gourmet food shop offers “exotic cooking ingredients for a range of international meals as well as coffees (Folgers, Starbucks, etc.) and the Keurig K-cup coffee, teas (Amanzi, Art of Tea, Tazo and Stash), desserts, breads, imported fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, sandwiches and smoothies.”  Products include Morning Star Farm items; Stevia (sachets & tablets); pure vanilla, orange and anise extracts; Kettle’s almond and cashew butters; egg-free mayonnaise; black and white truffle oils; bruschetta toppings; smoked sea salt and Himalayan pink salt; cake decorating products; gluten-free lentil crackers; packaged sugar-free snacks; and a very interesting wine ice cream. Lunch is available daily.  Small dine-in area.  SSL Building (Ground Floor), # 40 Sutton Street. (868) 221-2983

TOBAGO

MR D’S HEALTH FOOD STORE (Scarborough, Tobago) – Only open during the week, this small store on the upper level of the NIB Mall sells cereals, snacks, specialty foods, soy and almond milk, juices, vitamins/herbs and other health food products.  Mr. D’s also serves daily vegetarian lunches, which are very reasonably priced and tasty.  Upper Level, NIB Mall.  (868) 639-3809

MORSHEAD GOURMET SUPERMARKET (Mt. Pleasant, Tobago) – Moreshead is a favourite of Tobago’s expat community because it carries many products imported from the U.K., along with American brands and local food finds like Orange Hill Nature Ranch’s feta cheese and yogurt, Nola’s Tobago Gourmet Granola, and Tobago Cocoa Estate chocolate.  This supermarket is the only place in Tobago selling international coffee brands like Lavazza and World Harvest Coffee (other than Ciao Cafe in Scarborough which sells Hausbrandt coffee by the can). Moreshead also carries various dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free items, including products from Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods. (868) 639 8855

ONLINE RETAILERS

D MARKET MOVERS (Trinidad) – This local online retailer specializes in home, office and wholesale delivery for fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats and seafood, dried goods (organic quinoa and millet), and food gift boxes/baskets.  We really like that Market Movers sources free range eggs and milk (only available on Fridays and Saturdays) from local farmers as well as local greenhouse grown produce, which typically has lower pesticide levels.  Free Delivery (limited)! (868) 221-5042