farmers in China giving arsenic to
cattle to make them grow and prevent
them from being sick.”
But chef Priscilla Soligo, who also
is owner of Rawthentic Foods, says
that replacing the organic produce
sold in supermarkets with locally
sourced, fresh organic produce can
save a lot of money. For scandal-wary
customers, Priscilla says that the only
way people can be confident about
what they are buying is to do their
own research.
“Contact suppliers and ask them
how they grow their food and what
their certifications are,” she says.
“Growers, farmers and the smaller
organic produce delivery businesses
here in Hong Kong really enjoy talking
to customers about these things. If you
can make time, visit farmers’ markets
and talk to local growers. This is a great
thing to do with the kids.”
As a chef, Priscilla instantly notices
the unmatched quality and flavour of
local versus imported produce. She says
local, seasonal produce tastes better, is
more nutritious and less expensive. Fresh
ingredients require fewer preservatives
because they don’t need to be stored,
and eating seasonally is a great way to
teach children how different foods grow
throughout the year, especially when
cooking together as a family.
“Involve children as much as
possible when sourcing local foods,”
Priscilla suggests. “It’s so important
that we help them to understand how
connected they are to their food and
how much they can play a part in the
entire ‘earth-to-table’ process. Knowing
how to prepare nutritious meals is a
skill that will help them throughout
their lives.”
Field trip
Todd Darling, a ten-year Hong Kong
resident and owner of organic produce
supplier Homegrown Foods, founded
the company on the idea that having
safe, high-quality organic food would
help increase local consumption and
production.
“We personally visit and have
relationships with our producers,” Todd
says. “And we test all of our produce
at random every quarter for heavy
metals and agricultural chemicals by
sending samples from deliveries to an
independent testing facility.”
Customers are welcome to visit
any of the farms that Homegrown
Foods sources from. Sometimes
helpers even join employers to learn
what is available. The company also
hosts school field trips, where students
have a chance to interact with the
farmers and then have a meal at one
of the restaurants that Homegrown
Foods supplies, such as Posto Pubblico
in SoHo or Linguini Fini in Central.
Stretching dollars
Vivian Herijanto, chef and owner of
Corner Kitchen and Heirloom Eatery,
says that Hong Kong residents might
need to give up convenience and
shop at several stores when trying to
• Organic farmers’ markets in Hong Kong take place every week throughout the
year: Star Ferry Pier in Central (Pier 7, Wednesdays from 12pm to 6pm, and Sundays
from 11am to 5pm).
• Tuen Mun Farmers’ Market (Crossroads Village, 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun –
opposite Gold Coast Phase 1 – Saturdays from 10am to 4pm).
• Tai Po Farmers’ Market (next to Tai Wo fire station, Sundays from 9am to 5pm).
• Starting on 15 September, Island East Markets will start running again, offering
goods from local organic farmers, as well as local restaurants and retailers. (Island
East Markets, Tong Chong Street, TaiKoo Place, Quarry Bay, Sundays 10am to 5pm).
Markets
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