our passion is visionary food
We are committed to supplying tasty wholefood that's competitively priced and as nutritious and fresh as possible.
We encourage fair trade with suppliers, and we endeavour to empower consumers to consciously eat better foods by providing information about our great food.
More people want this visionary food. It's essential for optimal taste and health. Delicious, distinctive and filled with passion from 'farm gate to plate'!
We always use organic fermented foods like yoghurts, vinegars and soy sauces as they are more digestible. We love preparing our grains, pulses and nuts to achieve the best texture. Our poultry, meats, eggs, fruit and vegetables are as organic as possible. Whilst we don't use many fats and oils, we love our organic butter and are sticklers for fresh GM -free vegetable oils for the little frying that we do. Our herbs and spices are all organic for extra zing! We're passionate about everything! Our slow roasted tomatoes, our slow simmer casseroles, the crunch of the vegies in our broth soups, and our fresh and lively curries.
We're helping local Australian organic and free range farmers build up their tight supplies. This effect is growing rapidly as more people better understand their food sources and are choosing to support a more sustainable food chain.
how much content is organic?
In most of our range we use a majority of certified organic or biodynamic ingredients, or those ranged free or wild and raised free of chemicals. That's why our ingredients change with the seasons.
(Certified organic ingredients require 95% content to be eligible for organic certification.)
Due to seasonal variations in supply of organics, sometimes ingredients are not available at all. Spring and summer provide the best range for popular ingredients. Autumn and Winter still provide excellent nutrient value.
Where supply is a challenge, we use a complementary substitute ingredient or the conventional equivalent.
If a conventional ingredient is used, we endeavour to ensure that it is not genetically modified and comes from a reputable source.
how fresh are the ingredients?
The majority of ingredients are sourced fresh, or snap frozen if fresh is not possible.
Manufactured and highly processed ingredients are actively avoided.
special cooking techniques
Our team of seasoned food lovers embraces innovative culinary concepts and nourishing traditions from around the world.
We believe that how we cook is as important as the ingredients. So we ensure the nutrition and integrity of our offering leaves our premises in the most wholesome form possible.
Here are just a few examples of what we do.
We use vital whole grains and pulses where possible (like brown rice, wheat, oats, rye, barley, spelt, millet, buckwheat, corn and quinoa, adzuki beans, split peas, split red lentils) as well as nuts, seeds and sprouts, as they are all perfectly packaged with nutrients and carbohydrates for maximum absorption.
We use wholemeal flour and raw sugar (like rapadura), as they have high nutrient levels and lower glycemic indexes (GI) than their more refined counterparts.
We avoid highly refined and processed ingredients (like white flours and sugars as they are no longer whole foods nor fresh - making them difficult to digest and key contributors to blood sugar, nutrient imbalances and intestinal problems). We use organic non-heat treated honey for sweetening where possible.
We avoid deep frying as this can damage the chemical structure of the fats and oils used which can make they unhealthy and even carcinogenic. When we do fry, we prefer to source GM free vegetable oil.
We avoid cooking at very high temperatures for long periods of time as this can damage nutrient content, texture and natural flavour.
When we slow cook, like our soups, curries and casseroles, we do so at lower temperatures for longer.
We avoid peeling vegetables and nuts as often nutrients are contained just below the skin eg, capsicum, tomato, carrot and cucumber, almonds and hazelnuts.
We soak and sprout foods where possible, such as lentils, as this increases their vitality, nutrient content and digestibility (for example soaking the beans overnight or for a few days, refreshing the water each day).
We use easily digestible fermented foods including organic yoghurts, vinegars and soy sauces which still contain live bacteria that enhance digestibility.
We use an international award-winning range of organic spirits, as well as organic wines and beer as these contain live cultures and acids that facilitate more effective marinating, and are in rich in flavour.
We handpick all our ingredients for each dish and have our fruit and vegetables delivered daily for ensure they are really fresh.
We're sticklers to preparation and timing! We make sure we prepare and add ingredients at just the right time, so they maximise flavour whilst maintaining the desired texture: sometimes chunky, sometimes smooth.
We don't use MSG.
We filter all water used on site.
what is...?
what is clean food...?
Clean food is a general term implying that food has been sourced from an environment that doesn't contain residues of toxins like pesticide and herbicides. Fruit and vegetables grown in the home garden could fit this description, or a farm that hasn't sought organic or biodynamic certification status, but that doesn't use toxic inputs or genetically modified (GM) seeds.
what is chemical free?
Chemical free is a term often used to describe that a product has either been raised totally chemical free, or that part of the growth or processing stage has been chemical free. It's a tricky description, and always worth reading the fine print or asking the supplier, to avoid paying a premium for a product that isn't really that 'clean' and chemical free.
what is GM free?
GM-free means the food is not genetically manipulated.
Original foods® actively avoids using GM ingredients as we don't believe they are original foods! We have to be diligent though.
what is free-range?
Free-range generally clarifies that livestock have been reared in an environment where they can range freely every day to feed and exercise. For example, all certified organic chicken has to be ranged free and cannot be caged. This means that the birds peck in the foliage and scratch in the dirt, ensuring they are well exercised, have plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and consume a significant portion of their diet from pasture. As a result, various studies show that their eggs and meat are a better quality food source, that they often have a different content profile than non-free ranged animals. For example, their fat content may be lower, the gelatine content in the bones higher, and the taste richer. The animals are generally healthier and have a better life than their non-free range counterparts.
what is wild game?
Wild generally means the animal has been raised in the wild, and game generally refers to animals that historically have been hunted in the wild. We stock some game, including rabbit and venison. Importantly, some of this game has actually been farmed! So it isn't really wild. We can let you know where the stock has come from.
what is organic?
Organic products are those that have been produced without the use of artificial inputs such as man-made chemical fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, growth promotants, antibiotics, irradiation, bleaching or genetically modified organisms.
For this to be possible, production relies upon more long-term sustainable practices from 'farm gate to plate'. Generally, the principles ensure that the soils are well cared for, which in turn provides healthier crops and animals. Key points of difference include encouraging crop diversity and rotating crops, which makes them more resistant to disease, using natural fertilisers such as compost, and natural herb-based sprays, and antibiotics like garlic. So the land is actually enhanced. Animal welfare is also important: foraging and grazing on natural pastures is essential, as is adequate space and eating only certified organic feed.
Our organic produce is sourced from farmers using modern technology and ancient traditions - both large and small-scale. The organic cycle generally takes longer, actually uses less water and is generally in tune with the seasons.
Choosing organic often supports our local producers - boosting their local economy and employment. So our supplier relationships are strong and very important to us.
What is biodynamic?
Biodynamic is a system of farming very like organic farming. Many of the key principles are the same, like using natural manures, fertilisers and pesticides. Both practices focus on nourishing the soil, which in turn produces robust plants and food for us or animals. Biodynamic farming practices were developed by a German called Rudolph Steiner. He researched and wrote much about the importance of following the seasons and the activities of the moon (like planting at a full moon when seeds have the best chance of growing well). Many of these principles have been practiced by farmers around the world for millennia. He also worked on the energetics of plants and epoused how various preparations from plants can facilitate growth and combat predators and disease.
can you taste the difference?
Organic and biodynamic products are often described as very flavoursome: "the way food used to taste". This is particularly noticeable the more of it you eat, then, when tasting the conventional equivalent again. Organic and biodynamic brands are winning international awards over their non-organic counterparts, and we have constant repeat business.
is it better for you and what about quality?
Numerous international studies have shown that organic produce contains more nutrients and less toxic residues than its non-organic counterpart. As with any purchase, it pays to be discerning. We source our produce from reputable, certified producers where possible.
is it more expensive?
It can be, but not always. And it takes a broader analysis to determine if organic, biodynamic and free-range prices are simply more cost-reflective of the price of real food. Producing goods using these methods requires more labour & maintenance, and there is minimal access to government subsidies for growers, unlike conventional farming which is heavily subsidised. There are also broader benefits such as better farming practices and land care. So an extra dollar now when we choose organic, biodynamic or free-range could save personal, corporate and tax dollars in land and water resource regeneration and health care costs, both now & in the future.
And course, when produce is in season, prices may even be lower than conventional counterparts. This means we can make fantastic preserves and condiments that will last throughout the year.
who wants it?
Australian and overseas research indicates people of all income brackets purchase organic. Once they understand the principles and the broader benefits, they commit to the category, either for some or all purchases. Understanding and appreciation is growing rapidly, particularly amongst those when have been touched in some way by health concerns or environmental degradation, and those who are 'socially aware' and 'early adopters' of new trends.
facilities
Our set up is second to none. Our integrated facility is located in Collingwood, inner Melbourne, Australia. It includes our head office, purpose built commercial kitchen, warehousing and distribution, delivery fleet, kitchen door and coffee nook.accreditation
We take great care in handling all of our products. We maintain the highest food standards requirements possible. The facility is HACCP licensed and approved for food handling, ensuring quality and safety. We are audited by independent authority Australian Certified Organic (ACO) for organic food handling and production. We also have liquor licenses for sale and service from the Victorian Liquor License Authority. The enterprise is a member of Austrade and ACO.
why is reaching for 'certified' standards important?
original foods® generally fulfils the highest level of organic certification available in Australia for a processor and wholesaler. This is on a par with the most stringent international standards.
The majority of our inputs are certified organic products. This is our only guarantee that the producer has adhered to very stringent organic guidelines, which get rigorously audited. We also adhere generally to wholesaler and producer requirements. We adhere completely to the standards when making some of our products that are certified organic. Penalties apply for non-adherence, ensuring industry integrity. The Australian Government and industry certifiers are moving toward more consistent labelling and authenticity requirements. Reaching for 'certified' organic demonstrates we recognise the unique aspects of this vital sector, which need protecting.
why original foods® ?!
original foods® means many things to many people.
Our business was born from a desire to make more readily available food that is imaginative, wholesome, tasty and natural.
We seek suppliers committed to growing and raising pure, unadulterated ingredients.
We're all about embracing innovative concepts and nourishing traditions.
our graphic means many things to many people as well!
Is our happy face a baby or a pac man? Are they eating a bean, a seed or a sausage?
We like to think our happy face can be anyone. Our food is for everyone.
We like to think they're enjoying a seed of some sort, seeds are very symbolic. They contain life. They can grow into more life if they are nurtured, even after years of neglect. In fact, when seeds are prepared properly (soaked and sprouted, or lightly roasted), they actually contain more nutrients. Food preparation is important. All this makes for excellent eating.
And that is what original foods® is all about - excellent eating for everyone.
