Wildly Organic: Organic Living and Food

Photograph of dandelion by Christine Moss

Living organically — what does that really mean?

By Chef Christine Moss, The Garden Cafe Woodstock

Living organically. What does that really mean — particularly in the context of food? There are plenty of how-to guides available and everyone has their own take on how it should be done. It's good to think about and develop your own personal meaning for living organically. 

I know that my eating habits tend to fluctuate depending upon what is going on in my life (I have a hunch that I’m not alone). Admittedly, there are times when travelling or extra busy days at work when ‘food-like’ items find their way into my mouth just to quell the rumbling in my stomach. But a result of eating blindly is that I will often feel more tired afterwards, congested and disconnected. Maybe a bit grumpy too.

Then somehow, something magically triggers my memory and I remember to reach for some organic greens or a carrot or fruit. I munch on the dandelion leaves and mustard greens growing in my yard. I pick some mint and add it to my water or lemonade. Why the weeds? As much as I want that victory garden just steps from my doorstep, I am not home enough to tend to one. The weeds are already here; wild, vital and full of amazing nutrients.*

I include them chopped up in salads, tossed into soups or even as toppings for tacos. I give thanks when I harvest — thankful that nature has my back every time I turn to her for help. It can be hard to believe that something as simple as eating fresh, straight-from-the-earth can improve our health. But it is true, food is medicine.

When we include wild and organic foods in our diet, our cells remember that we are vital energetic beings. 

Yes, there will be days when it is just not possible to eat the way I really want to, but it is important to not shame myself when that happens. Instead, including a variety of locally grown and foraged foods every day possible, for me, is an organic way to live. 

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*Please use a reliable guidebook for your area when eating your weeds. Or use an app such as inaturalist to identify any plants you are uncertain of. Also, do not forage along the sides of roads, or in areas that have been sprayed with pesticides.