Needing some veggies, and remembering my last supermarket experience, I wandered in to my city’s version of the popular Whole Foods Store which caters to those who want produce that is a cut above the ordinary. I wasn’t disappointed, as the store, which goes by the name of Eden (from the Garden of Eden, I presume) is definitely a “garden of earthy delights”. The first thing one sees is the store’s layout, which is definitely more upscale than the average supermarket, and even has synthetic parquet flooring to add to the atmosphere.
Browsing though the spice and dried fruit section, I could see that not only was there virtually every kind of spice and fruit available, but arranged much more orderly and cleaner than a similar place might be in an open air produce market. That also goes for the fruits and veggies; and one has a choice of purchasing either regular produce or organic. The organic produce is much more expensive, though, and they had a guy standing there to weigh and price the items, to prevent people from paying for non-organic stuff, which is a lot cheaper, when they check out. Even the bags you put the fruit in are different, the organic ones being green (wonder why?).
One thing most people really notice in this kind of store is that junk food like most carbonated soft drinks, regular potato chips and corn chips, etc. are not available. Neither are the candies and cakes that usually are big selling items in regular supermarkets. The candies, cookies, and cakes that are available have less sugar and whole grains in their make up. And what chocolates are available are at least 60% pure cocoa, which is said to be very healthy for the heart.
Beers and wines that are in stock are mostly from small independent breweries and wineries, with many types being organic.
Am impressive assortment of dairy products are also available, made from low-fat milk products, as well as from soy and other vegetable ingredients. Cereals and granola products are also more healthy types, with most made form whole grains, much of them organic. And the breads; they are in a class to themselves.
The meat department features only “free running poultry” and range fed beef and other hoofed animals. Even the fish looked more healthy, as if they may have actually been taken from unpolluted water – if that’s possible now days. Although the prices for these meat and fish products are much more than the usual supermarket prices, at least you know you’re getting something better for your money.
And the ice cream section, sells home made types that really taste like ice cream!
A full range of vitamin supplements, much of them natural, are also on the shelves, with helpful salespeople to assist customers to purchase the right type needed.
All in all, these stores are worth a visit, even if only occasionally. We might all take heed the words from a popular health club commercial: “you have only one life; so live it well”.
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