Knowing how your food is grown and where it comes from is one of the ways to get started on the journey of sustainable eating. The growing, storing and transportation of food products leave behind a substantial amount of ecological footprint. Choosing organic vegetables over vegetables grown with chemical pesticides and herbicides are a good way to start. But did you know that you can also enjoy other earth conscious ingredients like rice, pulses, legumes, ghee, honey, gur and more? Homegrown brands and eco-farms in West Bengal are championing sustainable food, hyperlocal ingredients — growing slow and steady to traditional, organically produced food to tables. Not only are they championing organic farming, but also helping local communities.
My Kolkata lists a few sustainable food brands that you can explore.
Amar Khamar
Amar Khamar brings more than 100 regional, natural and value-added food products from farms to the tables of conscious eaters. Started in 2019 by Sujoy Chatterjee, the brand sells from its store in Dhakuria, the cafe-cum-store Annaja in Gariahat, and through their website. One can get a variety of locally grown, organic, unpolished rice from Bengal like Dudheshwar, Rupsal, Khejur Chhari, Laal-Sada Dudheshwar, Kanakchur, Tulaipanji, Karpurkanti, Kalonunia, Narasinghajota, Kolaboti, Pakhi, Chine Kamini etc. They also have a range of organic spices, honey, ghee and condiments like kasundi and goyna bori. These are sourced from cooperatives, farmer producer companies or from local organisations working with small-scale farmers.
Top picks: Rice, jaggery, hand-grounded spices, ghee
To order: Visit their stores in Dhakuria or Gariahat or order online.
Earth Story Farms
Earth Story Farms began its journey in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic by delivering farm-fresh organic vegetables around the city. Now delivering pan-India, the brand takes pride in the chemical-free and sustainably grown produce from their own farm in Bankura’s Sangunsara village, along with their ethical business practices with partner farmers. Co-founded by Abhishek Choudhary and Senjuti Mahato, the brand is pioneering ingredients made in small batches like seasonal jaggery, ghee, pickles, kasundi and more.
Top picks: Bangla Kasundi, Nolen Gur, Taal Gur
Order: WhatsApp on 6289519925 or order online
Kopai-Paar
Founded by Neha Rungta five years ago, Kopai-Paar began as an online brand for sustainable handicrafts. Named after the majestic river Kopai flowing through Santiniketan, the brand too resonates with the creativity of the land. Besides handicrafts, they also have fresh produce grown in their farm in Bibirhat in South 24-Parganas. One can get ingredients like hand-pounded turmeric, organic vegetables etc. They ship worldwide.
Top picks: Fresh veggies
Order: Order online
Bagan Farm
Bagan Farm is a family-run organic farm at Duttapukur in Barasat that offers seasonal herbs and vegetables. Between October to February, the farm organises farm-to-table menus that feature dishes made from organic produce on the premises and locally sourced ingredients. Deliveries of seasonal farm vegetables and products are made throughout the year. The founder of the initiative is Zareen Ali Desai, who is also a head chef at the Bagan Farm. During winters, it is a perfect place to experience the farm-to-table concept. The fastest-moving season special? Mangoes, of course.
Top picks: Seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs
Order: Call +91 98300 24179
