J U LY 2 0 2 0 | I S S U E # 1
YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING AND STORING VEGETABLES & FRUITS IN JULY
www.theorganicworld.com
Skin & haircare during monsoon
The slow food concept
CONTENTS 1
Buying and storing fruits and vegetables
4
Skin and haircare durring monsoon
7
Boost your immunity
9
Home care during monsoon
11
The slow food concept
13
Recipe: immunity boosting sheera
16
Top oers
20
New products
22
Activities
What fruits and vegetables should I consume this month? Talk to any organic farmer and they will say that most vegetables and fruits - barring a few like onions, bananas and potatoes - are seasonal. And it’s also important to eat seasonal, to make the best of the nutritive values and freshness. Here is your guide to what vegetables and fruits you should buy this month.
Vegetables Lady’s finger Cucumber String beans Cluster beans Capsicum Sweet potato
Fruits Corn Bitter gourd Bottle gourd Baby pumpkin Snake gourd
Mango (like kesar/alphonse) Totapuri cherries Plum Peach
What fruits and vegetables should you avoid during this season? During the monsoons, people tend to fall sick more often. Viral and bacterial infections increase: this is the season for colds, the flu, stomach problems, poor digestion… the list is endless. Here are a few foods that you should try and avoid to ward off health problems. Green leafy vegetables: Increased mud and moisture at this time mean bacteria and germs can linger longer on the roots and leaves of vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Make sure you wash and cook the leaves properly avoid eating them raw
Washing fruits and vegetables properly is a must. Try the BubbleNut Wash - Natural Fruit and Veggie Foam Wash for a deep clean. Fried food: The digestive system slows down during the monsoons. Avoid heavy, fried food. Instead, opt for baked snacks. Cut fruits: Avoid eating cut fruits and salads outside, as they could be exposed to contaminants. Waterborne diseases are especially common at this time, so make sure you always drink water from a safe and trusted source.
Mushrooms: As they grow in the damp soil, the chances of bacterial infection are higher at this time. The key is to ensure you consume them soon after buying, wash and cook them well.
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How should you store fruits, vegetables and other staples to keep them fresh during the monsoons? With humidity levels rising during the monsoons, food spoilage is a common problem. Food items can get soggy and damp; increased levels of microbial growth can lead to food getting rotten/spoiled. It becomes all the more important to store your fruits, vegetables and staples properly to ensure that they remain fresh. Here are a few suggestions: Foodgrains: Worm infestation is a common problem. To avoid this, let your grains soak in some sun at least once a week. If there isn’t enough sun, take a newspaper, spread the grains on it and warm them in the microwave. Store in a cool, dry place in airtight containers, preferably glass. Neem leaves or camphor pieces inside the jars act as a deterrent to worms. Spices - whole or powdered - should ideally be exposed to sunlight once a week.
Vegetables: High moisture levels make vegetables rot faster. Wrap veggies such as beans, spinach, cabbage, capsicum and coriander in newspaper ďŹ rst. This will absorb excess moisture. And then store in ziplock bags to ensure they stay fresh. Fruits: Fruits such as plum, cherries and peaches can be stored in paper bags at room temperature if they aren’t ripe. Once ripened, store in the refrigerator to increase longevity. Sugar & Salt: Store in airtight containers, preferably glass. Adding a few grains of raw rice inside the jar will help absorb any moisture present.
SKIN & HAIRCARE DURING THE MONSOON Rising humidity levels mean only
It becomes all the more important
one thing: skin (and hair) woes!
to follow a proper skincare and
For starters, your skin may start
haircare regimen that oers
to behave unpredictably - dry one
plenty of TLC. Opt for organic
day and oily and acne-prone the
products that are free of harmful
next. Infections are commonplace.
chemicals and gentle on your
Similarly, your hair can go from
skin.
lank and dull to frizzy and dry in a matter of hours.
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SKIN CARE Keeping your skin clean is critical
Go for: Organic Harvest Serum &
at this time as it can get oily and
Aroma Masks.
attract dust, which results in pores getting clogged. Wash your face with
Remember to keep your skin
a mild soap-free cleansing facewash
moisturised, especially if you have
and then use a herbal face scrub to
dry skin. Opt for a non-greasy one
gently exfoliate and cleanse. This
that won’t block your pores, leaving
prevents blackheads and leaves your
your skin feeling supple.
skin clean and glowing.
Go for: Soul Tree Apricot
Go for: Soul Tree Nut Grass Face
Moisturiser, Soul Tree Moisturising
Wash, Organic Health 3-in-1 Face
Gel for Oily Skin.
Wash, Native Circle Moisturising Face Scrub
Always remember to apply sunscreen before stepping out or
Your skin tends to lose its PH balance
even at home. Just because there
at this time, so toning becomes
isn’t too much sun doesn’t mean UV
critical, especially to prevent
rays are not present. An SPF of 30
breakouts. Opt for a flower-based
is a must.
toner.
Go for: Nutrinorm Wellness
Go for: Just Organik Rose Water,
Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Soul Tree
Nutrinorm Wellness 3-in-1 Toner
Sun Protection Cream SPF 100
Your facial skin often ends up
When using makeup such as kajal
looking dull as the humidity can strip
or lipstick, always use products that
your skin of various nutrients. Sheet
are organic and chemical-free, so as
masks are a good way to brighten
to not cause any damage to your
up your skin by providing a much
skin.
-needed boost of nutrients and
Go for: Soul Tree Pure Black Kajal,
hydration. Fruit masks are especially
Soul Tree Lipstick Wild Honey
refreshing.
B O DY C A R E
HAIR CARE While bathing it is important to pay
Hair can get especially limp at this
special attention to areas like your
time, so wash it often, but make sure
armpits, groin, the skin below your
you use a gentle shampoo that
breasts - they are especially prone
doesn’t strip your hair of its natural
to fungal infections owing to the
oils.
overall damp conditions. Use a gentle herbal body soap /
A hair mask is a good way to nourish
wash that has antimicrobial
and hydrate your hair from within.
properties to keep these infections
Hair fall is especially common at this
at bay. Another problem area is the
time: try and use hair oils/powders
skin between your toes - a warm
that contain bhringraj, which is a
soak in water with a few drops
wonder herb to control this problem.
of tea-tree oil is recommended.
Another common problem is dandruff as your scalp tends to get
And for a bit of downtime, why not
itchy and dry.
enjoy a long relaxing soak with
Go for: Soul Tree Anti Dandruff
bath salts?
Shampoo, Organic India Hair Vitality
Go for: La Flora Himalayan
Bhringraj Oil, Organic Shop Argan &
Bath Salt
Amla Hair Mask, Soul Tree Hibiscus Shampoo
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BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY Cloudy skies, gusting winds, rain and dipping temperatures: the monsoons are a welcome relief from the scorching summers. But this is also the time our immunity levels take a dip. With dampness, humidity and rain, bacterial and viral infections - cold, u and stomach ailments - are more common. And this year, with the world in the grip of the Coronavirus pandemic, a strong immune system that will protect you from infections assumes even more importance. Here are a few foods that you must include in your diet in order to boost your immunity.
Vegetables
Yoghurt: Yoghurt and other fermented food contain probiotics that promote beneficial bacterial growth in your gut and thereby boost the immune system’s response to fighting disease. Yoghurt also contains Vitamin D, another nutrient that is key in battling colds and flu.
Tea: Whether it is black or green, tea contains a good amount of flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. They are immunity-boosting and can destroy free radicals that cause damage to healthy cells.
Green leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach, broccoli are rich in vitamins, iron and antioxidants. But remember to wash and cook them properly before eating, as germs and bacteria can linger longer on the leaves and roots owing to increased dampness at this time. One of the healthiest vegetables that you can include in your diet at this time is bottle gourd. Rich in dietary fibre, it promotes gut health, and has good amounts of iron and vitamins. Another must-have vegetable is bitter gourd, which has high amounts of vitamin C and anti-viral properties. Also consume Indian squash or tinda and snake gourd, which have a high antioxidant content that helps boost immunity.
Dry fruits Dry fruits such as almond, dates and walnuts are bursting with immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals. Almonds, for example, have more than a dozen nutrients such as magnesium and riboflavin and contain Vitamin E, a key antioxidant that positively impacts lung function.
Fruit: We all know the importance of consuming citrus fruits in staving off colds and viruses - their high vitamin C content helps in strengthening our immunity. So try and include lemons, oranges and gooseberries in your diet. Other fruits that you should eat, which are similarly beneficial include jamun (rich in fibre and minerals like potassium, iron and vitamins), cherries ( powerful anti-carcinogenic, helps in controlling cholesterol, rich in antioxidants and potassium), pomegranate (rich in B-vitamins and good for heart health), papaya (keeps the digestive tract healthy, high levels of vitamin C, good for hair and skin as well), peach (rich in vitamins and carotenoids).
Spices: Spices - whole and powdered - that we use often in our cooking are filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties as well a host of vitamins and minerals. Make sure you include good amounts of turmeric, fenugreek, asafoetida, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, pepper and ginger in your food. Turmeric has more than 300 nutrients as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Consuming raw garlic can boost the number of virus-fighting T-cells in our bloodstream.
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HOME CARE DURING MONSOON While we may welcome the dipping temperatures during the monsoons, the high humidity, lack of sunshine and perennial dampness can wreak havoc within the four walls of our homes. Wet floors, fungus growing on damp walls and a naggingt musty smell are common problems. Here are a few ways you can tackle them. Tackle musty smells:
Use cleaning liquids to mop floors:
Due to the lack of sunshine and dampness, especially due to wet clothes and walls, you may experience musty smells in your home. Make sure you open the windows to allow fresh air in whenever feasible. Lighting fragrant incense sticks is a great way to get rid of the smell. Aurofeel Incense Lemongrass Sticks, Aurofeel Incense Sandal Sticks
Bugs, flies and mosquitos are a common problem at this time. Use a cleaning agent that can repel such bugs while mopping floors. Make sure you let the floors dry properly before putting carpets or walking on them. Pay special attention to corners, areas under furniture and bathrooms. Home Strategi Disinfectant Floor Cleaner & Insect Repellent, Wild Ideas Handmade Liquid Bathroom Cleaner
Change your linens: Increased moisture levels can make your linens feel damp and smell. Change them at least once in two weeks. Wash using a natural, fragrant detergent Frosch Liquid Detergents, Bubblenut Wash Laundry Detergent
Clean wooden furniture with care: Wooden furniture can get especially damp at this time. Use a natural wood cleaner to wipe wooden furniture and floors, which will not only effectively clean but protect the wood as well. Frosch Wood Cleaner
Keep toilet bowls and drains clean:
Keep your carpets rolled up:
Drains getting clogged is a common problem at this time. Make sure you periodically check your drains for any blockages. Not only does this result in stench spreading through your home, blocked drains are a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Clean the toilet bowl regularly to ward off any bad smells and insect infestation. Use a cleaner with natural ingredients so as to not stain the porcelain bowl material Frosch Vinegar Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Damp carpets are a sore point in this season. To avoid this, roll them up and store in a dry place till the rains abate. Use bamboo mats or rubber carpets, especially at the entrance of the home. Also keep an eye out for any loose wires and cover/pack any exposed wires to prevent shocks.
Use air diffusers: Not only will they fill your home with a beautiful scent, the oils have a natural calming effect on you as well. Pakhe Ceramic Tea Light Diffusers
Use natural repellents: Mosquitos and bugs are a common problem at this time. Make sure there is no water accumulating anywhere as this a breeding ground for such bugs. Use natural repellents to keep them at bay instead of harmful chemical ones. You can use incense sticks, repellent sprays and vaporisers. Not only are they devoid of any harmful chemicals, they also leave your homes smelling fresh and fragrant! Aurofeel Incense Citronella Sticks, Herbal Strategi Ant Repellent, Herbal Strategi Mosquito Repellent Vaporiser
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THE SLOW FOOD
concept Priyanka Raj is a passionate home-chef turned food consultant. She believes how we cook should take into consideration our health, the sociological and ecological impacts of our food choices and creates recipes that honour the abundance of fresh local produce. In her blog she puts the spotlight on conscious consumption and shows you how a healthful diet is not one full of compromises. Insta: the_slow_kitchen
The Organic World: What is the Slow Food Concept? Priyanka Raj: Slow Food is a global, grassroots, non-profit organisation that was set up in
1989 to fight the advent of fast food, standardisation and industrialisation of food. Founder, Carlo Petrini's efforts stoked a reaction from a small group of local farmers and triggered a revival of interest in local foods and traditions. The movement expanded rapidly and spread to 160 countries with as many as 1300 local chapters. The concept of slow food links the pleasure of food with a commitment to the community and the environment. It celebrates food that is good, clean and fair. Good: Food that is delicious, made from good quality ingredients and celebrates regional diversity and culture.
Clean: Food that is grown and harvested with methods that have a positive impact on our local ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.
TOW: How can we incorporate this into our lives? PR: As consumers, we can orient the food-production market by demanding wholesome foods. And work with the producers, collectively, to diminish the ubiquity of fast food and increase the production and consumption of whole foods. We can help by patronizing restaurants that source their ingredients locally. Checking out local food festivals is also a great idea.
Fair: Good, healthy food should be accessible to all, regardless of income, race or any other factors. The people who produce our food should be treated with dignity and compensated fairly for their hard work.
TOW: How does this benefit us and the environment? PR: I truly believe eating is a political act because food is tied to so many aspects of life: culture, agriculture, the environment and politics. Our food choices greatly influence how food is cultivated, distributed and its overall impact on the climate. While we continue to waste one-third of all the food produced, there is no denying the existence of a looming food crisis. By 2050, our global food demand will have doubled.
TOW: As someone who follows this philosophy, do you have any suggestions or cooking tips on how we can be more mindful when cooking? PR: Embracing the root-to-stem (or nose-to-tail) ideology when cooking can make a huge difference. In my personal opinion, choosing to use one part of the plant or animal and discarding the rest is disrespectful. You'll find recipes for stems, peels and leaves that would otherwise be thrown. Everything starts with soil- a windowsill herb garden, a vegetable patch in the backyard or just a few vegetables in pots; growing our own food, however little that may be, not only shortens our supply chain but also helps us reconnect with nature and gain newfound respect for the laborious intricacies of farming.
In developing countries, like ours, about 50% of food is lost in the production chain. To successfully avert the food crisis, we should all support small-scale farmers and promote local economies and consumption. Organic food is locally grown or raised without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics or hormones making it nutritious and nourishing for our bodies. TOW: As a brand, how best can you tell this story? PR: Restaurants and other food businesses can help and participate in the Slow Food Movement by using locally sourced produce from small-scale farms whenever possible, by respecting environmental conservation regarding food production and making whole, flavoursome foods accessible to their guests at reasonable prices. Brands can also educate their customers about food miles and the negative impact thereof.
TOW: Zero-wastage is a key mantra of this movement. As individuals what are a few things we can do to ensure this? PR: Yes, food waste is a massive problem but the good news is that it's an edible one. Implementing small changes like conducting a pantry audit before shopping, buying less fresh produce and more often, storing produce properly, freezing or sharing/donating excess, getting creative with using produce that is past its prime and composting can divert up to 200 kgs of organic waste per family from the hitting landfill.
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IMMUNITY BOOSTING SHEERA INGREDIENTS: (Makes 2 cups of Sheera) Well Be Foods Organic Besan – 1.5 tablespoon Well Be Foods Organic Whole Wheat Flour – 1.5 tablespoon Well Be Foods Organic Almonds - 6 Desi Ghee – 1 tablespoon A2 milk – 2 cups Organic Black pepper powder – ¼ teaspoon Organic cardamom, organic cloves (crushed) ¼ teaspoon
For Garnish (Optional)
Organic turmeric powder - ½ teaspoon
Saffron strands
Organic jaggery powder – 3 tablespoon
Organic cinnamon powder
METHOD Boil the milk and keep aside. Soak the almonds in half cup boiling water for about 15 min. Remove the skin. Chop them into thin slivers and keep aside. In a heavy saucepan/vessel, melt the ghee. Add the floursand fry till it’s golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma(Around 3-5 min.). Switch off the flame. Add the rest of the ingredients, except milk and mix well. Now add the boiled milk and stir well to avoid lumps. On a low flame, bring to boil, stirring constantly. Serve hot with a garnish of saffron strands and cinnamon powder.
Notes: Besan (Chickpea flour) is high in
Adjust sweeteness as per taste.
protein, zinc, magnesium and other
For a vegan version, substitute the
minerals.
whole milk with plant based milk and
Besan Sheera is traditionally used
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil / Vegan
to alleviate symptoms of cough &
Butter in place of ghee.
cold, and as an immunity booster.
The combination of turmeric powder,
In this recipe, a mix of Besan and Atta
ghee and black pepper along with
is used, for a more wholesome taste.
A2 milk provides the immunity
If you prefer a gluten free version,
enhancing capability of golden milk.
just substitute the Atta with equal
Spices offer warmth to the body along
quantity of Besan.
with their immunity boosting powers.
Almonds are rich in bio available
This is not a replacement to any
Zinc. It can be avoided, in case of
medication, only a traditional recipe
nut allergy.
offering a little boost to our immune system.
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Healthy Kitchen With Wellbe WHOLESOME ORGANIC KITCHEN STAPLES. PULSES | GRAINS | OILS | SPICES | FLOURS
Make a conscious, healthy, sustainable lifestyle choice. Choose Wellbe. At Wellbe, we are creating healthier alternatives for the modern Indian family. We provide you with nutritious, ethically-sourced, chemical-free and tasty staples that are of the highest quality. By choosing Wellbe, not only are you choosing nutrition and better health for yourself and your family, but you are also positively impacting the environment and community. Shop Now at theorganicworld.com Also available at The Organic World Stores
TOP OFFERS Shop for any 1 Wellbe product and 1 Zero
Here’s a lowdown on offers that will be
Waste product of minimum 1 Kg and get
running through different weeks in July:
5% off on each product. Shop for any 5
Week 1
Wellbe products and 5 Zero Waste
Buy Nutri Org 500g Chyawanprash and
products of minimum 1 Kg and get 10%
get 250g free for 1 week
off on each product. Shop for any 10
Hero WellBe product WellBe Oils
Wellbe products and 10 Zero Waste
Week 2
product of minimum 1 Kg and get 20% off on each product There are offers galore on our Beauty and Personal care products. You will 20% off on the entire range of Soul Tree & Nutrinorm Wellness products, 15% off on the entire range of Native Circle, Natural Vibes and The Herb Boutique products, 10% on Mitvana products and 5% on Wild Ideas.
Buy 1 get 1 free on Typhoo Tea Immunity Booster 20 Tea Bags (Pack of 3) Hero WellBe product – Dry fruits- Cashew, Raisins & Badam Week 3 Virog buy 1 get 1 free on 200g variants Vedic Vida buy 1 get 1 on Vedic Vida Apple Cider Vinegar Hero WellBe product: Sonamasoori, Basmati white rice & Brown rice
It’s raining offers in our homecare range.
Week 4
Avail 25% discount on Frosch’s Lemon
Native Circle LLP buy 1 get 1 free Edible
Stain remover. Buy anything else from the
Syrup
Frosch range of products and get 5% off.
Geofresh buy 1 Genego C tablet get 1
There’s also 10% on the entire range of
Moringa tablet free
Bubblenut Wash products and 5% on
Hero WellBe product -Ghee, Apple Cider
Herbal Strategi products.
Vinegar & Honey
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NEW PRODUCTS INDIA HEMP CO Don’t miss trying their range of hemp-based Protein Powders, Trial Mixes and Seeds. Sustainable and nutritious, hemp is rich in dietary fibre, Omega 3, 6, 9, iron, zinc, magnesium, & vitamins B and E. It contains all 9 essential amino acids and is believed to reduce symptoms of numerous ailments, improve heart health, and beneficial for the skin, gut and joints. They do not produce a mind-altering effect. AARSHAVEDA Their range of ayurvedic, organic and herbal products are Ayush, USDA, Indian At The Organic World, we have a whole host of new additions to our shelves this month. Here’s a snapshot of some of the products on offer
Organics(APEDA) certified. The Dasapushpam Mom Oil is ideal to nourish a woman’s skin during pregnancy and after delivery. The Kumkumadi Face Oil is a special formulation of herbs that have anti-ageing, anti pigmentation properties and nourish your skin. The Ashwagandha Root powder boosts your immunity and energy level, is good for reproductive as well as mental health.
NATURECAP MUSHROOMS
EKAM
Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants
Want to get rid of the damp smell
that help boost your immunity. You
that seems to linger everywhere in
may have enjoyed them in stir-fries
the monsoons? Try Ekam’s range of
and curries, why not try mushroom
fresheners. They do not use any gas
pickles from Naturecap Mushrooms
and are a smart way of making your
now? They are fat-free, contain no
room or even your car smell fresh.
artificial flavours, are suitable for
And there’s no better way to
vegetarians and diabetics. An
destress in these stressful times than
Organic Certified product, these
with one of their reed diffusers. They
natural and pesticide-free pickles
have a calming effect and are a good
make for a unique addition to our
replacement for flame-based
store.
candles.
RUNBUGZ Bid goodbye to nasty bugs this rainy season with Runbugz. Their range of mosquito repellents that come as patches, bands, floor cleaners, sprays, roll ons and sticks, are non-toxic, non-allergic and deet free. They also have baby-friendly vapour patches to give relief from nasal congestion.
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JUMBLED WORDS STAY HEALTHY! TIMIUMNY D ATOA N I X I T N S TA S N I I E T LT B O T R O G U D CERUTRMI STRAP
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