The Ottawa Citizen / Wednesday, December 12, 2001
Column: Gay Cook / Source: Citizen Special

Organic food is hot these days. Not only are people talking about it, but they want to buy organic products in places that are convenient to find.

This doubtless explains why some major supermarket chains have jumped on the bandwagon by offering an organic line of foods.

With Christmas dinner just around the corner, you may find organic ingredients at some supermarkets.

And at the Ottawa Organic Farmer's Market, open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you may find frozen turkeys or chickens. Home delivery may be available. Fresh poultry can be ordered from Debbie DeCooman, who also offers fresh ciders.

Lamb and pork is sold by Gary Clover. Fresh vegetables come from Bryson Farms -- multi-coloured carrots, potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, even 100 varieties of salad greens.

Also look for freshly baked organic wheat breads, and gluten-free spelt and millet-flax breads from bakeries including Little Stream Bakery. Other organic products are olive oil, cold-pressed flax seed oil, Christmas cakes and cookies.

The market is at Ecole Parsifal School, 1644 Bank St. To get there, follow the lane just south of the Canadian Tire Gas Bar near Heron Road and Bank Street.

It's unfortunate the market is so difficult to find. Surely these producers need a more convenient home.

"I have a vision that we'll have a secure and permanent spot some day soon as I would like to see the market grow, offering more diversity -- from mushroom vendors outside to vendors with refrigerated fresh meat. But we don't want to compete with the Byward Market," says Art Ketting, spokesman for the organic market.

Philip Powell, Byward Market administrator, recognizes the growing popularity of organic products. He says it's natural for the city's market staff to help accommodate it.

"People can't find us and we are the only farmers' market that is open year-round," says Graham Beck of the Little Stream Bakery. "I would like to see the market open more days because people are searching for quality, nutritional food."

For details, call Mr. Ketting, 256-4150.