Want to eat well? Eating is more than just satisfying our hunger. More and more people are thinking about the kind of food we eat and whether it is nutritional. Does it have chemicals? And what exactly is healthy food?
Slowly, but surely, the amount of organic produce is increasing in The Kingdom. Perhaps not visible at first glance, once you dig into the details, there is an abundance of fantastic organic produce available. We’ve done that digging for you to help you easily find organic produce near you. Ask sellers at the market where fruit or vegetables come from and they’ll answer honestly, many vegetables come from Thailand or Vietnam and some fruit from China, Australia or New Zealand. They will proudly point out the Cambodian produce and proclaim its superior quality, especially if it is also organically produced, that is to say without adding chemical pesticide. The use of chemical pesticide is common in Cambodia, with products coming from Vietnam or China the farmers either don’t know the safe quantities to use, or cannot read the instructions, which is cause for concern. However, they’re wisen-ing up and the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers is in decline.
Growers
Some farmers are growing vegetables during the alternate season to rice farming, however, it’s a steep learning curve because the knowledge is vastly different to that required for growing rice. Organisations like CEDAC (Cambodian Centre for Study and Development in Agriculture) provide training to farmers to help them diversify. They also have a network of small shops to connect farmers to buyers. Heifer also supports sustainable agricultural teaching through their program that aims to link communities to agriculture and commerce. Through organizations, businesses and professional groups, Agrisud shares knowledge and gives the necessary skills to those groups to transfer the skills for organic farming. Happy and Co Farm have one of the biggest chemical-free farms in Siem Reap. Their goal is to produce locally grown, chemical-free fruit and vegetables, whilst providing local jobs to support the community. They involve their local community, as the farm has no fences, and they invite neighboring farmers to learn their techniques. Eggscellent produces high quality, chemical-free chickens and eggs to the hotel and restaurant industry in Siem Reap. They pride themselves on quality, fair jobs and happy chickens.
Distributors
So, how can you get your hands on this great produce? Throughout Phnom Penh there is an abundance of small stores managed by organizations such as CEDAC and Natural Garden and, on certain dates, a produce market at Farm to Table restaurant. In Siem Reap, small producers sell their produce at the local farmers market (held on Sunday mornings at Asana, Old Wooden House cocktail lounge near Pub Street) and the Siem Reap Food Co-op (opposite ISSR school, open daily with pre-order available). Happy and Co also have a small shop on Street 26, just past Sam Veasna Center.
Home Delivery is available from Natural Garden and Happy and Co Farm. Just order online and receive fresh organic produce to your door!
Restaurants
A growing number of restaurants also see the importance of having the best quality local produce on their menu. It would be difficult to list them all however, there is organic produce appearing on the menus of restaurants from small family-run establishments to high end fine dining venues. In Siem Reap, look out for Moloppor Wat Damnak, The Team, Sister Srey Cafe, The Hive, Vibe Cafe, Haven Restaurant, Artillery and Malis. In Phnom Penh, make your way to Eleven One Kitchen, Farm to Table, Backyard Cafe, Vibe and Malis.