We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Fig Food makes delicious soup. If you’ve tasted it, you may already know this — but did you know that in every batch of organic, kosher soup, someone has thought about how to pack in the most organic plants possible? “The choices we made around being kosher, being organic, using a new package; it all comes from my own personal passion and wanting to leave a legacy of making the world a better place,” says Joel Henry, founder and owner of Fig Food.
Every choice that Henry has made can be traced to this philosophy, from the seasoning of their soup, the decision to go organic to naming the soups after the areas from which they draw flavor inspiration. (Tuscan White Bean, Yucatan Black Bean and Umbrian Lentil are a few examples.) “Part of making the world a better place is about reconnection; connecting to the farmer, connecting to other people,” says Henry. “I thought if we named the soups with cool names, people would explore the regions to see what they stood for.”
When Henry made the decision to go organic, he asked himself, “ ‘Is it more important to get more people access to plant-based foods and be conventional, or be organic?’ To me, organic growing practices are all about a better environment, and so if I have healthier people in an environment that’s declining, that didn’t sit well.” And so it was. Their lightly salted soups are organic, plant-based and tasty.
Have you ever considered all of the thought that goes into the soup you’re eating? Let us know about your thoughts on Henry’s soup philosophy. Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by October 25th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.
Sounds yummy! Love beans, healthy and happy environment, thanks for more organic options!
10/12/2011 7:33:06 PM CDT
Dawn Scire says ...
Never 'thought' about that before, but his 'thoughts' for soups are interesting... :)
10/12/2011 7:35:29 PM CDT
Fran says ...
Henry's soup philosophy simply sells soup - make the world a better place. Works for me. Thank you.
10/12/2011 7:37:43 PM CDT
Rose says ...
Oh my gosh, I cannot wait to try this soup. It looks like something so yummy, like what I would make at home, but this is something I can enjoy when I have no time to put it together. Great to have on hand. Thanks for a great product, and by the way, I LOVE the name! Kudos to you!
10/12/2011 7:38:04 PM CDT
Holly Oswald says ...
Have been making my own soups for a while. Not only organic items to be healthy but one or two days before my shopping trip I make a soup with assorted items left over from the week so we do not waste food. Have come up with some interesting soups and it is a great way to make sure everything is eaten and to not waste food.
10/12/2011 7:40:00 PM CDT
Debby Van Hook says ...
Yum! Nothing like soup for the soul on a cold winter's day.
I look forward to trying Fig Food Co. soup in the near future.
10/12/2011 7:42:10 PM CDT
Susan Vogt says ...
My Mom makes her soups from scratch with organic vegetables, and we all enjoy it so much. It sounds like the Fig Food Co. has the same philosophy....looking forward to trying them!
10/12/2011 7:42:16 PM CDT
Melissa Harris says ...
I definitely know how much work goes in to good soup! I love making soups with roasted fall vegetables. My partner and coworkers BEG for some!
10/12/2011 7:45:31 PM CDT
Randy says ...
I could live on soup alone.
10/12/2011 7:47:57 PM CDT
Emily says ...
Wow, I've never thought about that before! Now that I am, I think Henry's philosophy is really good--I wish more companies would have it as well.
10/12/2011 7:48:00 PM CDT
william muraoka says ...
Please make the grilled tofu with spicy peanut sauce and keep putting out the steamed broccoli and roasted garlic of my good
that is good.
Vegetarian Pad Thai would be good too...kids love
thanks Bill Muraoka
10/12/2011 7:49:15 PM CDT
Fiona says ...
Fig Food is doing what I am trying to do for myself - recognizing that food is something that strengthens and enriches - not just calories we cram down our throats!
10/12/2011 7:49:34 PM CDT
helenlam says ...
I'm really impressed with them. I love soup in the winter and it's good to see varieties that are healthy and low sodium!
10/12/2011 7:50:25 PM CDT
Sarah Curtis says ...
I love making soup for my family it is a wonderful way to get a balanced meal! I am excited to purchase Joel Henrys soup for some inspiration and exploration into my own soupmaking!!!
10/12/2011 7:50:53 PM CDT
Nikki S says ...
His philosophy is alot like what I teach my girl scouts. Discover, Connect, Take Action! Very cool to see real life application!
10/12/2011 7:51:10 PM CDT
Katherine P. says ...
I've always believed that thought and love go into truly delicious soup. I look forward to trying Henry's Soup.
10/12/2011 7:52:01 PM CDT
Jennifer says ...
I had never heard of Fig Food Co. but after seeing this video, I can't wait to try it! It's always nice to know how and what the ingredients really are in our food, especially soup, since there are so many components. The low sodium is a HUGE plus for me since my parents are watching their sodium intake.
10/12/2011 7:52:38 PM CDT
Peggy Heilig says ...
I've tried the Tuscan White Bean soup and it is very tasty - and rather filling, as well. When I saw it on the shelf, I thought "what a strange name for a soup", a love figs, but not as soup, but am very glad I tried it.
10/12/2011 7:52:45 PM CDT
ginny murray says ...
fig food company is awesome, I can use it in so many ways. The taste helps bring out flavors and enhance the texture. So glad they had someone in isle to help me understand fig food and how they use it. wow, great fine. thanks so much.
10/12/2011 7:55:22 PM CDT
Lynette C. says ...
Amazing company!! Can't wait to try them,my hubby has to have low sodium everything now!! So aside from me making it for him,this would be anice sub!
10/12/2011 7:56:50 PM CDT
Susan S. says ...
all the organic layers of flavor really make a difference and create a delicious healthy soup
10/12/2011 7:56:57 PM CDT
Anna Crandall says ...
What a great soup! I just don't have time to get together all of those ingredients and make soup from scratch, so it's good to know someone has my back!
10/12/2011 7:57:51 PM CDT
Sharon says ...
Soup philosophy is in line with my philosophy for great eating.
10/12/2011 7:58:04 PM CDT
Rebecca Fly says ...
Thank you Fig Food company for providing quality, healthy soups.
10/12/2011 7:58:38 PM CDT
Shannon Cleckler says ...
I think Henry's philosophy on feeding people with sustainably-grown/harvested, fresh ingredients is the way to go: it's the future of food. If more people felt and produced their products this way, we'd all benefit!
Welcome to Whole Story, the official blog of Whole Foods Market. Don't know us? In a nutshell, we are the world’s leading natural and organic grocer and we’re passionate about healthy food and a healthy planet. Learn more about us.
We’re lucky to have a whole bunch of smart, passionate people doing incredible things in areas like organics, supporting local growers, green practices, fair trade, micro-lending and all kinds of food related stuff. We’ll use this blog to share some of the cool things going on around here.
Of course what makes this blog really exciting is YOU — so join the conversation!