Whole Story

The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog

Fig Food Co.

By Marc Hamel and Ha Lam, October 8, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Marc Hamel and Ha Lam
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.

 

495 Comments

Comments

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!
10/12/2011 7:58:54 PM CDT
Marcia A. says ...
How wonderful to see food going straight from the market to the kitchen without any extra processing! Fall & winter are such a great time for soup - I'm looking forward to trying some new varieties from Fig Food Co.
10/12/2011 7:58:59 PM CDT
Amanda Poole says ...
Anyone who takes the time to get to know the farmers in their farmers market is okay by me. Your soups are amazing and your purpose is even better! Keep it going!! If everyone could live more simply and "Be the change they want to see", the world would be a better place. You guys set a great example.
10/12/2011 7:59:34 PM CDT
Jennifer Keahl says ...
Our family shares very similar philosphies. We are regulars at our farmers market and love the satisfaction of making our food from fresh and local ingredients. Bravo Fig Food!
10/12/2011 8:01:36 PM CDT
Lucy says ...
I have never heard of Fig Food Co., but I am now inspired to try their products.
10/12/2011 8:04:51 PM CDT
katharine green says ...
We love white beans in our family. Nutritious & yummy w/cornbread, onions -- eat it southern w/fried okra or fried green tomatoes, even better.
10/12/2011 8:06:25 PM CDT
Rachel B says ...
Fig Foods is making a soup I can love and also be proud to buy. I put that much thought into ingredients I use so I can appreciate Henry's thoughtful process.
10/12/2011 8:07:16 PM CDT
david dyson says ...
we love organic
10/12/2011 8:07:53 PM CDT
Helen says ...
I'm going have to try out their soups. Sounds delicious!
10/12/2011 8:09:06 PM CDT
Sharon says ...
Truly inspiring...I have to try these soups!
10/12/2011 8:13:48 PM CDT
gina says ...
I admire that he chose to go organic. with time, organic products will become more marketable and competitive.
10/12/2011 8:15:04 PM CDT
Rosie says ...
I love the regional/naming idea. Who says that just wines have a sense of "place"?? Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing.
10/12/2011 8:15:26 PM CDT
Robyn Faber says ...
Henry's soup philosophy is applicable to the whole gamut of eating, drinking, and living a healthy lifestyle. When our meals celebrate the richness of earth's wholesome plants and spices, it brings a smile to the eaters and well-being to our souls.
10/12/2011 8:19:24 PM CDT
Alaina says ...
Soup is one of my favorite things to eat, and when I have the time, to make. Knowing and caring what goes into a soup is key to having it taste good so what Fig Food Co. is doing is awesome.
10/12/2011 8:19:27 PM CDT

Pages