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.
Organic is important--especially when we make food to nourish our bodies and to heal from an illness.
10/12/2011 9:37:58 PM CDT
James Shoemaker says ...
Aloha everybody, so Henele (Henry) is rockin out with health care, fossil fuel independence & the reduction of greenhouse gases -I guess my thoughts on Henele's soup philosophy is Kulia i ka nu'u, we're with ya on Maui Brah !
10/12/2011 9:46:37 PM CDT
Lauren B says ...
Love Henry's philosophy! Aside from all the health and community benefits of organic plant-based ingredients, I appreciate his focus on local products and his support of local farmers -- love the idea of creating a pot of soup based on what's freshest at the market that day. Watching the video motivated me to get to the farmers market Saturday, stroll and grab what catches my eye, then get back to my kitchen and let my instincts and imagination run wild. Can't wait to try Fig Food Co. soups.
10/12/2011 9:48:51 PM CDT
Daryl Keighley says ...
Joel Henry's voice is very comforting.......it makes me want to try his soups. I make much of my own food, but it's great to have something on the shelf (fresh seasonal ingredients, low sodium) that echo what we also do in our own kitchen.
Thank you.
10/12/2011 9:50:45 PM CDT
M says ...
I've definitely considered the thought behind soup as a maker of soup. I appreciate his care in choosing ingredients and using foods that are good and in season rather than being stuck on an ingredient that may or may not be able to be found in top quality. I also found the origin of the name Fig Food interesting.
10/12/2011 9:51:39 PM CDT
EM says ...
Wow! I'll have to give this a try, especially now that soup season is right around the corner!
10/12/2011 9:51:59 PM CDT
Sam says ...
looks amazing, can't wait to try it!
10/12/2011 9:54:13 PM CDT
karen says ...
Love Henry's soup philosophy, doing the right thing. Working with real farmers, using real ingredients, and using nothing artificial- wish all companies would think like that. Makes me want to support this company and try the soup..
10/12/2011 9:58:14 PM CDT
Justine Rutter says ...
It is sure an interesting concept. The connection between the food and the farmer is one of the most importent.
10/12/2011 9:58:16 PM CDT
Judy Nadler says ...
This sounds like a very tasty, healthy and nutritious line of foods that I will definitely have to try.
10/12/2011 9:58:35 PM CDT
Becky says ...
I never really thought about the attention that companies put into what goes into my soup- I think that in more recent times, companies are becoming conscious of this and that's a great thing!
10/12/2011 9:58:37 PM CDT
Anne Tedder says ...
I love the part where Henry talks about making a difference.
10/12/2011 10:01:45 PM CDT
Lori R says ...
Interesting, will have to try the products.
10/12/2011 10:02:01 PM CDT
Fran says ...
Great story. I'll keep an eye out for these
10/12/2011 10:02:47 PM CDT
Rachel Chang says ...
It's relieving to know that there are foods that are in the market that is actually healthy for you :) This definitely opened my eyes out for Fig Food Co.!
10/12/2011 10:02:55 PM CDT
Maria S. says ...
I totally agree.
10/12/2011 10:03:25 PM CDT
sarah omelia says ...
It is extremely refreshing to see someone take an honest stand for what they believe in and to share it with others.
10/12/2011 10:05:05 PM CDT
Heidi Newman says ...
I make most of my own soups from fresh, organic produce and whole grain pastas or grains. However, it sure is nice to know high-quality fresh and wholesome pre-made soups exist.
10/12/2011 10:11:57 PM CDT
Sarah B says ...
Excellent philosophy Henry's. Keep up the good work.
10/12/2011 10:16:55 PM CDT
corina kelley says ...
I haven't purchase much soup from the market, as I always make it fresh from my organic garden, but to know the quality put into this soup is a great thing and definitely worth a try! Thank you
10/12/2011 10:19:38 PM CDT
Vickie V. says ...
I agree with and also follows Joels comment that, " at every point..what is the right choice." (paraphrased) This is so true in our everyday life it is all about choices and making the right choices...even when it comes to eating. A great way to live life too. I also like the fact that Henry Fig products only use products our grandmothers would recogize...so true (read a label)...I want to know the ingredient and pronounce it. And, try to follow this way of life too.
10/12/2011 10:20:32 PM CDT
Lori says ...
Soup looks great!
10/12/2011 10:31:24 PM CDT
Z.Grimm says ...
I think his philosophy is a great idea. That's an amazing looking farmer's market he's at as well. I look forward to trying his products.
10/12/2011 10:36:18 PM CDT
tom says ...
yum, organic veggies...this soup sounds good
10/12/2011 10:42:49 PM CDT
Heather says ...
Fig soups are great and I love to heat them up for lunch. I also really enjoy making my own homemade soups with all organic ingredients. It makes you feel warmer, inside & out, knowing that what you decide to eat also affects the earth and supports the farmers and laborers who take the time to grow organic produce.
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.
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