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.
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
joanne says ...
I love their philosophy..you can sense that it is really made with love...reminds me so much of the time families in olden days spend hours in the kitchen cooking up the best dishes they can...most, if not all, of their ingredients coming their own gardens/yards.
10/12/2011 7:59:26 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
Mary says ...
I love Fig soups. feeding someone healthy food is an act of love and we definitely need more of that in the world
10/12/2011 8:19:27 PM CDT
Stephanie V. says ...
I love the philosophy. Won't eat soup without knowing where all the ingredients come from.
10/12/2011 8:19:28 PM CDT
Ryan says ...
Sounds great! And healthy!
10/12/2011 8:19:42 PM CDT
Lynn says ...
I think Henry and his philosophy are commendable and are something to be applauded. It's so wonderful to see yet another person so committed to the environment, healthy eating, and a plant-based diet.
10/12/2011 8:21:24 PM CDT
shea says ...
awesome.
10/12/2011 8:21:33 PM CDT
Megan says ...
My mom used to put a lot of love into her soups too. Her soup is one of the most fond memories my family has. We would sit around the table on cold winter evenings sharing our daily activities over many bowls of her soup over the years.
10/12/2011 8:24:37 PM CDT
Elena says ...
I love the idea that making a good soup can as well be a contribution to making this world better. Every choice that we make changes the world around us, and it is important that we try to make positive changes. A very inspiring story and the soups sound delicious! Will absolutely try them next time I go to Whole Foods.
10/12/2011 8:25:23 PM CDT
Maureen says ...
I have to try this brand of soup now. It looks great.
10/12/2011 8:26:04 PM CDT
Albert Fang says ...
I think Henry's soup philosophy is practical and creative.
10/12/2011 8:28:44 PM CDT
Lisa says ...
I haven't heard of this brand but will definitely try them. I like that they are organic, low salt and from a small responsible company.
10/12/2011 8:28:55 PM CDT
AnneO says ...
I just discovered Fig' Food's Condensed Tomato! I always make homemade tomato soup, and never buy canned soups. Never. Sometimes I just don't have time to make it; and then I came across Fig, and the ingredients looked so similar to one of mine, I had to try it. My daughter loves tomato soup and we have it a lot. I love the lower sodium, because I'd rather use my own anyway.
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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