by Danielle Rippingale
You are probably pretty cozy with your organic grocer by now, or perhaps you are getting your organic fruit and veggies delivered right to your door (see the April 17 issue of Tokyo Eco online at www.weekenderjapan.com). However, there is a world of organics that you may be less aware of, and that will tantalize your taste buds and appease your conscience knowing that you are making a conscious decision to choose products that are healthier for you and the planet.
Bring some organic flair to your kitchen with this delicious all organic Italian dish and accompaniments that are readily available in Tokyo. Discover how organics not only taste wonderful, but offer premium quality ingredients at prices that are often comparable to conventional pantry items in Japan.
Appetizer: Try something new and choose from the delectable selection of eight organic vegetarian pâtés from Tartex including Green Peppercorn, Chardonnay Cote d’Or, and Truffe Champagne (¥578–¥630 at Kinokuniya or www.choosee.com) with Borsa Organic Mini Toast (¥280 at Seijo Ishii and Meidi-ya) and a selection of organic dried fruit from Spice Bazaar (from ¥546 at Hill Side Pantry, Daikanyama Hillside Terrace B1).
Main Course: Italian Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil(serves 2–3) with Salad
• 250g Girolomoni spaghetti (¥452 for 500g) or penne (¥305 for 250g) • 350g jar Alce Nero Basil and Tomato Sauce (¥504) • Girolomoni extra virgin olive oil (¥1,050 for 250ml) • 1 clove garlic • 2 organic tomatoes • 5 basil leaves or Spice Bazaar dried organic basil (¥231 at Hill Side Pantry, Daikanyama) • Pine nuts and salt to taste
Preparation: Wash and cut the tomatoes into quarters. Pour the oil into a pan and sauté the tomatoes with a clove of garlic, chopped basil and pine nuts, and tomato sauce. Cook the pasta in salted water for eight minutes; drain and toss in the previously prepared sauce in the pan, leaving it to absorb the flavor for a couple of minutes. Garnish with pine nuts & basil. Organic farms make up just 0.6 percent of farmland in Japan, meaning that Japan greatly depends on organic imports from overseas.
Salad: Organic tomatoes and salad greens dressed with delectable Destination Nature Organic Vinaigrette with Apple Bouquet (¥945 for 500ml), or make your own dressing using organic Emile Noel cold-pressed nut oils (from ¥1,470), organic mustard (wholegrain or dijon, from ¥384), and organic cider vinegar from Delouis Fils (¥683 for 500ml).
Dessert: Perfectly paired french press or filtered fairtrade and organic Alter Eco coffee (¥840–¥945 for 250g) with Alter Eco chocolate (various flavors, ¥525) and Croc’s French biscuits (various flavors, ¥630).
Beverages: Enjoy it on its own or mix a mimosa using delicious Vitamont pure pressed organic orange juice (¥987 for 1L) and Vida Organica sparkling wine (¥2,200). The eco-sommelier in you can delight in the growing number of organic wines on the market, including those from Frey Vineyards California (from ¥1,900 at Natural Mart) and Cono Sur Pinot Noir or Chardonnay (¥1,150 at Kinokuniya).
Clean up your dishes using style-conscious and all natural ATTITUDE dish liquid (¥987 for 500ml). With pleasing scents like lavender and grapefruit, ATTITUDE offers natural and vegan cleaning products that are effective and free from the toxic parabens, SLS’s, artificial colors, and fragrances that most cleaning products contain. Low package refills coming soon!
Bon Appétit! Unless otherwise noted, all items are available at Kinokuniya or online at www.choosee.com
Green Glossary SLS’s or Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (ryu-san-en in Japanese) – originally used as an industrial degreaser and garage floor cleaner, it is a cheap and toxic detergent used in most household and personal care products (shampoos, toothpastes, etc.) as a foaming agent./a
