how to shop organic in paris

France isn't just a country that appreciates meal time, it's also a country that frowns upon many of the practices that have, in my humble opinion, spoiled the American food system. The French have been actively resisting GMOs and many of the pesticides which have been approved and promoted within agriculture in the U.S. Some have also gone as far as to jump on the organic, or rather, "bio" food wagon. Although I can't say I only eat organic--I neither have the budget nor the patience to do so--I do value it in the sense that I believe it's the way all food should be.

Lucky for me, Paris market culture has embraced the belief as well. Le Marché Raspail (on Sunday mornings) is the largest organic food market in Paris, but the second largest is at Batignolles... exactly two metro stops away or a brisk 20-minute walk from my humble abode. It is teeming with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, flowers, clothing, dairy products, breads, raw nuts, dried fruits, honeys, jams, and lightly prepared foods. In other words, it's a pesticide-fertizilizer-GMO-antiobiotic-hormone-(etc)-free feast for the eyes. Seriously though:

Though there have been countless debates as to whether organic food really is more nutritious, my belief is that it is most likely safer for our bodies and most definitely better for the environment, and I am very much committed to supporting the two. You, sweetheart, have just taken a peek into my new Saturday morning routine. With a stop at Naturalia afterwards, for good measure.

I may not have much of a kitchen, but I will continue to do my best to enjoy the organic bounty throughout the season. On the raw menu this week: apples, tomatoes, and cucumbers. I'm looking forward to cauliflower, pears, broccoli rabe, mushrooms, and potatoes sometime soon. Bon appetit, indeed.