If you’re looking for organic food in Bogota, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. The first and easiest point of reference for newcomers is Bioplaza. But I find it relatively expensive and wanted to shop organic produce. Not just organic chocolate and vegan burgers.
It’s a misconception that your local fruit store sells organic produce. Most fruits and veggies are grown using just as many pesticides as they would in the U.S. And with such little regulation and control here, who knows what metals and chemicals go into your produce.
Seriously, one time, a guayaba and a mango stayed intact in my fridge for over a month. Scary!
Of course, you also have the option of buying from the organic selection in your local grocery store. But the selection is never that great and produce is usually small.
After doing a bit of research, I found 2 companies that deliver organic produce straight to your home: Semilla Andina and La Canasta. I must admit that I’ve only purchased through La Canasta and have had much more contact with the owner, Daniel, the farmers they work with and of course, the products.
If you’re looking to buy organic food in Bogota, here’s a few reasons why you should consider La Canasta instead of Exito, Carulla or Olimpica.
You receive seasonal produce
Seasons give the earth a chance to rest and replenish itself. As a result, fruits and vegetables are more nutrient rich. If the same item is constantly grown in the same soil, eventually it loses some of its nutritional value. La Canasta works with organic farmers who sew produce that can naturally grow. Nothing forced.
You won’t receive apples in the summer if you know what I mean.
You get a surprise box every week
To limit waste, you receive a box full of what the farmers have produced. Whether you have ordered a box of either fruit, vegetable or both, La Canasta sends you what is ready to be consumed.
You eat what mother nature intended. Isn’t that lovely? We’re used to getting what we want, when we want. But when it comes to the Earth, we should learn to welcome whatever it can provide us with.
No worries, you can also get add-ons of specific items you’d like to receive.
It’s super cheap
Organic food in other parts of the world is expensive. Organic food in Carulla is expensive. With La Canasta, organic food is not only fair-trade, it’s cheaper as there are no big players and few intermediaries.
Supporting local farmers
Organic food in Bogota is not really a popular thing. Maybe in a few small circles, but generally speaking people don’t see why they should pay more for smaller produce that doesn’t last as long in the fridge.
Daniel, the owner, explained that some of these farmers would have to go to the popular local markets in Bogota to sell their produce, which although took longer to grow, would have to be sold at the same price as that of other farmers. As they have less produce that perishes faster, they would make less money.
La Canasta works with over 30 farmers that practice organic farming and is a small company with a few constant clients. As a result, every client really plays a part in supporting these farmers.
This farmers humble home
They offer day trips to see the farmers first hand.
It’s nice to see what the actual plant of the items you consume look like! Sometimes you’d be surprised! Learn about the farmer’s life and farming practices. But most importantly, feel the love they have for the land and get an idea of the hard work they do to provide you with the food you purchase.
I had the chance to visit a small family-run farm. All I can say is that tasting homemade cheese with milk from the cow standing across from you and coffee that’s been ground by hand by the very people that are hosting you is priceless…
There’s so much merit and work that goes into every bite.
You save yourself from nasty chemicals.
Chemicals are everywhere. From the air we breathe to the products that come in contact with our skin, we are sponges that absorb everything in our environment. Although we shouldn’t freak out about it, eating organic food gives us some type of peace of mind.
Have you read about the dirty dozen? Avoid them by eating organic food. Most fruits and veggies found at your local fruit store are watered using the Rio the Bogota. If you don’t know, everything from waste, to chemicals gets dumped in this river. This means that to some degree, this gunk seeps into your produce and gets passed on to you. Eating organic may help you avoid chronic diseases and more down the road. Think about it.
No hippy shit. But by buying organic, not only do you do your body good for many unlisted reasons, but you support small local producers and essentially families. I strongly recommend buying more organic food in Bogota as it’s never been so affordable.
Although you don’t get to choose the specifics, you can select between a few basket options. And that’s the beauty of it. You consume what’s in-season. Not produce that’s been forced to grow where it doesn’t belong. Conscious consumption shows you care about your body, your environment, and the local economy. Isn’t that lovely?
If you want to order, be sure to take a look at their website. For farm tours and more underground food events, check out BogotaPopUps!
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4 comments
Aloha! Thanks for the article.
I am going to be in Bogotá for a little more than a month, I am Macrobiotic and looking to find the highest quality produce available. It’s sounding like La Canasta is one of the top options. Is their produce certified organic, organic-model, or no/low spray?
BTW: The other link for Semilla Andina no funciona…
Hi David, I haven’t used Canasta in years but it’s a great option.
This is very good information!!! I was really looking for something like that. I checked their prices and they seem better than Carulla 🙂 I’ll give it a try.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Alyni,
I’m a faithful customer myself! I strongly recommend them 😉