in my mind's zen garden

The Raw Food Movement: Ready For The Mainstream?

Posted by Randomguru | Filed under Health & Lifestyle

The ultimate fringe food culture sexes it up for the mainstream…
—from Raw Food Chat

Earlier this morning I had an epiphany about Whole Foods, that hip, expensive place that’s pretty much the ONLY supermarket where I can buy organic, raw vegan foods in mass quantities.

Yes, I think its time has come, that the Raw Food Movement is ready for the mainstream.

Not Just A Fringe Group Anymore

Formerly a “fringe” group of vegans intent on going that additional step toward a 100% raw food diet, raw foodists (or raw vegans) are beginning to benefit as large health food companies like Whole Foods is really beginning to embrace the whole raw food movement completely.

I recently have been able to buy organic raw vegan meals at Whole Foods. Mainly courtesy of Leaf Cuisine. And, being a raw vegan who’s been having trouble creating my own raw gourmet dinners at home, it’s a blessing that now Whole Foods offers a more complete experience for the raw vegan, and not just organic fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Leaf Cuisine Does Good

Leaf Cuisine seems to be the main supplier of organic raw vegan meals, averaging between $5 to $10 per entree. Available meals include: Raw Vegan Pad Thai, Rawsagna (yes, a raw version of Lasagna!), Bombay Burrito, Veggie Sun Burger with Salsa, and Falafels with Tahini Sauce… all raw, vegan (vegetarian with no animal products), and 100% certified organic!

Raw Caesar’s Salad Dressing

One item that’s a “godsend” for raw vegans is Leaf Cuisine’s raw caesar salad dressing! I’ve tried it and it’s delicious, though it doesn’t really taste like traditional caesar salad dressing with the anchovies of course. I mean, where else can one get a raw vegan caesar’s salad dressing that’s certified organic?

Availability Of Raw Vegan Meals on the Rise

Anyway, knowing that there is a growing availability of raw food meals out there is very reassuring for someone like myself who’s been struggling with creating my own gourmet meals at home. Of course, nothing wrong with the big hearty garden salad. You can always add whatever raw ingredients you’re in the mood for at the moment. But it’s good to know there are more choices out there.

[ This post is my contribution to RBJ's April Collaboration Project... in connection with Earth Day ]

Tagged : Health & Lifestyle, leaf cuisine, raw cuisine, Vegan, vegetarian

Comments (View Comments) | April 24th, 2008