One of the first things you notice as you enter Cali's Natural Foods is the produce refrigerators. My initial reaction was that they are going for a more eclectic approach, more basic, down to earth. I didn't think much about it.
Until I overheard talk about it. Turns out that there is actually a very good reason for all those vibrant looking fruits and veggies to be displayed the way they are.
First, they are kept in a refrigerator. That helps to keep the temperature constant, at a lower level than what is normally acceptable for humans. Other grocery stores keep their veggies in an open-air cooler, which might have a temperature that is cooler down at the bottom, although up at the top, they also have to keep humans in the store to buy things, which means a little warmer climate.
Next, the veggies that need water to stay fresh are kept in water. This keeps the veggies alive... and well, better tasting! If it is all about the quality of the produce you buy, live veggies are the way to go.
According to Chard, the produce manager, they keep growing, too. He says that when he turns the cilantro he notices the new growth since the last time he talked to it. Chard used to work in a 'normal' grocery store, and claims that when produce came in one day, they were already tossing it out the next. At Cali's, produce stays alive and beautiful much longer.
This basic, down-to-earth approach is a brainchild of owner, Ian Brandt. He has been working for years on discovering the inner personalities of each fruit and veggie in order to preserve their vitality and life. It is his goal at Cali's to have the freshest organic produce available, and is always looking for ways to improve on what he knows. Because of his efforts, we all benefit by having at our fingertips the freshest, organic produce to put on our own tables. Thanks Ian!
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