Organic Products in Mérida

The term organic products, like those that have labels saying 100% natural, bio-degradable or ecological, are healthy products that were cultivated without pesticides or chemical agents, are fresh, have not been genetically modified, and/or come from animals that are raised in healthy, non-aggressive environments.

The variety of organic products sold in Mérida is found in specialized stores, networks and co-ops, temporary organic tradeshows, and in some supermarkets that have a few shelves of things that include coffee, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat and some processed canned or frozen foods. There are even personal hygiene products.

The production of organic products does not contaminate the environment – the land or water, and respects the traditional knowledge while promoting biodiversity and conservation. Most importantly is the fact that the producers are mostly indigenous people or social organizations that receive a fair cut on the price of the product. This practice is known as fair trade.

How to identify organic products:
Organic products can be distinguished from those that aren’t organic by the label that certifies and guarantees that the product was produced naturally. Organic products imported from Spain have a label that says bio, French products say agriculture biologique, and the American ones say organic. They all refer to the same thing–organic. In Mexico, the label should say orgánico.

In recent times, with the organic boom, many companies say their products are organic and have logos saying their product is natural, but they don’t have the organic label. If you see products that say “100% Natural” don’t be fooled, as there is no law that regulates labels, making it hard to know what the product has.

Where to find organic products:

There are local networks and retailers (church groups, schools and social groups) that sell organic products that are cultivated at the Ecological Agricultural School in Maní U Yits ka’an (Knowledge from the Sky) and in agro-ecological farms that are part of the Comercio Justo Farmers/peasants Network. At the Lord of the Misery church on Calle 41 at 32ª in San Ramón Norte, each Tuesday from 9 AM to 2 PM Mexican shopping bags (sabucán) with a variety of fresh vegetables are sold. These organic foods include vegetables, fruits, eggs, and honey, and cost about $170 pesos. To take advantage of this you have to register and pay a month in advance. Tel. 948 0475.

Natural and Organic Aromas sells white and brown rice, cranberry, coffee, honey, cashew nuts, Neem products, and biodegradable sun block. They also offer natural jellies, frozen concentrates and salsas, along with personal care products. Their address is Calle 50 No. 249 between 47 and 49 Francisco Montejo. Their schedule is 10 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM. Tel. 953 3238.

At Organic Café you will find coffees from the diverse regions of Mexico, tofu in various flavors, candies, jellies, honey, soymilk, nuts, personal hygiene products and repellants. They also have marine algae products in small sizes. 
Calle 33D shop 1 by Reforma Ave between Cupules and Colon, by the shady trees. 
Tel. 925 2831. Open 9am – 7:30pm Monday – Friday; Saturday 9am – 2:30pm.

The grocery store Comercial Mexicana at Gran Plaza and Mega Balcones also has freshly packed products such as tofu and veggies – but not all the time. You can also find soy oil and olive oil, brown rice, beans, dried fruits, cookies, hibiscus tea flowers, milk, honey, teas and jellies. 
Tels. 944 23 80 and 981 2633.

At Costco you will find bottled whole and soymilk, along with frozen veggies and fruits, and fresh tofu. Tel 942 46 50.

In Super Chedraui, located near the Convention Center in the north of town on the Mérida to Progreso highway, there is a small section of foods Products of the World with foods from Asia, Spain, USA, France, Italy and the rest of the world.

They also have some natural and organic products along with some light products. 
At WalMart you will occasionally find fresh and frozen fruits, olive oil, cereals, soymilk, juices, jellies, pastas, catsup, tomato sauces, soy-rice dream and teas.

Text by: Guadalupe Moreno Lacalle

Email: cafeorganicodemerida@yahoo.com.mx