Where to find Organic Products in Mérida
The term “organic products,” as well as those with the label "100% natural", "biodegradable" or "eco", usually relate to healthy products that were not grown with chemical pesticides or agents, are fresh, have not been genetically modified, and that the animals are raised without cruelty. They have better nutritional and culinary quality, flavor, and texture, which benefits healthier physical development in children.
The variety of organic products sold in Mérida are found in specialty stores, consumer networks and co-ops, farmers’ markets, or in supermarket chains that have realized the importance of this growing trend. It includes coffee, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat, as well as processed and packaged foods, even personal care products.
Organic production does not contaminate the environment (soil and water), respects traditional knowledge, and promotes biodiversity and conservation. Organic products are free from toxins such as preservatives, antibiotics, pesticides, and additives; they do not contain steroids; in many cases are homemade; and most importantly, the producers (indigenous and social organizations) generally receive a fair proportion of the final price through so-called fair trade.
How to identify them
Organic products are distinguished from those which are not by the seal of certification which guarantees that ingredients and products are natural. Imported organic products from Spain have to say "Bio"; from France, "agriculture biologique"; from the US, "organic"; they all mean the same. In México the products only have to be labeled "organic".
Since the beginning of the “boom” of organic food, many companies have developed their own logos to say that their products are natural, but they do not carry the organic seal. If you see products that are labeled as "100% natural", don’t be fooled, as there is currently a law that regulates labeling. So you really can't tell what a product might contain.
Where to get organic products
U Yits ka'an
There are networks or merchants at the local level (parishes, schools, social organizations) that sell organic products grown at the ecological agriculture college in Maní “U Yits ka'an” (Sap from heaven) and from the integrated agro-ecological farms belonging to the peninsula’s rural network of fair trade. In the El Señor de la Misericordia, Calle 41 x 32A, Fraccionamiento San Ramón Norte, every Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm they distribute a package (sabucán) with a variety of fresh foods including vegetables, fruits, eggs, or honey. In order to obtain it, you must first subscribe and pay each month in advance. Tel. (999) 948 0475.
Café Orgánico offers coffee from various regions of the country, chocolate, cookies, horchata, ice cream, honey, bee pollen, soy milk, fines herbs and chipotle dip made from tofu, gluten-free granola, herbal teas, organic repellents, and personal care products. They also carry earthworm planting soil in small packages and other gardening products.
Café Orgánico
Calle 33D local 1 at Avenida Reforma
(Calle 72), x Cupules y Colón,
Centro Comercial Colón.
Tel. 999 925 2831
Ya’axtal Eco-Tienda & Café carries a wide array of organic foods, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and eggs.
Prolongación de Montejo x Calle 23 and 25
Tel. 999 926 4989
www.yaaxtal.com
Soriana at Gran Plaza and Mega Balcones carries packaged fresh products, tofu, and vegetables, but not consistently. They also carry soybean oil, olive oil, brown rice, beans, dried fruit, cookies, jamaica, milk, honey, teas, and jams. They also offer products for diabetics. Tels. 999 944 2380 and 999 981 2633 (Mega Balcones)
Costco carries cow and soy milk by the bottle; fresh tofu, and frozen vegetables and fruits. Tel. 999 942 4650
Chedraui Selecto, near Centro de Convenciones Siglo XXI on the road to Progreso has a section called "Products of the world": from Asia, Spain, USA, France, Italy, and the rest of the world in small quantities, including organic and natural products. They also have Light products and products for diabetics.
Wal-Mart have fresh fruit, olive oil, cereals, soy milk, fruit juices, jams, pastas, teas, and products from the label Aires del Campo. They also have Light products and products for diabetics.
The Mercado Fresco de Slow Food de Yucatán (Farmer’s Market) is open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Café Orgánico, Calle 33D local 1 at Avenida Reforma (Calle 72), x Cupules y Colón, in the Centro Comercial Colón, to sell homemade, natural, and organic products, such as organic vegetables, sprouts, fruits, organic farm eggs, pickled gherkins, poultry, food from Korea, Argentina and Peru, homemade bread, Neem products, cheese, honey, Royal Jelly, pollen, quail eggs, herbal infusions, preserves, herbal oils, coffee, tofu, chocolate, kefir, mushrooms, granola, vanilla, peanut butter, dressings, and more. Help save the planet! Bring your own shopping bag! Come each week to be pleasantly surprised, and spend a pleasant time with others that savor the "Slow" eating style.
Slow Food Yucatan is a non-profit eco-gastronomic organization that promotes healthy production and consumption of food produced locally, preserving the rich culinary heritage of our region. This provides benefits to local farmers and artisanal producers, as well as healthy and delicious benefits for anyone who eats in Yucatan. More information for new members: chefsterling@los-dos.com
Terramaya Orgánica: organic turkeys.
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