Mamatha Rangan, Malini Vijayakumar and Manjula Dutt, three sisters with a passion for food, had been catering at children’s birthday parties for around five years when they decided to do something a little closer to their hearts. They had always been interested in sourcing organic food and living greener lifestyles, and in January this year, after lots of planning, Vriksh — the Organic Store was born.
Home atmosphere
Located in a house in Vyalikaval, the store stocks a variety of organic products ranging from fresh veggies and greens to grains, snacks, cosmetic products and even underpants made of organic bamboo cotton. “We wanted a home atmosphere,” says Manjula. The peaceful space with its roomy verandah was exactly what the trio was looking for, and the attractive premises certainly contribute to Vriksh’s charm.
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Every Friday, small amounts of fresh organic produce such as carrot, beans, cucumber, lime and spinach grown by farmers in the Nelamangala area are sold there.
It also has imported organic apple cider vinegar, molasses and ‘super foods’ such as flax seeds, as well as items such as unpolished sona mussoorie rice, musk melon seeds and amla jaggery jam from recognisable stables such as Vanastree, Navadarshanam and Arya.
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Most of its products are sourced from Karnataka, and the sisters are keen to promote local individuals and organisations involved in organic farming or manufacturing.
Mamatha acknowledges that their fresh produce is usually more expensive than the regular veggies in the market, but says this doesn’t deter customers. Malathi R., one of Vriksh’s customers, says organically grown produce is the “most wise investment” she can think of for her family. The bonus is the “pleasant shopping experience”.
Vriksh — the Organic Store can be found at 88, 3rd Main, Vyalikaval or online at www.vrikshorganics.in.