It is now widely accepted that organic free-range animals live a happier, healthier life, and that growing organic fruit and vegetables is better for the environment than intensive, inductrial food production. Good quality organic food also tastes great, and buying locally produced food reduces road miles, which is also better for the environment.
Although widely accepted now, Lady Eve Balfour was thought to be a radical woman in her time for believing these views. She was born in Suffolk and founded the Soil Association in 1946 as a result of her strong belief that food quality influences health and itself depends on the health of the soil in which it is grown. To read more about her work please see Organic Suffolk.
SUFFOLK ORGANIC FOOD
As you’d expect in this unspoilt county, we have more than our fair share of locally grown, organic produce. If you’re a lover of food and on the hunt for some great organic produce around Suffolk, you won’t be disappointed. There’s a great range, from cider, vinegar, mushrooms, lettuce, fruit and veg. Here we present some of the best producers and stores.
Most of our Organic Food Producers sell their wares through our fantastic Farms Shops and Farmers Markets so come and visit us soon so that you can sample this delicious and healthy food.
SUFFOLK ORGANIC FOOD SHOPS:
Carley and Webb – Framlingham and Woodbridge
Sells everything from organic vegetables and bread to macrobiotic products.
Contact: 01394 385650.
Hungate Health Store – Beccles
You’ll find a broad stock of organic goods here, including bread, biscuits, chocolate and drinks.
Contact: 01502 715009.
Leo’s Deli – Ipswich Railway Station
This deli prides itself on offering a great selection of organic produce, as well as plenty of high quality and less easily found food goodies.
Contact: 01473 687068.
Thompson and Morgan – Ipswich
Known widely as garden experts, Thompson and Morgan also sell organic seeds.
Contact: 01473 695224.
Wyken Farmers’ Market – Stanton, Bury St Edmunds
Wyken Farmers’ Market is another particularly busy one on the regional circuit and promises lots of organic fare.
SUFFOLK ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCERS:
Aspall – Stowmarket
For apple juice, cider and cider vinegar.
Aspall is a founder member of the Soil Association and has been an organic producer for 57 years.
Contact: 01728 860510.
Aston Organic Orchards – Risby, Bury St Edmunds.
For Bramley, Spartan and Grenadier apples.
Aston is part of the Cambridge Organic Food Company.
Contact: 01284 811668.
Bryden Organics – Dunwich.
For oriental salad leaves.
Contact: 01728 648960.
Bush Ley Farm Shop – Elmsett
For vegetables and fruit
Open July to October, the shop sells in season produce which is grown on its farm.
Contact: 01473 658671.
Capel Organic Mushrooms – Capel St Mary
For mushrooms
A well known company throughout the region, they grow and pack a wide variety of mushrooms which are favoured by several local restaurants.
Contact: 01473 311245.
Clarkes Lane Orchard – Beccles
For fruits.
This orchard is a small holding with a number of fruit trees. Its fruits are also available from the farm gate.
Contact: 07786 663351.
Daganya Farm – Eye
For fruit and vegetables
Daganya was a founder member of Eostre organics.
Contact: 01379 668060.
Gobblin Wholefoods – Elmswell
For organic sweet and savoury lines
Gobblin produces foods for retail and catering outlets around the UK. It does a wide range in vegetarian produce.
Contact: 01359 241841.
Home Farm – Nacton
For fruits and vegetables
Home Farm specialises in broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and leeks.
Contact: 01473 659209.
James White Drinks Ltd – Ashbocking
For apple and pear juices
James White press and bottle a variety of organic fruit juices. They are also available at retailers across the country.
Contact: 01473 890111.
Longwood Farm – Bury St Edmunds
For organic meat and also a range of organic skincare products.
Having heavily diversified over the years, Longwood is now an emporium for all aspects of organic produce.
Contact: 01638 717120.
Maple Farm – Saxmundham
For home-milled flour, vegetables, eggs and honey.
A small organic farm, it has developed a superb range of goods which can be seen on the farmers’ market circuit locally.
Contact: 01728 652000.
St Peters Brewery – Bungay
For organic beer and ale
St Peters is an organic brewery, using organic hops and barley.
Contact: 01986 782322.
Suffolk Organic Garlic – Halesworth
For garlic and wheat
Contact: 01986 798227.
Sutton Hoo Chickens – Hasketon
For chicken.
A family business started in 1996 and now a popular choice in the county for organic meat.
Contact: 01394 386797.
Swallow Organics – Saxmundham
For fruit, vegetables and herbs
Produces a wide range of produce and organises vegetable boxes for collection.
Contact: 01728 668201.
Where do you buy your Suffolk organic produce from? What’s your favourite shop, and why? Please let us know by Sending us an Email.
