Eugene food people take their culinary endeavors seriously. It is not just the lack of frozen vegetables in the many locally owned restaurants and the clear-conscience lists of ingredients on the backs of the made-in-Eugene products that are the mark of the Emerald City’s pride. Most importantly, it is all those fabulously fresh and delicious tastes.
Eugene food companies have in common the good-for-the-body, environmental practices and are known for specializing in organic, non-genetically modified organisms and natural products. That the products don’t have to travel far to reach customers is another plus for environmentally conscious food snobs.
“We have tried to remain honest to where we have started – fewest ingredients, all natural sweeteners – we have not changed philosophy from the first day,” said Sue Kesey, co-owner of Nancy’s Cultured Dairy and Soy company with her husband Chuck Kesey.
The Keseys started their dairy-product business during December 1960 after the couple graduated from Oregon State. The company, which has remained family-owned, began in Springfield, but has since moved into Eugene.
Eugene’s organic and sustainable values create a unique atmosphere, which allows local companies to combine family-owned and specialty-food philosophies with smart, big-city business sense.
The company has its organic days and its conventional days, Sue said, referring to the company’s product lines.
Local foodEugene’s locally made food enjoyed across the country is something to be proud of – don’t take it for granted. Where to find the good stuff: Every Tuesday and Thursday, head to Surata Soy Foods at 325 West 3rd Ave. for only slightly not-perfect, reduced price tofu and tempeh. Find Nancy’s yogurt, Yogi Tea, Humble Bagels and other local goodness at Market of Choice on W. 29th Ave. or 1960 Franklin Blvd. |
The common trait among Eugene companies is a commitment to local and organic ingredients. The mark of quality is a limited and recognizable ingredient list. Surata Soy Foods has that in common with Nancy’s.
Barney BeGuhl, vice president and co-owner of Surata Soy Foods, said the company’s commitment to staying local and using strictly organic ingredients is in regard for the impact on the culture and planet.
“There won’t be peace on earth until people’s food does not contain violence,” BeGuhl said.
The company runs by the mindset that soy is healthier for many people than meat, he said.
Eugene grocery stores keep local companies in business by selling products like Surata tempeh and Nancy’s organic kefir that have both a health and spiritual grounding.
Nancy’s distribution has expanded beyond Eugene and across the country over the 47 years it has operated, but the Kesey family has remained in control by keeping its one creamery in town under the family’s management.
The completely natural products contain no white sugar, but instead are sweetened with white grapes, honey, maple syrup or agave.
“If you are making a great product, you don’t really need all the other ‘helps,’” Sue Kesey said.
Instead of using additives, stabilizers and thickeners, Nancy’s yogurt depends completely on live cultures to convert milk to yogurt, Sue Kesey explained.
Market of Choice, a local family-owned grocery store, carries Eugene’s Glory Bee Foods and Euphoria Chocolates, as well as Surata and Nancy’s.
Willamette Street location manager Steven Coppit said he has observed that the company supports the community by buying locally and selling locally.
“We sell baklava from a man who makes it out of his house, packages it and drives it to us everyday,” he said.
Eugene residents have reported insatiable appetites for local comfort food like Café Yumm! Original Yumm! Sauce, stomach-calming Yogi Teas and addictive microbrews from Steelhead Brewery.
With the wealth of delicious local food available in Eugene, 100-mile dieters and health-food seekers alike have never had it easier.
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