Here at Natural Things, we have the privilege of working with a group of fantastic individuals who make up the lifeblood that is each and every one of the brands we represent.
As a small NZ business, we understand and value the stories, the sleepless nights and blood sweat & tears that go into developing the products that we proudly represent. These products allow us to bring more health into homes around the country.
One of the Families that represent this so wholely are the team behind Nutra Organics, what started as a few products in a bedroom has turned into one of the most innovative and authentic brands we know and below is part of their story and recipes from their family table.
They say a family that eats together, stays together. And we believe in that. When you come into our shop, right in the middle of the room represents our biggest value. A long, worn and distressed wooden dinning table. Marked with character, stains and aged scratches. This table represents family, and all the love, mess and imperfection that comes with it. As a family, we gather around this table everyday. We stop, we eat, we share, we dream up new products and recipes, we create, we problem solve, we laugh… often at inappropriate jokes, and we reflect on life, on business and last nights Game of Thrones episode. Bonds are created at the family table, stories are told and problems are halved.
This family business has been around for almost 20 years. It started in a bedroom with a few boxes and a couple of gutsy people who wanted to bring health to people living busy lives through nutritional products and education around living a healthy lifestyle. The ebs and flows of a family business can be a tumultuous rollercoaster ride, but also an exciting one. It has taken years of blood, sweat and nutrition to grow this business from bedroom to boardroom, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We were advised once that no one cares if you’re a family business, all that matters to people is price and profit… Well, we’re calling bullsh*t on that. Family businesses matter. They are the backbone of communities and local economies. They’re sponsoring the local football team, they’re raising children with business ethics and values. They know your name. They’re invested in you. You can’t put ‘heart’ into a profit and loss, no. There’s no where to enter sleepless nights and sacrifice into a balance sheet. And that’s the point. Family businesses are more than just business, they’re family. They’re in it for the long haul. And when you deal with a family business, you become part of the family, too.
So long live local family business. Long live the family table. Support your local farmers and butchers, know your grocers kids names, give your barista a hug, and eat your meals together around the family table.
Here we have put together some of our favourite salads that usually end up on the table. They’re simple, nourishing and just delicious.
Toss steamed green beans in olive oil, lemon juice and himalayan salt. Top with halved soft boiled eggs.
Combine chopped and sliced strawberry, watermelon, halloumi and basil. Drizzle with an emulsion of balsamic vinegar and olive oil and a pinch of himalayan salt.
On a bed of quinoa (cooked in beef broth) place roasted baby carrots and quartered beetroot. sprinkle over some sultanas. Dress in lemon juice, olive oil and minced garlic.
Combine cooked basmati rice, shredded kale, chopped dates, pomegranate gems, nuts and seeds onto a wooden board. Dress with tahini, lemon juice and minced garlic
