Whole Story

The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog

Fig Food Co.

By Marc Hamel and Ha Lam, October 8, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Marc Hamel and Ha Lam
We love our producers, suppliers and vendors and we think most of them have some pretty interesting stories behind their products too. We’ll be sharing some of our favorites here in an ongoing series. Read on for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Fig Food makes delicious soup. If you’ve tasted it, you may already know this — but did you know that in every batch of organic, kosher soup, someone has thought about how to pack in the most organic plants possible? “The choices we made around being kosher, being organic, using a new package; it all comes from my own personal passion and wanting to leave a legacy of making the world a better place,” says Joel Henry, founder and owner of Fig Food. Every choice that Henry has made can be traced to this philosophy, from the seasoning of their soup, the decision to go organic to naming the soups after the areas from which they draw flavor inspiration. (Tuscan White Bean, Yucatan Black Bean and Umbrian Lentil are a few examples.) “Part of making the world a better place is about reconnection; connecting to the farmer, connecting to other people,” says Henry. “I thought if we named the soups with cool names, people would explore the regions to see what they stood for.” When Henry made the decision to go organic, he asked himself, “ ‘Is it more important to get more people access to plant-based foods and be conventional, or be organic?’ To me, organic growing practices are all about a better environment, and so if I have healthier people in an environment that’s declining, that didn’t sit well.” And so it was. Their lightly salted soups are organic, plant-based and tasty. Have you ever considered all of the thought that goes into the soup you’re eating? Let us know about your thoughts on Henry’s soup philosophy. Watch the slideshow above and leave a comment with your answer by October 25th. One comment will be chosen at random to win a $50 gift card to our stores.

 

495 Comments

Comments

Christopher Sorel says ...
I love the owners’ philosophy and focus on healthy, organic veggies, conscientious sourcing, and simple, flavorful recipes. quality leads to great products
10/12/2011 8:32:01 PM CDT
Veronica Daly says ...
The Fig Food tomato soup has the best taste.
10/12/2011 8:32:37 PM CDT
Elizabeth K says ...
I love the idea of naming the soups from the areas that inspired them. I also love that it's both organic AND kosher- right down to the seasonings! A winner.
10/12/2011 8:33:33 PM CDT
Holly says ...
Perfect time of year to think of soups-- especially well made soups that are not loaded with salt and chemicals that you can't pronounce. Looking forward to trying out Fig Food.
10/12/2011 8:35:40 PM CDT
Chris M says ...
Fig food soups and Henry's philosophy on soup is inspirational. Creating healthy, tasty wholesome soups with low sodium and full of flavor, fiber and vegetables is a wonderful thing.
10/12/2011 8:37:16 PM CDT
Margaret says ...
Love the FIG Food philosophy... I can bring a farmhouse meal to my urban table when I heat & eat a box of FIG soup!
10/12/2011 8:37:43 PM CDT
Amanda S. says ...
They are an inspiration! Can't wait to try the soups!
10/12/2011 8:39:43 PM CDT
Bruce says ...
I sort of wish you could promise a stone in every batch of soup. Granted, not in the packet I actually pick up at the store.
10/12/2011 8:40:35 PM CDT
Risa Jacobson says ...
I love the philosophy because I love organic!
10/12/2011 8:41:45 PM CDT
Nicole says ...
Thanks for the lightly salted--too many "healthy" soups are overly salted. These taste freshly made.
10/12/2011 8:41:57 PM CDT
Mary says ...
There's nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold day.
10/12/2011 8:42:22 PM CDT
Dana G says ...
interesting philosophy. I am looking forward to trying the product.
10/12/2011 8:44:20 PM CDT
Nancy says ...
I use very little about cooking with figs. In fact I know fig cookies, fog spread & one fig recipe with Quinoa. It is very delicious. I purchased organic figs this week. I am now encouraged to look for other uses.
10/12/2011 8:44:23 PM CDT
Carla says ...
Can not wait to try Fig Food!!! Yay!
10/12/2011 8:44:30 PM CDT
stuart says ...
Support our local organic farmers. It's good for all of us. I happen to love figs.
10/12/2011 8:48:07 PM CDT
Jennifer S. says ...
I totally agree with him. How can people be healthy in a failing environment?
10/12/2011 8:50:06 PM CDT
Kat says ...
Henry's philosphy about soup is equal to philosophy about life. We can all learn from Henry and enjoy his delicious creations. Everyone benefits!
10/12/2011 8:54:13 PM CDT
Janie P. says ...
I am very inspired to try Fig Food soup on my weekly trip to Whole Foods. A good bowl of soup is greatfor conversation any time of the year.
10/12/2011 8:55:20 PM CDT
Shari Withrow says ...
I agree that we need to create a better environment, not only in the world at large but in our bodies as well. So delicious food that sustains the earth in a healthy way while nurturing our bodies is what its all about these days. You have a great product that you can be proud of on many counts.
10/12/2011 8:55:22 PM CDT
jj says ...
Great philosophy!
10/12/2011 8:55:55 PM CDT
jill says ...
works for me - gotta try it
10/12/2011 8:56:37 PM CDT
Nancy Keith says ...
I am excited about these soups. I have to really watch sodium intake and soups can be so high in sodium. These are perfect! The freshest ingredients, too!
10/12/2011 8:56:48 PM CDT
tweet lite says ...
beside fig snack i have tasted , never know anything else about fig
10/12/2011 8:58:36 PM CDT
Elaine says ...
Sounds like a healthy, organic choice. I'm looking forward to trying it.
10/12/2011 9:02:42 PM CDT
Laurie Scott says ...
I always think about what I eat. I bought my house just so I could grow a vegetable garden. Having come from upstate New York growing your own food was just natural. This year I have planted my first winter garden.Looking forward to veggies in the spring.
10/12/2011 9:03:03 PM CDT

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