Food for the soul

Tibetan Breakfast Photo: Courtesy of Tibetan Yogurt

As a result of a growing concern about environmental protection and food safety, Chinese consumers are turning their attention towards organic food. "Organic" means that the food is produced by farmers who do not use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, chemical additives or GMO seeds. In addition to that, organic farmers try and reduce the impact of their farming on the soil and in general on the environment. Because of the way it is produced, organic food tends to be more expensive than non-organic produce, but supporters would argue that the higher price that comes with eating chemical-free food is worth it.

During my trip to the Beijing Farmer's Market, Fan Jie, a university student who volunteers there, explained that besides the price, another challenge that organic food producers encounter is that organic fruits and vegetables do not look as pretty as the ones we normally see in supermarkets. "Just look at our carrots!" Fan said, pointing her finger at some un-even looking oblong roots, and I couldn't help but agree with her.

But let's say you've decided to give it a try and have stocked up on organic, seasonal food: What's next? I asked organic food producers and supporters to share recipes that transform these ugly ducklings into beautiful and delicious dishes.

Tibetan Breakfast

Since they refuse to use highly industrialized procedures, organic food producers often turn to traditional craftsmanship. This is the case for yak yogurt, a Tibetan specialty that yogurt maker Tibetan Yogurt produces in Beijing. Apart from using bacteria that confer to their yogurt its characteristic taste, the methods they use include more than just practical skills. "The Tibetan method includes some religious rituals as well," says Ke Kong, a volunteer with Tibetan Yogurt. "Before we prepare the yogurt, we burn incense and pray to Buddha." She recommends starting the day with a Tibetan breakfast.

Ingredients

Qingke barley bread. Qingke is a special type of barley grown in the Tibet Autonomous Region, and in other Chinese regions with Tibetan culture.

200ml yak yogurt

A handful of banana chips

Dried raisins

Almonds

Walnuts

When you buy yogurt, the preparations have already been done for you, therefore this recipe is very simple. What is left to do for you: Toast the barley bread. Pour your yogurt into a bowl and add you favorite mix of nuts and dried fruits!