Vegan Review: The Summer Hill Organic Fruit Market (and a Q&A with SHOFM)

I am so excited to share with you today this hidden gem in the Inner West, the Summer Hill Organic Fruit Market. 

The family-run business is tucked away in Summer Hill, not far from Lewisham train station, and can be easily spotted on Old Canterbury Road. 

I came across this vegan foodies utopia thanks to my roommate who, like me, has a slight obsession with Zebra Dream ice-cream. Zebra Dream ice-cream is a deliciously sweet and creamy coconut ice-cream in flavours such as salted caramel, luscious latte and my personal favourite - the choc mint crunch that was the result of a collaboration between Zebra Dream and Pana Chocolate (need I say more?). So I'm sure you can imagine our excitement when we found out we could get Zebra Dream within 800m from our house!

I would have been happy walking home with a tub of ZD Choc Mint Crunch and a bagful of fresh, organic fruit but I was pleasantly surprised to find a whole bunch of my favourite foods here (think Loving Earth, CoYo, So Delicious, Botanical Cuisine and Peace, Love and Vegetables) as well as cruelty free beauty products.

They also have a huge range of the following:
- fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables
- fresh breads, including gluten free and sprouted
- nuts and dried fruit
- juices and cordials
- rice, grains, pulses and pasta
- flour, including gluten free and sprouted
- non-dairy products (as well as dairy products, so check the labels!)
- vegan ice creams and frozen desserts
- household cleaning products
- cosmetics
- coffee and tea
- superfoods
- biscuits, chocolates, chips and snacks
- jams and spreads
- baby foods and products

There was one product I couldn't find in-store and that was vegan dental floss, though after talking with Alexandra from SHOFM, they were more than happy to try to order that in. The owners are friendly and so helpful (as if I needed another reason to go back there). They were also nice enough to share their story for Chelsey Crafts - keep reading for the story of Summer Hill Organic Fruit Market and their top 5 vegan favourites.

A quick Q&A with Helen and Alexandra from SHOFM

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT SUMMER HILL ORGANIC FRUIT MARKET
When Jim and Helen Papadopoulos decided to go into some type of food retailing in 1988, their main concern was that it had to be an ethical business. Having a focus also on healthy eating, they thought that involving themselves in the fruit and veg industry was a good idea. 

After running a conventional fruit and vegetable market for five years, they decided in 1993, to try adding some organic produce. Jim and Helen quickly found that there was so much demand for chemical-free, ethically-produced food that they needed to keep expanding their range. Over a period of months, their business evolved into the specialist organic store it is today with a vast and constantly-increasing range of certified organic and biodynamic fresh produce, frozen foods, hundreds of grocery lines as well as various brands of safe body-care and home-cleaning products. 

Many foods for special diets are stocked  -  gluten free, vegetarian, grain free, sugar free, lactose free, soy free and the vegan range in particular continues to expand at a tremendous pace with new products constantly appearing on the shelves. 

WHERE CAN WE FIND SHOFM?
The store is a stand-alone store, although we intend on expanding into online in the near future.

SHOFM'S TOP 5 VEGAN FAVOURITES

1. Zebra Dream Organic Coconut Ice Cream

2. Imbibe Living Water Kefir

3. Botanical Cuisine Lemon and Dill Cashew Cheese

4. Hand 'N' Hoe Organic Macadamia Butter

5. and our fresh, top quality, certified organic fruit and veg

So Delicious Mini Mocha Almond Fudge Bars (thanks SHOFM)

Overview

Price | Fair - Moderate

Cuisine | Organic food and grocery store

Must try | The organic fruit and veg, Zebra Dream ice-cream and Dill Cashew Cheese (I couldn't choose just one!)

Rating | 4.5/5

Shop Details

Address | 162 Old Canterbury Road, Summer Hill

Telephone | (02) 9799 3258
Facebook | Summer Hill Organic Fruit Market

Instagram | @summerhillorganics

Opening Hours
Tuesday to Friday | 8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday | 8.30am - 4.00pm