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From Wonky Fruit To Eat Me Chutneys

You know I’m a sucker for social justice projects. I’m a strong advocate for human rights activities and supporter of not for profits and NGOs. The power of people can make a difference, whether that’s through the union movement or micro loans through organisations such as Kiva. You can make a difference. Crowd sourcing is another example of how a group of individuals can come together and give a fledgling business a leg up. If that business is striving to create a positive social impact, so much the better. Cheekiness is also welcome. Eat Me Chutneys ticks all of these boxes.

I’m not quite sure how I stumbled across Eat Me Chutneys but I’m glad I did. They have some great values, a wide repertoire of chutney recipes and a killer sense of humour. The brain child of Jaya (Chutney Queen) and Ankit (Annoying Son), they are determined to convert wonky fruit into ‘rescued chutneys’.

Bowls of washed red cherries

Dancing In The Kitchen
Using organic and chemical free produce, partnering with Fairtrade and food waste programs, focusing on female disadvantaged job seekers are just some of the ways they are giving back to the community. I don’t need to tell you that wonky fruit means it’s perfectly fine to consume. It’s just not pretty. As Eat Me will tell you, ‘In Australia an estimated $10 billion of food is wasted every year. That’s just shit.’ You can see why I like them. Sure, they are in business to make money but they are also in business of making a difference. To date, their wonky fruit chutneys have prevented 1.2 tons of wasted food going into landfill and tickled countless taste buds in the process.

I helped crowd fund their appeal for equipment and  a van. As we know, some dancing in the kitchen is an essential part of any wonky fruit chutney call to action and Jaya truly is the Queen.

Of course they reached their goal and in return, I received some great jars of chutney as my reward. Packed with flavour and unusual fruit combos (because they need to adapt their recipes based on what they save), we have already worked our way through two of the jars. If you’re reading this and recently enjoyed one of the sourdough chutney scrolls I baked, you were trying organic Christmas Ho Ho Ho Chutney. Next to be opened will be the Cherry & Clove organic pickle.

two jars or organic Eat Me Chutneys - Cherry & Clove and, Tomato & Kaffir Lime

If you like a feel good story or are just keen on a good Ploughman’s lunch, I encourage you to support this fantastic socially responsible business. Those in Sydney and Melbourne can buy Eat Me Chutneys at several markets and outlets. For those elsewhere, there’s an online shop with delivery to many countries across the globe. There’s a flat rate for shipping up to 20 jars within Australia, so why not stock up or club together with some friends to buy some really tasty chutney that is doing us all the world of good?

Visit the Eat Me Chutney website for more amazing facts on how one small business has made a difference.

www.eatmechutneys.com.au

5 comments… add one
  • Pamela Hayward February 27, 2016, 2:16 pm

    This is a great story and I wish them well. Do you know off hand which markets they are sold at in Sydney. Thank you Fiona!

    • Fiona Ryan February 27, 2016, 5:25 pm

      Hi Pamela – if you click the link on the words ‘can buy Eat Me Chutneys at several markets and outlets’, the link should take you to the page where they sell at markets. I think they are based in Sydney but that’s just a guess.

  • Pamela Hayward February 27, 2016, 2:20 pm

    P S……great video. Where are they based?

  • Tandy I Lavender and Lime February 27, 2016, 3:39 pm

    I got seriously burned with a crowd funding project so have sworn off them but if I could I would buy their chutneys as it’s an amazing cause. Sharing so my sister can hopefully find some close to her to bring over for me 😀

    • Fiona Ryan February 27, 2016, 5:24 pm

      Well that’s a shame because now they have ruined it for others. I hope you share your story in a post at some time.

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