Health and Food

Herbalist Sara Mertens celebrates the day-by-day delights for the palate and health of daylilies (hemerocallis).

Organic Pantry is a social enterprise in Ranui, West Auckland, run by Shakti – an organisation that supports migrant and refugee women in vulnerable situations. We talked to its founder, Farida Sultana. 

The average menstruating person uses up to 15,000 sanitary products in their lifetime, with the majority of them ending up landfill, waterways and the ocean. Claire Brunette investigates planet-friendly alternatives

Not only is kimchi delicious but it’s a probiotic that is great for gut health. Theresa Sjoquist talks to two kimchi makers to find out the secrets of this moreish crunchy pickle.

Gretta Carney, owner of Hapī Ora organic café and māra in Ahuriri–Napier, talks about kai as medicine, the quantum science behind biodynamics, homeopathy and Hua Parakore – and shares some favourite kūmara recipes. 

Holistic nutritionist Laura Hett explores the roller coaster world of hormones and provides practical advice on lifestyle changes that can make a difference.

Bridgit Gibellini lives in Nelson and owns herb and vege seedling company Weathersfield Organics.

Here is my finger-licking, creamy crustless pie, which also features caramelised leek, fresh rosemary, light spices and chunks of sweet kūmara, all immersed in a rich sunflower, miso sauce and finished with a layer of the parmesan-like cheesy rosemary crumble. Do not put this gloriously cosy winter’s pie in the too-hard basket, it truly is very simple to put together and so delicious. 

Donna Evans is the store manager at organic grocer Commonsense’s newest store in Milford. We talked shop with her.