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Flower Tree Health

Can you give us a little bit of background about Flower Tree Health and how it came to be an integral part of your lives

We started making superfood power smoothies, eating organic wholefoods a couple of years ago because we anted to become healthier and lead a healthier lifestyle.

We were startled with our results physically and mentally and began to tell our friends and work colleagues about the benefits of superfoods and healthy eating.  Before long, we became known as the "health food people" amongst family and friends. 

Then we realised that there were very little options available for organic superfoods and wholefoods that were packaged in glass and also in an attractive package that 'did superfood justice'.  We could only find superfoods and wholefoods packaged in paper or plastic which we found inconvenient: the packaging never seemed to retain the freshness and quality of the product and was wasteful.

The name "flower tree" came to be when we asked our 18 month year old son what we should name the company.  He replied with the only two words he knew at the time which was "flower, tree"....and the rest is history!

Your products speak for themselves in a stunning marriage of branding, packaging and product.  How long of a process was it to get to "that" point: the juncture where all converge to convey that one single message and are you specific about which products you stock and sell or do you let your customers guide you

The "flower of life" logo was born out of an intent to not attempt to brand the products with our personal mark, because quite honestly they are not our products: 99.9% of the work that goes in to our products happens on the farm where the foods are grown.

We want to be as honest as possible and try not to sell or convince a customer that our product is the best: we simply "know" that if we present honestly, the customer will resonate with us and know that we are dispensing things that are good for them.

The "activated nut" has gone from being a "what on earth is an activated nut" to a growing awareness of not just the name but the beneficial health properties it brings. For those who may not fully understand what they are, can you give us a easy-speak summary of these creatures and why we should incorporate them in to our daily nutritional intake

Almonds have a particularly high concentration of vitamins and minerals that can only be released easily into the body by soaking them in water before consumption.

Basically nuts and seeds are a tiny packet of nutrients that are designed to provide the growing plant with the nutrients it needs in its early stages of life (much like an egg yolk is to a chicken).

We can harness those nutrients and energy with a little bit of human ingenuity.  The body requires vitamins, minerals and base load energy to operate without disease (dis-ease): the reason so many people are facing dis-ease is because they have low levels of organic vitamins and minerals.

By far, your hot chocolate would have to be one of the singularly most deliciously decadent yet incredibly healthy and full of superfood qualities there is to be had around. What is the secret to creating not just a ridiculously healthy drink that really boosts you physically and mentally and really wants you to keep going back for more

The ingredients are pure, organic and healthy and are in their concentrated form.  The body knows when it has taken something into it that is really, really good for it and it responds with feel-good chemicals into the brain instantaneously to reward the consciousness telling it a resounding YES!

We know that part of the reason our hot chocolate tastes so good is because good healthy food is so rare to find.  People are surprised that something healthy can taste and feel so good!

How would you sum up with the world of Flower Tree Health in 5 words

With much love flower tree

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And on that note (and because Buddha is smiling so beautifully and warmly...a bit like the hot chocolate you read about above) we thank Bel & Bob for not only bringing their goodness to Kings Cross Market every week, but for sharing a little bit of their world with us and you!

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Mai Creation

Local Market Guide

Simon

5 Questions with Lee & Wami

From free range eggs to biodynamic fruit and veg: you are now a well entrenched and much loved stallie at Kings Cross Market.  What do you love most about market life

The markets are where you go to get something that is not available at your local store, an experience, something unusual or just a bargain.  We love being the one who brings this to people.

Your eggs literally "fly" out the door.  Can you explain what defines "organic" and "free range" and why they not only taste better, but more importantly, why we should choose to buy these types of eggs as opposed to those in the local supermarket

Well freshness is always a consideration and the usual story of supporting the little guys is a nice one too. What can I say: they are certified organic free range, no beak trimming with an open gate policy eggs: so if you ever want to pop in an ensure they are what they say they are then, you can!

What is your best seller at market

Ooohhh...that's a tough one.  It changes as do the seasons and depending on what I have to offer at the time.

But some of the tried and proven items consist of my certified Bio-Dynamic salad mix (amazingly fresh, lasting well past its use-by date staying crisp and delicious!), eggies and my selection of fresh produce is also now starting to get a following.

Amongst your produce, you have biodynamic blueberries, mangos and insane tasting dragon fruit.  For those who may not fully understand, can you give us a bit of insight as to what "biodynamic" means, how it aids our overall wellbeing, why it's an important part of our daily intake of goodness and how it differs from say, organically grown produce

The quick answer for bio-dyniamic is "super organic".  You have all the organic principles that you must follow and then have another set of principles above and beyond that which must be adhered to.  The benefits to the earth and land have been shown many times over in research that has been carried out.

And what about us?  Well, I solemnly believe we should eat what we are guided to by our own intuition as we have the ability to make the right choice for ourselves at each step of the way.

From your perspective, what is it about markets like Kings Cross that form an integral part of the community and why should we, as consumers, support it as much as we can

The basic premise for markets, in our opinion, is it gives people a chance to experience something which is outside the norm of what you would find in other places.

If it tickles your fancy or floats your boat then head on over and join the fun!

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Reckon there's something in that for all of us don't you?

Take it from us, there is standing room only for these guys and once you taste their produce you will too will become enslaved to their goodness and have a bit of a laugh while you're at it

YK talks Ginkgo Leaf

Can you give us a little bit of the Gingko Leaf's background story

The Ginkgo tree is a "living fossil", with ancient fossils clearly related to modern Ginkgo tree.  I am impressed by this living fossil's hardiness, its elegant form and adaptability as ornamental trees in urban environments.  Its wonderful form and many functions make it an integral part of daily life in urban areas.  

Just like how we (Ginkgo Leaf) think of our inventory and their many uses in daily life.

Your pieces are stunning in their simplicity yet complex with their durability and design. How do you select which items you feel will best suit your line and at the same time meet the needs of your customers

We sell products that are guided by the Japanese conceptual terms Yo-no-bi ("beauty through use").  Alongside Yo-no-bi, good designs must have high functionality for multiple uses.

A plate comes alive when food is placed within its boundaries.  Tools and equipment used daily should be minimal, practical and useful.  

But what really inspires and stirs us all the time is our customers' boundless creativity in making sense of the items and using them in unexpected and creative ways.  That's the most reassuring.

You have recently been featured in Gourmet Traveller: seriously exciting and a true testament to your hard work and now firmly entrenched with locals at market.  What has been one of the highlights you have had to date when at market

Yes, we are very fortunate to have support from certain individuals in the industry.

Highlights or joys have been:

Regular customers bringing along their friends to introduce them to Ginkgo Leaf. Prospective customers researching the product and making multiple visits to admire their objects of 'desire'.  

It's a delight to witness individual customers taking such informed consideration.

What makes market life tangible and real for personally and as a business

It's one of the best venues and a great way to engage with customers.  There is such a diverse group of market goers.  Moreover, the outdoor setting presents all sorts of delights and challenges.

How would you sum up up the world of Ginkgo Leaf in 5 words

Good design is our value proposition (6 words really!)

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So you've read the interview, you've seen a smidge of what these amazing pieces look like, all that's left is for you to get to market and see what is on offer and be swept up in the gentle magic known as Ginkgo Leaf.

Litza shares her love of Kings Cross Markets

When did you first stumble across what is now one of Sydney's best Saturday Market (aka Kings Cross Markets)

I recently moved into this area of Sydney.  I was thrilled to discover these gorgeous markets at the top of my street.  I literally stumbled across them while out exploring my new neighbourhood.  Now I look forward to visiting them most weekends.

You also have a massage therapy practice nearby.  From a holistic point of view, why do you think markets like ours form not only an important part of the community, but also complement or add to our lifestyles in ways we may not necessarily have thought of

I think that happiness, fresh air, human interaction and good food are essential.  I think flowers are important too! 

So the markets definitely assist well being.

I think we shouldn't underestimate the importance of community and neighbourhood. All around the world the marketplace has historically been a centre for community: a place for people to come together as important for socialising as is for trade. Experiences which delight the senses are good for the body and the mind and markets certainly do that.

Do you have a "musty buy, can't live without" purchase, and if so what and why

Hmmmm....it's different every week.  If I get to the Soda Bread stall in time I always pick up a loaf.  Their gluten free bread is the best I've ever tried!

And I have my eye on a baby fig tree at the plant stall....maybe next market day!

Is this a solo expedition or do you like the share the love

Sometimes I wander up to the markets by myself but it's a pretty friendly place, so I often end up chatting to someone.  If I have visitors or am meeting up with friends, I always suggest the markets for lunch as there is plenty of great food to choose from and then you can go and sit by the fountain to eat.

How would you sum up the world of Kings Cross Markets in 5 words

Happy

Delicious

Outdoors

Community

Sensorial

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A massive thank you to Litza for not only discovering our markets, but sharing the love with us, you and all her friends!  We look forward to seeing you on a Saturday often!

2014 Shouout!

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