Goodness from crop to plate wins local business an award

Carolyn Share’s business, Evergreen Vegan Deli, in Rynfield, received an unexpected boost at the end of last year when it was named in the Top 100 Small Space Food Businesses countrywide by Restaurant Voice of South Africa.

She has no idea who nominated her business or what the criteria were.

“All I know is that someone thought our products were good enough to bring to the attention of the panel of judges,” she said.

We recently visited the entrepreneur to find out where it began.

When health concerns threatened Carolyn’s ability to wear stylish high heels and perform on the hockey field, eliminating animal-based foods from her diet was an easy choice.

However, conforming to a completely plant-based lifestyle in the early 90s proved to be slightly more difficult, with limited vegan food ranges and flavours doing very little to sate her refined pallet.

Drawing on her gardening skills, committing to mountains of bound research and with a deep respect for Mother Nature’s benevolence, Carolyn was soon growing a cornucopia of fresh produce on her plot.

Toying with various culinary concepts she was soon bottling, preserving and creating flavourful dishes for her family to enjoy.

“My pantry was always stocked with a wide variety of plant-based foods from cheeses to curries, all rich in flavour and packed with wholesome goodness, purpose-grown in our garden,” she said.

“In 2018, I took the leap and established the deli. I believe my gift is my pallet.

“I enjoy eating good food, but more especially I love to see people being able to enjoy a delicious meal, no matter their dietary preferences.

Reaching for a bottle of creamy salad dressing, she says whether it is for health reasons or a lifestyle choice, opting for plant-based foods should not mean that life is limited to watery vinaigrettes or colourless dishes. It should be decadent and luxurious while easily fitting into your budget.

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