The world is doing a 360 degree turn. From having sacrificed its health before instant food, preservatives and fertilizers, it is now turning towards that which is good and healthy. We are talking about the new revolution hitting the streets called Organic food. So now we have the figure conscious gorging on low fat, baked chips made from organic potatoes and the muscle builders are following the trend to the hilt. They have replaced their colas and beers with aloe-vera juice. The benefits of organic food are numerous and we all have committed them to memory. The point is where to find this new 'elixir of life'. As always, we come to your rescue.

Organics and Naturals is the pioneer organic food store in Pune. They have been trading in organic produce for quite some time now. An unassuming store, Organics and Naturals, stocks black jaggery, honey, spices, jawar and bajra, nachani and soybean flour. They sell a wide range of indigenous rice varieties such as Ambemohar, Hatsadi, and Indrayani. They have coconut jam, very fine rock salt, tofu, seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables all grown naturally and without the use of harmful chemicals.

No amateurs at selling organic food is Prakriti chain of stores. They have three stores in the city. Though they do not scream their presence from the rooftops, organic food lovers will swear by their service and variety. On offer are organic rice and pulses, jaggery, green tea, tulsi tea, turmeric, whole wheat flour and lots more.

24 Letter Mantra, a national chain of stores who have branches in Bangalore and Hyderabad have offered their services to Pune now. Processed foods, bakery products, and beverages, they have it all. Their skin-care products line was an instant hit with the Puneites. But nothing will beat the popularity of their organic bistro that serves salads, sandwiches, ice-creams and juices.

Other stores that provide organic food are Girmes Wheatgrass, INDOCERT, Fabindia and Shrushti. The pricing of organic food is not so high that you cannot afford it. A few rupees more is the difference when it comes to fruits and vegetables. The grains, usually, tend to be more expensive. But when you compare the good that these fresh vegetables do to you, you know that it was a good bargain. The city is still in its nascent stages of exploring organic food. Here's hoping it adopts the healthier way of life on a larger scale.