Småland – green in nature and on the table

Most restaurants and cafés take their inspiration from Småland’s nature: its forests, lakes, meadows and greenery. Some years ago, the urban cultivation project Östrabo Ekobacke was started in Växjö, a ‘city farm’ that is KRAV certified and supplies many of Växjö’s restaurants as well as private individuals with vegetables and root crops.

Ekobacken is an open place at which everyone is welcome to shop or just enjoy the environment. The cultivation is managed by the Macken Cooperative in partnership with the Municipality of Växjö. Study visits are also arranged and, time/resources permitting, outdoor cooking for groups. The season at Ekobacken ends with a harvest festival.

Every year in September the food fair MAT, (*Mat* in Swedish meaning *Food*.) Sweden’s biggest fair for small-scale, locally produced food, is arranged in Växjö. More than a hundred food producers and culinary artists, primarily from Småland but also the rest of Sweden, attract some 50,000 visitors. The unique thing about the MAT event is the combination of forums and experiences together with several different participants. The aim is many different voices with the common denominator that they have some link to locally produced and sustainable meals.

On a number of occasions in late summer and early autumn, Bondens egen Marknad comes to Växjö. Producers of locally grown and processed products from the county and its surroundings offer their own products – without any middlemen.

The farms are located within a distance of 250 km of the market, which guarantees that the products come from the region. Bondens egen Marknad reduces ‘the food miles’.

The KRAV-label stands for sound and natural environments, solid care for animals, good health and social responsibility. Products with the label fulfil KRAV’s requirements and are properly controlled at least once every year.

Fresh ingredients and a sustainable way of farming is the start of a great food experience. Food is fantastic on a plate, hand crafted by a skilled chef, but isn’t it even better once you have seen the actual place it comes from? Nature is always close by in Småland and local producers are plentiful. Come and visit!