FIVE years ago Ryea Sankaran made the decision to change her family’s diet and choose organic food. It was to ensure that her son, who was suffering from asthma and allergy, ate only food that was free of preservatives, colouring and other chemicals.
While there were many types of organic vegetables and fruit available, she could not find one food she favoured — sliced organic bread. Those in the market were too dense and heavy.
Realising that it would be easier to make it herself, she scoured the Internet for recipes. Coming from a family who loves to cook, it seemed easier to create her own recipe.
“At that time there were no classes for organic bakery products so I had to learn everything on my own,” says Ryea.
“There was a lot of trial and error but eventually I managed to create organic bread that was a bit lighter, and tastier. The ingredients were 100 per cent organic and natural which meant there were no preservatives, additives or conditioners.
“As feedback from family and friends was encouraging, I posted about the bread on Facebook. Then people started to ask about the bread and where they could get it.
My first instinct was to approach retail outlets as I could not find good organic bread in supermarkets. The retailers liked the idea and by then, I had learnt of other mothers who were looking for gluten-free bread too.”
As demand increased, Ryea decided to expand her home business and set up Fresco Grano Organic Bakery & Store in Sungai Buloh. She hired two workers to help with baking and a driver for home and office delivery services in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“As word spread about the organic and gluten-free bread, people started to request for other products. Since then, we have added, buckwheat buckaroo and brown rice burger buns which are gluten-free. We also have gluten-free vegan cakes, muffins, cookies and organic granola.”
ONE-STOP STORE
In addition to the bakery products, Fresco Grano is a one-stop shop for dry bakery goods such as beans, nuts and seeds, dried fruit, seasonings, organic flour and freshly milled gluten-free flour.
“We are a specialty bakery. We provide solutions for parents and those who want these type of products. The demand for gluten-free and vegan bakery products has increased.
“Demand for our bakery products is not only from those who are allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients, but also from those who want to eat clean and natural. For example, we have garbanzo and quinoa, which are healthier as they are high in protein and amino acid. So even if you are not allergic to gluten, you can eat gluten-free products.”
Baking starts at 5.30am in the morning and the products are sent out the same day. Customers can check the Fresco Grano Facebook page to find out delivery times or they can come by the store to pick up the products themselves. The made-to-order cakes are also baked on the same day.
Without preservatives, additives or conditioners, the bread has a short shelf life. That is the reason it is baked daily to ensure customers enjoy the full benefits of freshly baked breads. As for the price, the organic bread is sold at RM7.60 while gluten-free is at RM12.
“People tell me they are expensive but the breads weigh between 650 and 750 grammes, double that of normal breads. If you decide to choose breads that avoid preservatives, colouring and other enhancements, it is worth your money.
“If there is a bigger demand for organic and specialty products, prices will certainly go down.”
Fresco Grano breads are available at Cold Storage, Village Grocer, Jaya Grocer, BIG, The Food Company and Vegan District.