Okanagan Rawsome's Founder, Afke Zonderland, grew up on a Dairy Farm in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1971 with her husband John. They eventually settled on an acreage in Grindrod (North Okanagan) where they made a home for themselves and their 3 daughters.  Country life was sweet as they began their new life and became part of a wonderful farm community! 

 

15 Years ago, Afke was cruising the grocery store aisles and was saddened to see how much over-processed, over-shipped, and nutritionally deficient foods dominated the shelves.  The Okanagan Valley grows an abundance of fresh produce…so why aren’t our grocery stores loaded with local goodness?

 

Afke wanted to expand her knowledge of what good nutrition meant, so at age 58 she enrolled in the  Living Light Culinary Institute in California where she trained and became a certified Raw Chef.

 

Afke saw a huge need to create products that preserve fresh local produce, provide consumers with nutrient-dense food and promote regenerative agriculture at the same time.  But how?

 

She started by focusing on what crops are grown locally in our beautiful valley (carrots, kale, beets and greens to name a few).  She added sprouted seeds (to increase nutrient levels), flax (great source of Omega 3s) and spices.  Instead of baking, the mixture is dehydrated low and slow to retain nutrients and preserve without preservatives!  Et Voila: Awesome Rawsome Crisps! 

 

Through much trial and error, Afke found a way to turn local farm food into fast food without compromising on ingredients, taste, or nutritional density.  Not only are Afke's Crisps delicious, but they are also gluten-free, vegan, raw & sprouted...BONUS!

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Afke tested the market by selling a few bags of Crisps out the back of her car at the local farmer's market.  They were a hit!  'Rawsome' Crisps can now be found in major retailers and Health Food stores across BC and Alberta.  Our online store ships across Canada and the US.   Afke never expected her retirement passion project could turn into a full-time flourishing family business! 

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Afke now runs Okanagan Rawsome with her daughter Anna.  ​Afke hosts work shops, speaks at various events for the Shuswap Food Action Group and writes articles for the local papers educating people about health, wellness, and protecting our local food sources. 

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At Okanagan Rawsome, we believe:

 

You are what you eat  

Eat what you grow 

Grow your community!

 

Thank you for supporting our family business!

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Afke & Anna