What to Look For in an Organic Caterer
When you’re planning a large gathering, we know how much there is to think about. From the small details (like an expertly hung strand of twinkle lights) to the bigger ones (like choosing the right caterer) — it’s a ton of work to pull off a stellar event.
The ultimate organic caterer helps to create a gastronomic feast for the senses; the kind guests will talk about for years to come. They’ll put together everything from tray-passed appetizers made with the best autumn produce, to a dessert table that highlights the bounty of fresh summer strawberries. If you’re looking for organic catering companies to hire, but aren’t sure where to start or what to ask, we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you.
Keep these in mind as you begin your hunt for organic kitchen caterers, and you’re sure to pick the right one. Whether you’re opting for an extravagant Mexican buffet or an elegant sit-down dinner, organic food will highlight the best ingredients that Mother Nature has to offer.
Dedication to Sustainability
Organic caterers typically pride themselves on caring about the environment. It’s important to not just look for organic food but to ask about a company’s dedication to sustainability. Sustainability practices differ depending on the organic caterer, but for Eco Caters, it means implementing ongoing practices to protect the environment. We pickle, dry, and use other techniques to make use out of vegetable stems and peels. We partner with cooking oil waste recycling programs and limit our use of water through cold packs and freezer sheets. We drive fuel-efficient vehicles when making deliveries and recycle every bit of paper, cardboard, glass, and plastic. Serious sustainability means offering compostable plates, utensils, and cups too. Every detail matters.
Use of Seasonal Ingredients
Seasonality and organic food go hand-in-hand. When organic kitchen caterers are enthusiastic about seasonal eating, it means you’re getting food that’s nutrient-dense and better for the environment. Eating seasonally tends to mean eating locally, so there won’t be a semi-truck hauling your guests’ food in from another state. Seasonal food is richer in flavor because it’s been picked at its peak of ripeness. Dishes will shine with the sweet taste of summer corn or the crisp autumn apples.
Relationship With Local Farmers
It’s a wonderful sign when an organic caterer has close relationships with local farmers and product makers. Local ingredients give your guests a taste of terroir — or of the land. Whether it’s crisp local apples from Washington or sweet strawberries from San Diego, different regions specialize in different ingredients. An organic caterer who works with local farms cares about the community and wants to give back by supporting those who cultivate the fruit and vegetables. Plus, local farms produce ingredients that aren’t traveling too far. This means they’re fresh, ripe, and natural.
Company Establishment
An important question when hiring an organic caterer is to know how long they’ve been around. Is the company established with good reviews? Today, there are more catering companies on the rise, so it’s a good idea to go with one that’s been around and has previous clients to vouch for them. If you’re on the hunt for a wedding caterer, see what brides and grooms are saying about their top pics for an organic caterer. Before making a decision or setting a meeting, pour a cup of coffee and do some preliminary research. Not only will you learn more about the company, but you’ll fine-tune exactly what you’re looking for in an organic caterer. You can also ask the company about their awards and accolades. Have they won any sustainability awards, or are they Green Caterer Certified or a Fair Farms Partner?
Community Involvement
When you look into hiring an organic caterer, you might not initially think to ask about their community involvement — but participation in the community is essential. Often, involvement goes beyond the relationship with farmers and purveyors and dives into other aspects of the community. For Eco Caters, we’re proud to participate in our communities through collaborations with organizations such as Kid Power, Make-a-Wish, TAPS, and Food Rescue U.S. We’re just as passionate about fueling your guests’ bodies with good food as we are about making a difference in the communities we serve.
Creativity and Flexibility
Many organic kitchen caterers tend to be creative by nature. The best caterers will utilize everything from edible flowers to micro-greens to give their dishes an elegant flare. When you’re looking to book an organic caterer, make sure to ask about what they do to make their dishes memorable. Ask to see sample menus to see what sort of versatility they offer. If your guests have dietary constraints, you’ll want to be aware of that beforehand. Is the caterer flexible and able to accommodate those in the group who are dairy-free, gluten intolerant, vegan or vegetarian? You want your guests with dietary constraints to feel like they’re getting a meal that’s just as good (if not better!) than their meat or cheese-eating friends.
If you follow these tips, chances are you’ll wind up with an organic caterer who is perfect for your special event. From community involvement to creativity in the kitchen, an organic caterer will care for all aspects of food production and presentation.
For organic catering services in the Los Angeles, San Diego, and Washington DC areas, feel free to reach out to us today. Executive Chef Nick Brune and his wife, Emily, started Eco Caters over a decade ago. Southern California was one of the most competitive markets in the U.S., but they established our company as a leader and a pillar in the community.
With a dedication to excellence, sustainability, and high-quality ingredients, we prepare our food thoughtfully and love delighting our clients through incredible-tasting food.
From all of us at Eco Caters, thanks for reading! We look forward to hearing from you soon. From start to finish, we’ll make sure every phase of your event comes together perfectly.