Most grocery stores have an organic corner in the produce section. We did it the other way round: the entire produce department at both our stores is certified organic, Nova Scotia farms first in season. Here's what's on the table, where it comes from, and how to get it the same day anywhere in Halifax.
Where can I buy organic produce in Halifax?
At both Luminate Co stores: 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, part of Halifax, and 590 Portland Street in Dartmouth, across the harbour. Both are open seven days a week, and both carry the same all-organic standard. If you can't make it in, Luminate Express brings it to your door the same afternoon.
| Store | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford | 486 Starboard Drive, just off Larry Uteck Boulevard | Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 8:30 pm; Sat and Sun 9 am to 6 pm |
| Dartmouth | 590 Portland Street, at Baker Drive | Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 8:30 pm; Sat and Sun 9 am to 6 pm |
Is all of your produce organic?
Yes, every fruit and vegetable in the department is certified organic. There's no organic shelf next to a conventional one, so there's nothing to compare and nothing to second-guess.
It's simpler for you and it keeps us honest. A single standard across the department means our produce buyer chooses on freshness and flavour, not on which label sells. It also fits the rest of the market, where every product on the shelf has been read and chosen by someone who works here.
Is your organic produce local?
When it's in season, yes. When the Annapolis Valley is growing it, that's what's on the table: greens, berries, apples, roots and herbs from farms we know by name. Through the summer and fall, much of the table comes from Nova Scotia growers.
Out of season, we fill in from certified organic suppliers further afield. Either way, the standard is the same. Local makers sit right alongside, too: products from more than 100 Atlantic Canadian makers are on our shelves, from Nova Scotia honey and maple syrup to local sourdough. Browse them on the local makers page.
What will I find on the produce table?
The department changes with the harvest and availability shifts week to week, so the produce department page is the best guide to what's in the store today. Online, it's sorted the same way the table is.
- Fresh vegetables. Greens, roots, peppers and the veggies every dinner starts with.
- Fresh fruit. Berries, citrus, grapes and something for the lunchbox. Avocados are usually our most-bought item.
- Fresh herbs. Cilantro, basil, rosemary, garlic and more, for the recipe that needs a handful of something.
- Mushrooms. Cremini, shiitake, portobello and white.
- Frozen organic fruit and vegetables. For smoothies, soups and the week you run out of fresh.
Organic lemons and limes are always near the top of the list too. They're a good start on homemade ginger shots, and our herbal tea guide has ideas for the fresh herbs.
Can I get organic produce delivered in Halifax?
Yes, the same day. Produce is the one department we don't ship in a box, so it's in store or delivered locally. Add it to a Luminate Express order and it's picked from the shelf the morning it goes out. Order by 11 am and it arrives that afternoon, between 2:30 and 6 pm, almost anywhere in HRM.
- Shop online. Add produce to your order along with anything else from the market.
- Order by 11 am. After 11, it comes the next day.
- Bring it in. Fridge and freezer items travel cold; put them away when they arrive.
Delivery starts at $8.99 in Bedford and Clayton Park and $11.99 on the peninsula and in Dartmouth, and it's free over $100 in those zones. The same-day delivery guide lists every zone.
Is the same produce at both stores?
The standard is the same, but what's on the table can differ between Bedford and Dartmouth on any given day. Each produce listing online shows which store has it in stock, so check before you make a trip for one particular thing, or call Bedford at (902) 835-9319 or Dartmouth at (782) 358-2374.
When is the best time to shop for produce?
Produce deliveries arrive through the week, so mid-week mornings have the widest choice. Both stores open at 8:30 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends, and stay open until 8:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Good to know
In winter, when most organic produce comes from further afield, the sign on the table tells you where each item is from.
What else should go in the basket?
Organic produce is one department of a full grocery store. Pair it with organic lentils, grains and nuts from the bulk station, pantry staples from natural foods, and yogurt and kefir from local dairies (our kefir and yogurt guide explains the difference). For the full picture of each store, read what's in Bedford and Dartmouth.
Ready when you are.
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