Having grown up in a zero waste community in Sicily, it’s hardly surprising that Carmela La Spina wanted to bring a piece of that culture to Berlin. And so after a 2020 crowdfunding campaign, Carmela and Martin Hofmann opened packaging-free Herbie Unverpackttogether in the autumn. Their goal? To make no-plastic groceries available to as many Berliners as possible and establish a zero waste community of exchange and support. Located between Neukölln and Treptow, this charming boutique offers organic basics including rescued fruit and vegetables from Querfeld (simply pre-order online and pick up in-store), nuts and pasta from the dispenser, baked goods from Albatross and natural cosmetics. Also available are nappies and hygiene products from Imse Vimse that feature reusable textiles. The store has both essentials and specialities, and if you have left your jars and bags at home the team will gladly lend or sell you one. The motto here is “packaging-free with love” and we are really feeling it.

Text: Sophie Döring / Photos: Stefany de Beur

Herbie Unverpackt, Elbestr.19, 12045 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Mon–Fri 12–19h, Sat 12–17h

The shop is classed as a supermarket and thus open as normal. Extensive measures are in place for safe shopping.

@herbieunverpackt

Pickling and fermenting are all the rage at the moment, and for good reason: chutneys, conserves and vinegars are the perfect shortcut to flavor for all kinds of meals. And when it comes to preserving prowess, Berlin-based Roots Radicals are taking things to the next level with their handcrafted regional ferments. Founded in late 2019 by Peruvian-born scientist, chef and artist Monica Kisic, the project is unique in putting a commitment to zero waste at the forefront. For Monica, this means more than just cutting food waste: her preserves are actually created from “up-cycled” produce which would otherwise be thrown away. But the most impressive part is the diversity and quality of the food that results, with everything from relishes and chutneys to kimchi, spices and salsas. Take Monica’s organic ketchup, for instance, which is made from 82 percent “rescued” ingredients and bottled during peak tomato season for maximum flavor and minimum environmental impact. The range is as well suited for day-to-day cooking (rescued vegetable bouillon for vibrant soups) as for special occasions (luxurious steamed strawberries for an indulgent champagne accompaniment) and most of the products will last for months in your larder. A delivery of these fermented goodies is just the thing to breathe new life into your lockdown home cooking while helping tackle food waste.

Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Savannah van der Niet, Becca Crawford, Carina Dewhurst & Michael Sieber

Roots Radicals ferments can be ordered online, with deliveries typically on Friday, 11–17h. Delivery areas are Prenzlauer Berg, Mitte, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Schöneberg. Minimum order €20. Select products are also available on Up and Coming.

@rootsradicals.berlin