Hofladen Austermann: Green specialities with a difference

"This is simply a matter of the heart for me," says Johanna Austermann, who at 29 is the boss of the farm shop. That's why the fresh fruit and vegetables go into her customers' bags without packaging. She has also set up a corner in the shop where pasta, rice, muesli and many other products can be filled in containers that customers have brought with them. The same goes for vinegar, oil, tea and sweets. And those who want to buy meat or cheese at the fresh produce counter can bring their own container directly. "Because if everyone makes a small contribution, the environment is already helped a lot," the 29-year-old thinks. That's why all of the shop's own products are offered in glass jars. This no longer includes only pickled gherkins - pesto, sauces, dips, mustard, soups or stews are also available.

Shopping as an experience

This goes down well. "We have many regular customers who come to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables." For most guests, a visit to the farm shop is more than just a purchase. It is a little experience, says Johanna Austermann: "Many people come to us as an excursion, because we are right on the Ems cycle path." The children can let off steam in the playground, and food is available in the small self-service café area. "And thanks to our open production kitchen, guests can watch us baking or making jam.

In any case, the Münsterland native has found that people are placing ever greater value on regional and healthy food, and are also keen to get back in the kitchen themselves. The Austermanns provide them with all sorts of inspiration for home cooking. They include their many recipes directly with the products – from strawberry punch to asparagus pastries and wild garlic pesto.