Dewy stalks of celery snap crisply. Chatter drifts among shelves of vitamins, supplements, and books on healthy living. The soft murmur of patrons excited about cuisine or well-being permeates Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins’ nine locations. Oda and Hilmar Lassen opened their first shop in 1971 in an effort to give their interest in unprocessed foods an outlet.
Now, the shelves brim with colorful ranks of non-genetically-modified products from Amy’s, Annie’s Homegrown, and Blue Sky as well as organic veggies and fresh air that hasn’t been stuck in a farmer’s grubby pockets. Gluten-free goods cater to dietary needs, and delis in some locations use fillings such as soy-based corned beef and organic avocados to forge sandwiches, burritos, and breakfast fare.
