Interview with raw food experts: Michaela Russmann
Michaela Russmann is a raw food entrepreneur with heart and soul
Michaela Russmann is a teacher, mother of a son, raw food expert and entrepreneur. Her shop "ROHGENUSS" with organic workshop and organic bistro is located in the centre of Vienna. She talks to Keimling Naturkost about her journey to raw food, her company and her commitment to healthy children's nutrition.
Michaela Russmann: I at least have a lot of energy. Power woman is a rather negative term for me, because I often associate it with a lack of consideration for people I work with and sacrificing my family. But if you think of a power woman as someone who successfully manages everything under one roof, then yes... I guess the term fits. :)
Raw food won your heart 20 years ago. Was it love at first sight or a slow process of getting to know each other?
Michaela Russmann: It was definitely a slow process of getting to know each other. I think that's important because it allows you to grow with the subject. You gain experience. Growing slowly is generally a point that is very important... also with raw food.
You run your company "ROHGENUSS" with passion. You offer workshops and seminars, organise raw dinner evenings and write your own "cookery" books. What do you do when you run out of steam?
Michaela Russmann: I very rarely run out of breath, thank goodness. But when I'm feeling a bit listless, I offer fewer workshops and relax with my family. My sister has 2 beautiful children who I can drive crazy by snogging them... that gives me a lot of energy. :)
You are happy to pass on your wealth of knowledge and experience. Who are the people who come to your courses?Michaela Russmann: Completely different types of people take part in the workshops. However, the main reason is always the same: they want to change something about their culinary existence. Be it a large portion or as a side dish to their usual meal. Mums, entrepreneurs, senior citizens, students, school pupils.... cannot be pinned down. There is no such thing as a typical raw food student.
Your raw food is neither time-consuming nor preparation-intensive nor time-consuming. Nevertheless, what is important to you when it comes to ingredients and preparation?
Michaela Russmann: Exactly, I don't believe in raw food cuisine that isn't suitable for everyday use, i.e. that can't be quickly realised after a long day at work or with the family. The equipment has to be simple and the ingredients readily available. As the owner of an organic grocery store, I naturally favour organic ingredients. But I also love strolling around farmers' markets and buying goodies from the region.
If you take a look at everything you do around raw food. What do you like best about your work?
Michaela Russmann: The happy and satisfied faces when my raw food dishes are eaten. And of course producing "cookery books", which is like a new baby being born into the ROHGENUSS family every time.
You have a charming little shop in the centre of Vienna - the BioWerkstatt with BioBistro. What delicacies can raw food gourmets look forward to at your shop?
Michaela Russmann: We have a raw food daily special, e.g. RAW chilli sin carne, RAW Thai vegetables with wild peanuts and orange-ginger sauce, RAW chocolate mousse, RAW vegetable spaghetti with various sauces and much more. Of course we offer a wide range of raw food products in the shop, bars, bread, nuts, dried fruit and much more.
As a trained early childhood educator and mother of a son who is now almost grown up, you have a special connection to children and their nutrition. Raw food for children - what role does this topic play for you?
Michaela Russmann: I think a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for a successful start in life from the very beginning. It doesn't just have to be raw food, but more than pizza, pasta with tomato sauce or similar every day. As Jamie Oliver's ambassador, children are naturally very close to my heart and have their own chapter in the new book.
Michaela Russmann: I offer schools a healthy event with a high fun factor. Children should experience the benefits of healthy cooking together under the motto: It tastes best together! I got involved through friends. My husband always documents the events on film... so great that Jamie Oliver loves one of the films so much that it was even shown at a big Jamie Oliver event in Berlin.
It looks like you have a very full life?
Michaela Russmann: I have. No question about it. The healthy mix of fulfilling work and family balances me out perfectly and the healthy diet does the rest. :) ROH ROCKT!!!
Dear Michaela, thank you for the interview and we wish you all the best with all your projects.
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