Jess And Janasa Herndon Jess and Janasa Herndon, owners of the Green Gourmet, find it pretty easy to be green. (Photo Barbara Martin)

Some say that it's not easy being green, but it comes naturally for the owners of The Green Gourmet Market & Deli, located at 510 Bath Road, in Wiscasset.

Three months ago, the Herndons opened the doors to a venture that they've been planning for forever… their own business. They share a background in retail and management but more importantly, "We're both foodies," as Jess said.

Even though Jess hales from Washington state and Janasa is a true Mainer, their parents shared an interest in raising their children on wholesome food, and the notion took.

Their new business is both a natural foods and specialty shop. "Most of our products are organic or naturally raised," Janasa said. "We use local foods whenever possible."

Natural food stores are not new, even in the wilds of midcoast Maine, but the Herndons are committed to presenting their own variation on the theme of green for the community. "We want to offer wholesome food with a gourmet kick," Jess said.

And judging by the number of local down-home eaters already spending their lunch money at the store, fast food connoisseurs just might want to give eating right another taste test. The Herndons make most of their own bread, muffins, scones and all of their homemade soups that change daily. Their deli-to- drool-for is filled with neat meets and nearly 25 varieties of cheeses from around the world.

"We try to bring in a wide selection of ethnic foods that are not easy to get," Janasa said. They offer a different specialty sandwich each week along with their regular menu, and there's a standing offer to customize any sandwich, no matter how eccentric the request.

Before opening the store, Janasa had a wholesale jewelry business, and Jess was lobstering for the last four years as they prepared to open the store. When they saw the building that now houses the store, they thought it was just right.

"But it did need a face lift," Jess said. The family works downstairs and lives over the store with their two sons, ages two and four.

Besides all that great food, there are also a number of products in the store that are in keeping with the local, wholesome theme. You'll find Maine-made pottery by Hockomock Pottery & Gallery in Bremen; wooden toys for the little kippers in our midst; some of Janasa's lovely jewelry for those of us who like the sparkly stuff; and a selection of wines under $12 to boost holiday spirits and keep some green in our pockets.

They also offer a wide selection of hard to find magazines not found at the local supermarkets. The papers favored by enquiring minds at checkout registers will most likely not be available at the store,

While it's unlikely that the couple will turn away summer business, they are very happy they opened during the off-season. "We want to get to know all the local folks' names first, before the vacationers come in," Jess said.

The store is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They will prepare customized gift baskets, and they soon hope to broaden their business to offer catering services.

The Herndons are excited about their green, all natural mission and Jess enjoys talking about the added gourmet twist, spiced with a relish for local fare. The Herndons are some proud of their Green Gourmet market. My guess is that for them green is all there is to be.