All Organic Foods Are Not Equal
There was a point many years ago when most of the world either didn’t pay attention to or understand what natural organic food was, let alone the meaning of hormone free and free range. Food was food. But today, people are becoming more conscious of what they put in their bodies. Many of us are beginning to understand the importance of these more natural foods and are not only shopping differently but also choosing more carefully what we order when eating out. However, not all organic foods are the same and that difference shows up in the cost and availability of organic products.
According to the U.S.D.A, in order for any food to be labeled as “USDA organic” certain standards must be met. These standards are usually related to the growing, production or manufacturing process involved. A true organic food may have no ingredients that are synthetic such as pesticides or residue of fertilizers. At least 95% of what goes into an organic food must also be organic. Animals from which products are derived must never have been given growth hormones or antibiotics. If a food is labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients”, only 70% of the ingredients must be organic.
Products that are grown locally, therefore requiring less handling before reaching the consumer, are the best organic foods. When organic foods are shipped from far away in order to reach the market, there is more of a chance that some of the organic qualities can be lost along the way. It is generally recommended to buy organic to avoid the elevated pesticide levels found in commercially grown or produced products.
Fruits grown commercially that have been shown to contain the higher amounts of pesticides are cherries, imported grapes, pears, strawberries and raspberries, apples, and peaches. Celery, potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, and hot peppers are vegetables that, when not grown organically, contain high pesticide levels. With this in mind, the smart decision would be to buy the organically grown versions of these products, despite the higher price.
Commercially grown fruits that are lower in pesticide levels are watermelons, plantains, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, and mangoes. Vegetables that fall into this lower pesticide category are broccoli, cauliflower, onions, radishes, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. These fruits and vegetables are a relatively safe option for those on a budget who can’t afford to buy organic. These products present less of a degree of risk than produce that contains higher levels of pesticides.
When shopping for gadgets or kitchenware, consumer websites can help with picking best products; organic food requires a little more work. As with any dietary choice, choosing organic comes down to personal needs and tastes. Many consumers are not aware that some foods carry a much higher organic benefit than others, and that even factors such as shipping distance affect the value of organic products. Whether or not you choose to eat organic is up to you, but knowing the facts always makes the decision easier.
Stan Dyer is a prolific writer and photographer residing in Colorado. To have organic food and products delivered to your doorstep, visit http://www.OrganicFoodeStore.com.
