The What and When of Buying Organic Foods
The concept of organic food as well as the terminology associated with it like “natural”, “hormone free”, and “free range” was not very wide spread fifteen or twenty years ago. Most people bypassed the organic food section without even seeing it. Today the benefits of organic food are more well known and making a difference in the way people shop. They are even using what they know now in choosing restaurants and ordering meals. However, not all organic foods are created equal. This is usually made apparent by their price and how obtainable they are.
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.
Low levels of pesticides can be found in plantains, pineapple, watermelons, bananas, plums, mangoes, and kiwi. The safer vegetables with low amounts of pesticides are Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, and radishes. For those who don’t want to spend the extra money on organic, these fruits and vegetables are a safe choice. It should be noted that these products do contain some level of pesticides but are not as risky a choice as those products known to contain higher levels.
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 veteran writer and photographer based in Colorado. For healthy living, follow these links to have organic food delivered to your doorstep and find all your organic gardening supplies.
