The What and When of Buying Organic Foods
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.
The ideal choice for organic foods is to buy locally grown products that are handled less during the trip from field to table. Organic foods that travel long distances before you buy them can lose some of their organic benefits. Scientists recommend buying organic when purchasing foods generally found to contain higher levels of pesticides when commercially produced.
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.
The fruits found to contain the lowest levels of pesticides are pineapples, plantains, mangoes, bananas, watermelon, plums and kiwis. The vegetables found to contain the lowest levels of pesticides are cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, radishes, broccoli and onions. If on a tight budget, these foods provide a safer alternative when purchasing commercially produced products. Consumers should note that this is not the final word on the above products, but more a matter of the degrees of risk with these products versus those with higher pesticide levels.
When shopping for gadgets or kitchenware, consumer websites can help with picking ; 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 seasoned writer and photographer residing in Colorado. To have and products delivered to your doorstep, visit http://www.OrganicFoodeStore.com.
