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.
In U.S.D.A terms, foods must meet certain criteria before they can wear the “USDA Organic” seal. It has more to do with manufacturing and production than anything else. To be organic, foods must contain no synthetic ingredients at all, including pesticides and fertilizer residues. A minimum of 95% of the ingredients must be organic or come from animals never receiving antibiotics or growth hormones. Foods labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients”, however, may contain as little as 70% organic ingredients.
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.
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 prolific author and photographer based in Colorado. For healthy living, follow this link to have organic food delivered to your doorstep, and visit ecco ecco for the world’s best walking shoes.