Common Sense Organic Food Shopping
More than ever before, people are paying attention to what they eat. Years ago, few people knew the words organic, natural, free range or hormone free in respect to food. They just did not give it a second thought. Now, however, people are taking these words to the store and coming home with different products. In addition, people now want to find these words when they dine out. For reasons of both budget and availability, it is important for the consumer to note that all organic foods are not equal in overall benefit.
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.
The fruits found to contain the highest level of pesticides are peaches, apples, strawberries, nectarines, pears, cherries, raspberries and imported grapes. The vegetables found to contain the highest levels of pesticides are spinach, bell peppers, celery, potatoes and hot peppers. When choosing these foods, it is probably best to choose organically grown products as the benefit far outweighs the increase in cost.
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 freelance writer and photographer living in Colorado. To have organic food and products delivered to your doorstep, visit http://www.OrganicFoodeStore.com.
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