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What is organic food? And is it really worth the price?
Organic products have become mainstream in recent years, popularized by a host of health and environmental claims.
But organic food often comes at a high price …
What is organic food?
Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic modification (GM), and ionizing radiation. While British products often carry the Soil Association logo, imported foods may simply state Organic or carry a Bio label.
Organic farming has multiple benefits. Plant foods grown this way contain no or only minimal chemical residues, have more antioxidants, richer flavors, are safer for people with food sensitivities (because these are often caused by chemicals in food ) and tend to be fresher due to the lack of preservatives shortens their shelf life.
Organic farming is also great for the environment, because it does not pollute, increases soil fertility, reduces soil erosion, and protects both animals and bees that pollinate flowers. It follows that it is also better for farm workers and people living in the area.
You do not need animal manure to grow fruits, vegetables and crops. Vegan-organic or veganic is a farming system that avoids chemicals and artificial sprays, livestock manures and slaughterhouse animal remains. Read more about it here.
Organic farming requires more labor and as a result organic products tend to be more expensive.
What organic foods should you buy?
Some fruits and vegetables absorb more pesticides than others, so it’s best to buy them organic when possible.
It all has to do with their thin skin, high water content and that we don’t peel them before we eat them: strawberries, apples, grapes, nectarines, peaches, cherries, spinach, kale, tomatoes, celery, potatoes and peppers.
If organic prices are beyond your limits, don’t completely abandon them, just buy them occasionally and if you come across them at cut prices, buy more and freeze them!
There is an interesting puzzle with tomatoes grown hydroponically in large greenhouses where there is no soil but their roots are submerged in nutrient-rich water.
This method is not classified as organic in the UK or Europe, but is allowed under organic standards in the US.
Hydroponic tomato cultivation allows for pesticide-free cultivation, but the plants may be receiving fertilizers in the water. This method of tomato production allows harvesting throughout the year and reduces the amount of space and water required for growing.
Opponents emphasize that it is not natural since the plants do not receive sunlight and do not contribute to the ecosystem in any way. Whichever side you lean to, if we can’t always afford organic tomatoes, hydroponics may be the best option.
However, when buying, you cannot tell how a tomato was grown if it does not carry the organic label (hydroponic or soil grown are not recognized distinctions) yet.
How to save money when buying organic products
If you are lucky enough to be able to spend money on shopping, by all means, buy only organic products because it is better for everyone.
But, if you’re on a budget, some crops don’t absorb as much pesticides or we peel them so they’re not organic.
These include avocados, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplants, onions, peas, sweet corn, kiwi, melons, papaya, pineapple, mango, and sweet potatoes.
Soy
Growing soybeans presents several problems, but there are two radically different approaches.
Mass production of soybeans for animal feed is responsible for deforestation and environmental destruction in South America and elsewhere, and most of it is genetically modified. Up to 90 percent of the world’s soy production goes to livestock!
On the other hand, people consume only about six percent of the world’s soybean production in the form of tofu, soy milk, soy oils, tempeh, edamame, soy sauce, etc.
Many soy foods eaten in the UK are made from organic beans from Europe. Their organic label also means that there are no GMOs and many food manufacturers declare where their soy comes from to show they are part of the solution, not the problem.
Choosing organic soy products is a good choice and the price is also usually affordable.
Citric fruit
Most conventionally grown citrus fruits are sprayed with pesticides. However, because we peel them, we discard the main dose of pesticide with the peel.
Citrus fruits are also usually waxed. A thin layer of wax is applied to the surface to help extend its life and make it look pretty.
There are many mixes for waxing. They usually contain some edible plant or insect wax, but may also contain petroleum-based wax. There is no way of knowing what type was used on the fruit. It may not be vegan or it may not be very good for you.
The solution is to buy organic produce whenever possible. While not all unwaxed fruits are organic, all organic fruits are not.
If you are cooking with orange or lemon zest, always opt for organic products to prevent your food from being mixed with pesticides.
Solutions for expensive organic products
It is not always easy to compare organic fruits and vegetables. So the best solution might be to subscribe to a box of organic fruits and vegetables.
Each area has different providers, so do a little research to see what is available where you live. And it has another bonus … You’re also supporting local farms and the food hasn’t traveled very far to get to you!
When buying, check what organic products are available and if there is a special offer. Since the fresh produce is in season, you might find some at decent prices and can stock up. Fruits like strawberries, peaches, or nectarines freeze well.
Other products, such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, are a different story. The outer layers are removed prior to sale and that removes a lot of chemical residue.
However, it is still good to choose organic products when possible, for your health, the health of farm workers and the environment.
This article has been published with permission from viva! You can read the original piece here