english version? Click \”Continue Reading\” then here! Opting for organic is always the best option, not only for your health, but also thinking about the environment. But the truth is that not all food needs to be necessarily organic and to become aware of what should or should not be organic can be a good help in your shopping, your health and your budget.
Some time ago it would be super hard to find an organic chicken, besides being a little elitist, let’s say (we’re still around…). But with the growth of the public aware about health and the quality of food, a certain demand for organic was caused, making it more accessible to find them around.
Large multinationals have been forced to change the composition and quality of the products, because the consumer knows that that ton of chemical additives is only good for their profit, but not for the health of the population. The impact was so much that we increasingly see powerful companies changing the composition of food products and new investors in the organic business. Super achievement, even if a lot of investment is still needed for this to become something of access to everyone, regardless of purchasing power.
What defines an organic food?
To begin with, the food cannot have any inclusion of synthetic pesticides, transgenics or chemical fertilizers. In addition, they must be cultivated respecting the environment and in order to maintain the quality of the food. Organics carry a labeling that is regularized by duly constituted agencies, but many regions of Brazil (other countries as well) still have inspections failing.
If you want to know more about organics in Brazil, this article It’s pretty cool. Here in the United States, there is the USDA, which is the Department of Agriculture that regulates all the inspection agencies of organic products, see the cultivation standards and quality here.
Buy organic when skin is thin
Fruits and vegetables with skin (peel) Difficult to remove usually does not have the barrier against pesticides, as fruits and vegetables with thick skins have. In this case, choose organic. Examples with thin skin: apples, strawberries, tomatoes, pears, grapes, peaches, potatoes, carrots, blackberry, celery, etc. Examples with thick skin: avocado, pineapple, banana, eggplant, papaya, mango, orange and grapefruit.
Green leaves should be organic.
All leafy vegetables must be organic due to the difficulty we have when cleaning them properly. This includes lettuce, dark green leaves, spinach, kale, chard, etc. Vegetables that do not necessarily need to be organic: asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Dairy should be organic.
The dairy industry has always been one of the ones that scared me the most, because some animals are subjected to completely unethical conditions, in addition to the inclusion of antibiotics that completely alter the quality of the food. The omega 3 fatty acid content is much higher in organic versions, so choose organic here.
Meats and poultry should be organic.
The same thing I mentioned about the inclusion of hormones in dairy products. Since these foods are so present in your daily life, it is worth the investment.
Fish and seafood need not be organic.
Considering fish that were taken from the sea (not captivity), they are not in contact with many pesticides (I hope).
Summarizing…
The issue of consuming organic in my point of view goes beyond our health. We are living in an era where people have access to information, people report, research and want to know what they are really putting on the table to eat and how much this can be impacting not only on health, but also on the environment. Buying foods that are found in the harvest season is also an important tip!
Whenever I can, I go to food fairs on weekends, the ones that are close to where I live, so I can find different, artisanal foods and often with a cheaper price. This is a way of stimulating the domestic market and giving small business opportunities as well. It’s worth a read in my philosophy!
Where to find organic?
If you live outside Brazil, click Here To find the Farmers Market closest to you and some stores that I recommend.
If you live in Brazil, click Here To find organic fairs near you.
Portuguese version? Click here!
I like to go organic any chance i get, not only because of the health benefits, but equally as important to me, is the environmental attributes. But the true is: not every food needs to be organic, but know and being educated on what the primary leaders are when going organic, might really help your choices When Buying Food.
It’s funny to think that not even 10 years ago it was difficult to find an organic chicken, and eating organic was with a shadow of a elitist habit. Now with the growth of the health conscious public, the demand for organic food has increased significantly and constantly according to this article, Encouraging The Development of New Farmers and Different Products. such a great conquer, however, organic products are still expensive and sometimes hard to afford.
big multinationals have been forced to change their food composition, adding more quality on their products in order to fit into what the health consumers wants. Nowdays, People are way more conscious that adding a lot of chemicals additives can be really unhealthy and cause a lot of allergies and increase body inflammation. Nearby, the demand of organic food has been growing significantly giving us More options and places to find healthy and organic food.
what defines an organic food?
according to the usda, Organic Farmers, Ranchers, and Food Processors Follow a defined set of standards to produce organic food and fiber. Congress Described General Organic Principles in the Organic Foods Production Act, and the USDA Defines Specific Organic Standards. These Standards Cover the Product from Farm to Table, including Soil and Water Quality, Pest Control, Livestock Practices, and Rules for Food Additives.
Organic Farms and Processors:
- Preserve Natural Resources and Biodiversity
- Support Animal Health and Welfare
- provide access to the billboards so that animals can exercise their natural behaviors
- only use approved materials
- do not use genetically modified ingredients
- Receive Annual Onsite Inspections
- Separate Organic Food from Non-Organic Food
When The Skin is Thin, GO Organic.
Fruits and Vegetables with Thin Skin Do Not Have The Same Protection Against Pesticides That Thick-Skinned Fruits And Veggies Have. thin-skinned examples: Apples, Strawberries, Peaches, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Tomatoes, Pear, Celery, Potatoes, and Carrots. thin-skinned examples: Bananas, Mangos, Avocados, Papaya, Oranges, Squash, Kiwi, Egg-Plants, Grapefruit, and Egg-Plants.
When Leafy Greens, GO Organic.
because we can not wash really well all the leafs. Example of Vegetables that Should Be Organic: Kale, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Lettuce, and Spinach. Vegetables that don’t need to be organic: Asparagus, Caulflower, Sweet Potatoes. and Broccoli.
Fish and Sea Food Do Not Need To Be Organic.
since fish live in the ocean, they are less likely to be exposed to pesticides and toxins (at least, so far….). Just Avoid Farm-Raised Products.
Dairy should be organic.
Besides the inclusion of hormones and antibiotics that this industry uses, organic products might have even better nutritional profile. Organic Milk, for instance, has higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids. So, Whenever You Can, Buy Organic Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt.
Meat and Poultry Should Be Organic.
The same issue including hormones and antibiotics can be applied here. An important highlight here is also the way animals are raised when following organic standards, using humane and ethnical treatments.
extra:
for extra assistance, see my guide to help you buying fresh and local food.