Cathal BarryOrganic food is now widely available and a regular feature in most supermarkets.
The organic food business is booming. Once found only in health food stores, organic food is now widely available and a regular feature in most supermarkets.
Though organic food can be produced with certain synthetic ingredients, it must adhere to specific regulated standards.
Organic food is generally grown and processed without the use of genetic engineering or any sort of synthetic or artificial fertiliser. It is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. It cannot be grown or processed with antibiotics, preservatives, chemicals or use of radiation.
To be considered organic, all of a foodís ingredients must be processed organically. Ideally, organic produce allows you to avoid consuming toxic chemicals.
A major factor in growing nutritious and flavourful food is the quality of the soil. Organic growing practices attempt to maintain and replenish the fertility and nutrients of the soil. Organic production promotes sustainability by growing food without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilisers. Organic animal products are produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering or cloning.
Organic animal products are equally important for your health. They donít contain the chemicals and hormones that their conventional counterparts contain as a result of dosings with antibiotics and growth-boosting hormones.
No antibiotics
The animals have to be fed grass or grain that is 100% organic. Animal feed canít contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) or animal by-products and the animals have to have access to the outdoors, including fresh air, water, sunshine, grass and pasture.
Whether organic foods actually contain higher nutrient content is unknown except from anecdotal experience, but there is evidence that organically-grown foods contain more antioxidants and micronutrients, making them an enticing choice.
One common drawback with organic food is cost. Organic foods typically cost more than their conventional counterparts. The higher prices are primarily due to more expensive farming practices.
Odd shapes
Similarly, because organic fruits and vegetables arenít treated with waxes or preservatives, they may spoil faster. Also, some organic produce may look less than perfect: odd shapes, varying colours or smaller sizes. But organic foods must meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods.
If you do decide to opt for organic, here are some tips to help you during your shop:
* Select a variety of foods from a number of sources
* Buy fruits and vegetables in season when possible
* Read food labels carefully
* Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.