Shhhh... don’t tell anyone but organic food is not new { gasp } ... I know is sounds like a crazy statement to make but its quiet interesting to look at how far we have lost track over the years.
We have actually taken a full circle and have now ended up heading back to basic farming principles... leaving a large mess behind us.
Farming throughout history has typically been organic, farming with natural fertilisers, natural practices, freedom and no chemicals.
Over time with technology advances and growing scientific revolutions people discovered that synthetic fertilizers and pesticides helped increase yields and made farming practices easier.
We also discovered that artificial fertilisers used long term have dangerous effects on soils, habitats, humans and animal life. {bom bom :-/}
Using artificial fertilisers was a quick solution to the increased demand on the industry to supply larger qualities of food for growing populations and also to avert deadly famines across the globe.
Throughout this period however many still adopted organic farming practices – though they may not have been referred to as “organic” at the time. Then in the 1970s several new waves of organic farming began, and it continues to be the fastest growing agricultural sector in the world today. (That’s a pretty exciting fact!)
The overall goal of organic farming is based on kindness... its about improving the environment rather than degrading the environment and avoiding harm or cruelty to animals.
Does organic taste better?
Each to their own here however I think you can definitely taste the difference. For me I’ve always found that organic strawberries and tomatoes are much richer in flavour and full of twice the amount of colour and juice. I know that I have also read that those eating organic chicken/beef over non-organic chicken/beef can definitely taste the difference.
Is organic better for you?
Think about it... avoiding residual herbicides, pesticides, GMOS, hormones and antibiotics and consuming food grown only in mineral rich soil which means many more nutrients will be present in our foods. You decide or jump online and research some of the unanimous findings.
It’s expensive...
I’ve said it and I know it’s a common debate or reason for avoiding buying organic... yes it is slightly more expensive. But in my eyes, think of the money you will be saving on medical bills in the future if you look after your body correctly now.
It should be more expensive too; it’s a much more labour intensive process and it also protects the environment.
To go organic or not to go organic...
We take the approach of buying and eating organic when we can, we usually buy organic staples and groceries items but chop and change a little with my fruit purchases. When pennies are tighter we buy whats on sale and when we feel we have room to move we go all out.
It’s also wise to note that not all packed items claiming to be organic and natural are not always 100% organic and natural – so check labels closely as sometimes marketing can be very misleading!
Today there are also loads of opportunities to buy fresh organic produce. Larger chains offer a limited selection of organic fruit and vegetables, weekends are filled with local farmers markets and many online fruiterers deliver locally.
Try shopping at:
Of course the best thing we can do is eat living organic foods if we truly want to live a long natural and balanced life free from the wide spread illnesses seen in today’s society.
All I can says is I am glad to see the ever growing range and availability of organic products and produce. Here's to old things deemed new again!
Visit the Organics Federation of Australia for further information: www.ofa.org.au
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| Organic imperfections... guaranteed taste x |
