We have all seen the label; “Organic” when grocery shopping, but do we really know what this means? More often than not, people who purchase organic food, do it because it’s “healthier” and “better for you”. This is overall true but if you are curious to know what makes organic food so special, then you’ll want to continue reading.
A long time ago, people used to comply with the natural growth cycle of crops and fruits but as globalisation occurred, farmers had to find a way to supply a higher demand which is where the race to become the faster producer began. Farmers opted for chemical alternatives that are highly effective in making food grow faster, larger, and last for a longer period of time. The foods that are grown with all of these chemicals are non-organic and can ultimately risk your health.
The Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) clearly defines organic food as;
‘The product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators, and livestock feed additives. Irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products produced from or by GMOs are generally prohibited by organic legislation.
Clearly, organic food is better but ultimately more expensive to produce. Since this is a money-making industry, things aren’t as straightforward as you may think.
When shopping for organic food, you will want to keep an eye out for the different labels;
- “100% Organic”: This product is made entirely from organic ingredients.
- “Organic”: At least 95% of the ingredients in this product are organic.
- “Made with Organic”: At least 70% of the ingredients are organic.
A great suggestion for those who are keen on adopting an organic diet is to purchase from local farmers! Usually, these tend to have fresh, high-quality products and they can sometimes be cheaper than those sold at grocery stores.
If you are from London, you can visit: https://www.lfm.org.uk/ to find your nearest market!
