What Makes Food Organic?

Organic food is grown, prepared, and processed without the use of chemical fertilizers, preservatives, or pesticides. Organic foods in the United States differ in regulations set by the USDA. Fruits, dairy products, meats, vegetables, and grains can all be found in an organic grocery store. Here is everything to know about organic food:

The Difference Between Organic and Non-Organic Food

Demand for organic food products is rising, and you might wonder what makes them different from other foods. The following differences will help you determine what is best for your family as you shop for food products:

Pesticides and Fertilizers

The method of farming is the key difference between organic food and non-organic food. Farmers who grow organic food use manure or compost to promote growth and boost production.

People who grow non-organic food use chemical fertilizers to boost growth and increase yield. They also spray chemicals to control pests and insects. If you are worried about the safety of your food products, look for produce and meat that is chemical-free.

Immune System

The nutritional value of organic food products is typically higher than that of non-organic food items. Consuming organic food can also help to boost your immune system.

You might risk contracting diseases if you consume non-organic food products. The chemical products in non-organic food can interfere with your immune system. For high nutritional value and safe production methods, try organic food.

Environmental Benefits

Organic farming is sustainable because farmers use natural and environmentally friendly methods. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in non-organic farming often pollute the environment. When you consume organic food items, you participate in environmental conservation.

Taste

Organic food products often taste better than non-organic food because farmers use natural methods to grow them. The well-nourished soil, free of chemicals, allows organic food items such as fruits and vegetables to retain much of their flavor.

Appearance 

The appearance of organic food differs from that of non-organic food. Vegetables and fruits grown through natural methods resemble those in your home garden.

Non-organic food products have a more aesthetic shape and color if compared to organic food items. This is because farmers use chemicals and artificial fertilizers to boost their growth. When shopping for organic food items, select the ones with ordinary shapes and colors because they are more likely to be organic.

Freshness

Non-organic food items contain preservatives to make them last longer. The ingredient is absent in organic products. This makes organic food fresher than non-organic.

Organic food reaches the market faster than non-organic food because most of it finds its way into the local market. This means it is still fresh when it arrives in the market. When you buy food products from your local organic store, you will consume fresh produce direct from the farm.

The Top Organic Food Products 

Food items must meet specific organic standards to qualify to be organic. Here are two organic products to help you understand what you get when you shop organic:

Milk From Cows

For milk to meet organic standards, it must come from cows raised organically. Farmers must not inject them with vaccines or hormones to boost their milk production.

Organically raised cows must access fresh water, sunlight, and shade, exercise outdoors, and sleep on clean bedding. This reduces their stress levels and the risk of disease.

Organic milk contains a higher level of omega-3 acids. If you consume organic milk, the risk of getting heart disease decreases.

Prepackaged Greens

Farmers use natural methods to grow prepackaged salads in organic stores. They add compost or manure to boost their growth and use natural means such as crop rotation to control weeds. Consuming organic vegetables is good for your health. They contain higher levels of antioxidants than non-organic greens.

Shop From Organic Grocery Store

Organic food is higher in vitamins, fiber, and minerals and retains nutrient levels for longer. Shifting to organic food will make your body more resistant to disease because it will have the nutrients required to fight infection. If you eat organic, you will notice a difference in how you feel physically. You can also enjoy the satisfaction that comes from supporting your local farmers, environment, and economy. Visit an organic grocery store and make organic food a part of your diet.