Organic?

So, How do we really know if something is Organic? I've been always taught that the number on a label of the Fruit should start with a number 9. That is the first thing I always look for.

It's very interesting how all the non organic food looks just so perfect. It's perfectly shiny and shaped but is it really how it's supposed to be grown?

I guarantee you that every single Organic fruit or Vegetable that you are going to try from the Organic Farmer's Market is going to have a full flavor because it was grown without pesticides and it had the actual time to develop the flavor.

So Organic basically means that the Organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones. 

You need to look for the stickers with USDA Certification.

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows:

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certified inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

Why should you eat ORGANIC?

I know Organic is so much more expensive. I look at it this way. You either are going to pay extra now for your Organic food or you better save that money for a cancer treatment in the future.

It's really best to eat organically grown food, whether or not you're a vegetarian, and it's worth going to some trouble to get it. 

1. Organic food tastes better.

2. It's generally more nutritious, your immune system will be stronger.

3. Protects the environment.

4. Organic farmers use less energy, less water resources, and NO pesticides. 

Here are some key differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional	Organic
Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.	Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.
Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.	Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.
Use herbicides to manage weeds.	Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.	Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.