Did you know that organic dairy cows make up 3% of all dairy cows in the U.S.? Are you wondering what, exactly, the organic foods definition is? The definition of organic food is that the foods are produced without using any additives. This means they are not treated with chemical fertilizers, hormones or pesticides, and they are not treated or processed using chemical additives, antibiotics irradiation, or industrial solvents. Here are three things you should know about purchasing organic food.
1. How it Compares to Non Organic
One thing most people will notice about organic food, especially produce, is that it physically looks different. Fruits and vegetables are often smaller and look more imperfect than non organic food choices. This is because many of the chemical, processing and genetic alternations made to non organic foods enable them to have a more uniform appearance. Organic food is less likely to contain chemical traces, and organic food must be USDA certified.
2. The Foods You Should Always Buy Organic
Most researchers and doctors agree that there are certain foods you should definitely buy organic, while others are less important. Fruit and vegetables with thick skins, such as eggplants, onions, pineapple, asparagus and mango, are less likely to have pesticides present in the part you eat. There are also few insects that eat foods like asparagus and onions, so they usually have less chemicals present. The Daily Green recommends always buying foods like meat, strawberries, blueberries leafy greens, coffee, milk, and bell peppers organic. When not bought organically, blueberries have about 52 different chemicals on them.
3. The Sort of Organic Terms
Certified Naturally Grown, or CNG, is an often seen alternative label to organic. Basically, naturally grown means that all produce is grown in the most natural way possible, which enhances soil and maximizes nutrition. Organic farms have more frequent inspections, while CNG food is often more likely to be locally grown. To some extent, farmers act as their own inspectors. In most cases, the end result is fairly similar. Read labels carefully to look for produce that is 100% organic. Simply organic means a 95% or higher rate, while contains organic ingredients could be as low as 70%.
Do you agree with our organic foods definitions? Have an alternative organic food definition? Let us know in the comments!