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Organic food is food that is grown without chemicals and processed without additives. Thanks to the absence of chemical additives from germination of the seed to the final processing and packaging of the product, it is healthier and tastier than non organic food. Organic food is defined not by any additional substance in the food itself, but instead by the natural and holistic methods used on organic farms.
The popularity of organic food has steadily grown in recent times as people are becoming more aware of the health risks of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, genetic modifications, medicated feed, antibiotics or chemicals associated with conventional agriculture or food processing. And as consumers move towards healthier lifestyles better foods, active lifestyles and reducing their carbon footprint, they're paying more attention to what's in the box-reading labels; seeking out locally grown, ethically sourced products; and buying meat and dairy products from animals not treated with antibiotics or hormones. They're thinking ... organically. By supporting organic food and farming, we will be reducing the chemical load in the air, water, soil and our bodies.
Is organic food more nutritious than conventional food?
Organic food is grown organically; it's not likely to contain 'additional' nutrition. But the important thing is that it is safer, healthier food since none of the harmful chemicals used in conventional food are present. Just because there may be no nutritional or palatable difference, organic food can't be deemed a waste of time or money. Even if the look, texture or taste of the food may be similar to conventionally grown food, but the inherent goodness of the food is something that no one can deny.
Why is Organic Food more expensive?
Trying to convert a farm to organic farming involves hidden costs - the farmer may not be using chemicals, and may be using manures; but initially the yield may drop as the land is so dependent on chemicals. The yield may be further reduced because no chemicals are used to destroy pests, or to store or colour the crops to 'look healthier' or 'stay fresher' longer. And of course, demand and supply have a role to play. But as more land gets converted to organic farming, the prices are likely to come down. In fact, the prices of some organic pulses and branded conventional pulses have a mere 10% difference.
Do read our FAQs for more details on organic foods.
Simplifying the mumbo jumbo on the organic produce labels
100% Organic - Completely free of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, bioengineering and chemical fertilizers.
USDA Organic - At least 95% free of all the above chemicals.
GM-Free - Free of genetically-modified ingredients.
Made with Organic Ingredients - Made with at least 70% products that are chemical free.
Free-range - Poultry that has "access" to the outside, per the USDA. They are not kept in A4 paper size cages all their lives.
Certified Humane - Raised humanely with ample space, shelter, fresh water and feed with no added hormones or antibiotics from birth through slaughter.
Cage-Free -A better guarantee of healthy conditions than the label free-range. No cages at all!
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