Blog →
A Guide to Organic Produce

A Guide to Organic Produce

by Mireille Kilgour : March 10th, 2014

shutterstock_129173978 The use of organic produce in cooking is becoming more and more popular, with organic foods not only tasting better but deemed better for you also. So what exactly is organic produce?

Organic produce is food that is free from synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and artificial fertilisers. The term 'organic' can cover a range of products, from eggs and beef through to avocados and pumpkins. Whatever the product, being organic means it is free from genetically modified components and has not been exposed to irradiation.

Organic farming

Farmers who choose to grow and produce organic products concern themselves with protecting the environment, treating animals fairly and using traditional farming methods. Animals are not fed any hormones, steroids, antibiotics or growth-regulating drugs, and fruits and vegetables are free from herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. In doing this, animals are treated humanely and farms can conserve water, soil and energy by using renewable resources and natural farming cycles. Nearby animals and local town water are also protected from leaked chemicals, extending the positive environmental impact.

The benefits of eating organic

Research has shown that some organic foods offer higher vitamin C levels, higher levels of selenium and lower nitrate levels than that of their more conventional counterparts. For those concerned about their general well-being or the long term health implications associated with exposure to synthetic chemicals, organic products are the way to go. It is recommended that children and pregnant women eat as much organic as possible, as they are the most vulnerable to the negative effects of pesticides.

Another great benefit that comes with eating organic is the support it offers to local farmers. Organic produce has a shorter shelf life, therefore it is often sourced locally. Money is kept within the community, which strengthens the local economy. If purchasing your produce from the local farmers market, you have access to first-hand knowledge about the product, direct from its producer.

As a result of its local sourcing, organic food is often fresher. It is picked or produced at the premium time and is free from preservatives that have been designed to create a longer shelf life. The fact that animals are generally happier on organic farms means that their meat is more tender and their yolks more delicious.

Where can you buy organic

Organic food can be found almost anywhere these days, from your big supermarket chains to your local health food shop. Because organic farming usually operates on a smaller scale, items are often more expensive than conventional alternatives, but the benefits of organic outweigh the costs for many.

Try to look for certified growers where possible, which means the production of the food has met with strict organic standards.

What to buy

If costs are limiting what you buy in organic, a good idea is to make note of the products that use high levels of chemicals during production, such as apples, cucumbers, potatoes, cherry tomatoes and kale. Start by switching these foods to organic and taste the difference. You'll soon be adding more fruits and veggies to your organic list.

Bio
Latest Posts

Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour has been an entrepreneur for 35 years in the hospitality sector. French born, she has been an accomplished business owner and operator for a number of Sydney venues. Leading the industry with high profile institutions such as Lamrock Café Bondi, she has endless passion for the industry, and now has the pleasure of supporting restaurants to fill their tables with the new Good Food Gift Card program.