According to the USDA, Americans spent $21 billion on organic products in 2008, and then increased to $23 billion the next year. It isn't surprising. Organically grown foods are nothing new... Before 1900, you couldn't find any processed, chemically treated, hormone injected fruits or vegetables if you tried. It was in 1910 that the first regulations were passed to legalize the use of pesticides on crops. Now, It's as if the American people are beginning to grasp the concept that their quick, cheap method of harvesting a plethora of crops may, in fact, be harvesting something much worse. To start, let's talk about what the term "organic" really is referring to...
Organic foods are harvested without the use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, or weed killers. Most organic foods are grown in the north, where demand is higher, and then transported to grocery stores across the nation.
Is it worth the cost to shop organic?
Are organic foods most nutritious than other foods?
What's the benefit?
How much is too much?
Cost
The prices for organic food are...well... they're expensive. There's no getting around that. In fact, they cost an average of 30% more than conventional foods, if not more. The reason why is because organic foods are so costly to keep up, and the demand for them far outweighs the supply. The most costly organic food items continue to be milk and produce. The labor costs, fuel and equipment repair costs, and alternative methods of fertilization and pest control... you can see why they are more costly all around. But not ALL organic foods are more expensive than conventional. And as more farmer's make the decision to "go organic" to meet demand, costs will inevitably decrease.
Organic Food = Super Food?
According to several studies done in the UK, there have been some differences found in the nutritional content of organic food compared to conventional. For example: some organic crops have higher phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and polyphenols (fancy word for antioxidant). This study also found that conventional crops were much higher in nitrogen, and that conventional milk is no different nutritionally from organic milk. However, the bacterial count was higher in organic milk, which isn't surprising because conventional milk is pasteurized and homogenized. I should also mention this, which may shock some of you organic lovers - 65-75% of conventionally grown produce has no detectible pesticides. That was a statement from Dr. Richard Bonanno, the professor of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts (and he is also a farmer). Why do I say all of this? Am I an organic food hater? Not at all... just stating the facts. The misconception is that organic food is far more nutritious than conventional. I should take a moment to talk about local versus organic - remember what I said about organic foods being transported from the north? If I had to choose in a store between an organic tomato and a locally grown tomato harvested in South Alabama, I would definitely pick the locally grown tomato. Why? To get an organically grown tomato (most likely from California) that is ripe and ready to be sold, it would have to be picked while they are green and will ripen while being transported. The problem with that is the longer produce is away from its root source, the less nutrient it will absorb. So, a local tomato will be picked when they are ripe and red, and delivered immediately to the store. And it will be far more nutritious, even though it might not be organic. Interesting, eh? To find organic AND local food would be ideal.
Now that I've stated the hard truth... let's move on...
Benefits of Buying Organic
Many of the reason are obvious. First, we can all pretty much conclude that chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers are not beneficial to the soil. When you shop organic, you support farmers and the environment. And although the research still isn't clear, we can use logic to reason that chemicals are harmful to the body. Some even say (and I am one of them) that organic foods often taste better than conventional. I would say that organic, LOCAL foods taste the best. Also, unlike conventional farmers that are more concerned with meeting demand, organic farmers tend to be highly aware and concerned with the quality of their produce.
How much is too much?
There have actually been studies conducted to discover which fruits or vegetables are better purchased organic or conventional, based on the amount of pesticide and chemical fertilizer the product absorbs. This list is definitely something worth printing out. These lists are called "The Dirty Dozen" and "The Clean 15."The Dirty Dozen: ALWAYS buy Organic
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Imported Grapes
11. Carrots
12. Pears
The Clean 15: Conventional Foods that are OK
1. Onions
2. Avocados
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mangos
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomatoes
15. Sweet Potatoes
When shopping organic, be advised:
1. Local does not mean organic
When buying local produce, make sure you find out if it is from a true organic farm. It may not dawn on you to ask, because shopping at farmer's markets provides the illusion of the produce being solely organically grown. Ask the farmer!
2. Beware of Product Labeling
Since the demand for organic food has increased, the food industry is capitalizing on this by marketing "natural" foods. We've all seen it... a label will say something like "All-natural, free-range, hormone-free." Or even might claim to be organic. But a wise consumer is an informed consumer... always read the label. You might notice that only one ingredient is "certified organic." 3. Look for the official "organic" seal
A farmer cannot legally claim his produce to be organic without USDA approval. The National Organic Program (NOP) provides certification for those who desire to sell organic produce. However, most farmers cannot afford the costly, lengthy process of certification.
4. Organic does not = healthy food
Some packaged organic products contain just as much, if not more, calories and fat grams than foods produced conventionally.
I remember when I first learned some of the facts behind organic foods... I was a vegetarian, organic-lovin, patchouli-wearin freshman and just getting into my major of Nutrition and Dietetics. In my Personal Nutrition class, which is like an introductory class, we discussed organic foods and the media hype surrounding them. As I learned more, I realized that while organic foods are by FAR better for the environment and grown the way the Lord designed... I didn't have to break the bank buying EVERYTHING organic. Personally, I would love to buy all organic, locally-grown food if I could afford to do so. The most important thing is to have a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats, no matter where you get them. So if you're going out to stock up on organic foods... GREAT! Just remember that you don't have to go all-or-nothing... conventional foods can really be ok, too.
- Jamie
In Season Now: CITRUS FRUITS
Clementines, grapefruit, oranges, lemons
Only 60 calories for one large grapefruit - high in Vitamin A and C
Look for citrus fruit with smooth, blemish-free skins that are heavy for size.
References:
1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18032337
2. http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/organic/demand.htm
3. Clark, Nancy. Sports Nutrition Guidebook. Human Kinetics, Vol 4: 13-17.
4. http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=10606
5. http://www.eatright.org/Media/Blog.aspx?id=9621&blogid=269
