2 Big Secrets About Organic Produce
Everyone knows that it is best to eat more fruits and vegetables. Maybe you buy organic produce because you heard it is healthier. This is true, but let’s look at the two little known facts that may change your mind on buying organic.
#1) Let’s start with the issue of organic vs. pesticide free. Organic just means natural, or not artificial. Most people think that organic produce is grown without any chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Not true at all! Actually there are many, many chemicals approved for use with organic produce. All organic means is that “natural” pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are used rather than man-made ones. But there are a lot of things that are natural that are harmful for us. So organic produce often is covered in pesticides that are just as or more harmful than the synthetic pesticides used on non-organic produce.
#2) Organic produce is certified by one of the more than 40 private organizations and state agencies authorized to certify produce as organic. Unfortunately more organic products are sold every year in the US than are actually certified, based on USDA (US Dept of Agriculture) data. So apparently there are a lot fake organics out there!
I may have just completely turned your mind against buying organic produce. Well don’t give up yet. There is healthy produce out there but you have to know what to look for. Instead of searching for organic produce, you want to find pesticide-free and chemical-free produce (which may or may not also be certified organic). This isn’t always an easy task but it is worth the effort, for the sake of your health.
Here’s what you want to do. Ask around and do searches online to find pesticide-free farms near you and contact them directly. Many of these farms sell direct to the public and may even offer delivery. Check out http://www.localharvest.org and other websites that list farms to see if they list any pesticide-free ones in your area. If you don’t find any local pesticide-free farms, in the US there are some that you can order from online and have your produce mailed nationwide. Also if you have space for some pots, outdoor gardens or trees and a little time to care for them, consider growing some pesticide-free produce yourself. Not only does it give you healthy produce, but also is a great stress-relieving hobby.
