(FPS) Growing Up Organic Lesson

Growing Up Organic Lesson 

Organic Produce

Organic Groceries ImageIn this day and age, eating organic and local is all the rage. But, is this a trend? Some people may think that, but organic eating is here to stay. So what is the difference between organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables? Organic crops must be grown in safe soil, have no modifications and must remain separate from conventional products. Farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers. There are a few different agencies that patrol the guidelines for this type of food. However, most people want to look for the USDA organic foods certification label because that means it has met strict guidelines and is 95-100% certified organic.

So, is eating organic foods better for you? Well, that is for you to decide. Listed below are some benefits of organic produce:

  1. Meets stringent guidelines for food safety
  2. Reduces risks that may be associated with pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides
  3. Improves water quality because they use only natural products on plants (There are no harmful runoff containing chemicals.)
  4. A fresh option because organic foods do not contain chemical preservatives

Eating organic foods can often be more expensive and more difficult to find.   Many markets are not able to offer a huge selection of organic produce and meat. However, because demand is up for these super healthy options, markets are working hard to deliver to consumers. If individuals are not able to eat everything organic, there are a few items consumers should choose first. Most fruits and vegetables with thin skin or a peel that can be eaten are the ones to be concerned about. Apples, bell peppers, carrots, celery, cherries, grapes, kale, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, pears and strawberries are among the top 10 fruits that have higher levels of chemical contamination. See the image below which illustrates the "Dirty Dozen" (buy organic for these first) and the "Clean 15," indicating safer options for purchasing non-organic produce.

Dirty 12 & Clean 15 Image Dirty 12 1. Celery 2. Cherries 3. Bell peppers 4. Apples 5. Spinach 6. Grapes 7. Red Raspberries 8. Nectarines 9. Strawberries 10.Potatoes 11. Peaches 12. Pears Clean 15 1. Sweet Peas 2. Asparagus 3. Avocados 4. Sweet Corn 5. Onions 6. Cabbage 7. Pineapples 8. Sweet Potatoes 9. Cantaloupe 10. Grapefruit 11. Watermelon 12. Mango 13. Sweet Onions 14. Kiwi Fruit 15.

 

Meat and Diary

Organic livestock and poultry seem to be in higher demand since stringent guidelines have been put upon farmers. Documentaries shedding light on inhumane treatment and harsh living conditions have influenced many consumers to give up meat or shop organic. When meat or dairy have been certified as organic, this means that they live in a natural environment with access to the outdoors, fed an organic diet, and are not given antibiotics, hormones, or medications in the absence of illness; however, they may be vaccinated against disease. Many times, organic farmers raise far less animals and also spend more on quality feed so prices of organic meat and dairy can be high.

 

Reading Food Labels

When reading a food label, carefully see what the item is claiming. Just because the item may say "natural" or " free-range" does not mean that it is organic. Also, consider snacks, cookies, and cakes that are labeling as organics as treats. Just because they are organic, does not mean they are healthy to eat all the time. Most of the time, they still contain high amounts of sugar and oil. Even though it is organic sugar and oil, it still can pack hundreds of calories into your diet.

See the illustration below to learn more about some common terminology for labeling.

Organic Bags Image --100% Organic: Use of the USDA Organic Seal is optional --Organic: (95% or ore Organic ingredients) Use of the USDA Organic Seal is optional. --Made with Organic Ingredients (at least 70% Organic Ingredients) --Less than 70% Organic Ingredients: Organic ingredients denoted in ingredient list only)

 

Purchasing Organic

As mentioned earlier, eating an organic diet can be costly. There are some ways to save money when buying organic. First, make sure to buy products in season. When produce is at its season's peak, it is fresh, ripe, and the costs are down. Markets do not have to ship it in. They can purchase it local. Second, consider joining a co-op or a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Often times, one can buy in on a season of crops with other consumers. Lastly, shop around. Sometimes, the produce might look better and be priced more reasonably at chain markets like Whole Foods. Other times, it might be better at the local market. See the infographic image to learn more about when produce is in season.

A Plan for all Seasons Image

 

Self-Assessment: Organic Food Labeling

Practice with the activity below to see how well you can identify organic food items by the labels.

 

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