Organic vs. Commercial Produce

What is organically grown food? It is food grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides or herbicides and processed without irradiation, which is a process of extending shelf life through the use of the nuclear power industry's by-products.

Organic farming is a philosophy that uses processes that nurture rather than deplete the soil in which the crops grow. Organic farmers use nature's own solutions to overcome problems, thereby reducing chemical contamination of the environment and contributing to the health of the land and the population now and for future generations.

One example of this type of farming is when farmers use cover crops, which are temporary crops used to contribute valuable nutrients when plowed under. They are able to maintain soil fertility by rotating crops and by adding natural nutrients, such as bone meal, fish meal, seaweed, or animal manure. They weed by hand rather than applying herbicides. And they encourage nature to participate in pest control by releasing predator insects instead of spraying with pesticides.

Organically grown produce is usually superior to commercial produce in nutritional value (depending on the mineral content of the soil) and superior in taste. Ingesting the toxic pesticide residues from commercial produce can increase health risks. Especially for children, whose physiologies are more susceptible to the effects of toxic pesticides.

What is pesticide-free or unsprayed produce? Produce that may have been grown with chemical fertilizers, but on which no pesticides are used beyond the bloom stage (therefore the fruit is unsprayed). Often growers will provide lab test results verifying that no chemical residues are present on the product. This description can also be used for produce that growers claim is organically grown but lacks the proper certification.

What is transitional organic produce? This is produce from a farm that is on its way to certification. When a farm converts from conventional growing practices to organic techniques, there is a one to three year wait, depending on the state laws, before becoming organic.

Conventional or commercial produce is grown with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides to aid, protect, and speed up the growth of the crops. Other chemicals are used to reduce labor costs and spoilage. There are natural produce sprays available in the health food stores that can remove topical waxes, chemicals, and pesticides.

Choosing to buy organic is supporting a natural system of agriculture that sustains and nourishes the soil and decreases the toxic pollution of the planet and contributes to one's health and well-being.

The Cleanse Cookbook by Christine Dreher, C.C.N., C.C.H.