Have you noticed the organic section in your grocery store expanding beyond its usual borders? In my local store, the organic foods were always crammed in small sections between the high fructose corn syrup versions. If you blinked going down the aisle, you might have missed the section entirely. Then the store put up shelf banners to draw attention --- “Here’s the Organic Section!” But the Pop Chips and Skinny Pop were still squished between the Cheetos and Doritos.
Then it all changed.
My store -- the store whose aisles I had memorized – the store I could navigate blindfolded --- went through a complete, total remodel.
New floors. New paint. New “Organic Only” Section.
The movement towards eating more organic, naturally raised and non-GMO foods has been slowly gaining steam over the past few years. As we become more aware of how pesticides, the unethical treatment of animals, and genetically modified food negatively impact not only our health, but also the quality of our food, we start to realize the importance of buying and eating organic.
But do you find yourself wondering which food is important to buy organic and which food it doesn’t really matter? Do you need to buy ALL organic fruit and ALL organic vegetables and ALL organic meat/chicken/fish? Nope. You don’t need to buy EVERYTHING organic. There are some you absolutely should, and the rest is totally up to you.
Here’s a little cheat sheet of which foods Donna and I recommend you always buy organic. The source of our cheat sheet are online articles, farmers we’ve chatted with at farmer’s markets, and other food industry specialists that are “in the know.”
FRUITS:
Nectarines
Pears
Peaches
Apples
Cherries
Strawberries
Grapes
Raspberries
VEGETABLES:
Spinach
Potatoes
Bell Peppers
Celery
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
MEAT/CHICKEN/FISH:
Look for pasture-raised eggs, local fresh fish (never farm raised), meat and chicken that are “certified organic.”
I know what you’re thinking right now --- organic food is usually more expensive. Is it really worth it?
The answer is YES! Even though organic food can be more expensive, the good it does our bodies, the support it gives local farmers and the fair treatment it ensures for the animals makes spending an extra few dollars worth it. Plus, organic simply tastes better.
There’s a reason why local farm-to-table restaurants are all the rage and the term organic is used as often as jello salad was in the 60’s. Try it out and you’ll be amazed at how much better your food will taste!
So next time you see an ad for your local farmers market, or you walk past the organic section in your local market, stop by and check out the wide variety of wholesome, delicious and healthy options available to you.
Happy Cooking!
Lisa and Donna
If you want more information on organic food here are some articles:
http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/slowfoodorganiclocal/a/organicproduce_2.htm
http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/organic_natural
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/what-makes-organic-chicken-organic
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