Organic FAQs (frequently ask questions) are answered.
What do organic labels really mean?
There are a lot of organic foods on the market today and not all labels are created the same.
Foods labeled 100% organic must contain only organic ingredients.
Those labeled simply "organic" must have at least 95% organic ingredients.
Labels that read "made with organic ingredients" must contain at least 70% organic ingredients.
If you see a label marked "transitional", that means the farmer produced it during the three year conversion period from conventional to organic.
The above percentages are by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt.
Foods grown and processed according to the federal standards will in most cases bear the seal "USDA Organic".
The label's use is voluntary, companies may choose not to display the seal.
Read your labels, they will list the organic ingredients as well as the non organic.
*Any company (like Walmart) that knowingly sells or labels a food product as organic that is not produced in accordance with the organic regulations can face a penalty of up to $10,000.
$10,000 is pennies to a huge company like Walmart.
The penalty for lying to American consumers at the risk of our health is abominable, and should definitely come with tougher consequences.
Does organic food taste different?
Scientists now know what we organic eaters have known all along - Organic food tastes better!
It's one of many organic FAQs, tomatoes or blueberries raised in harmony with nature, taste like they should, delicious.
Researchers have proven this fact in lab taste tests where the organic foods were judged as sweeter and better tasting.
Is organic food healthier?
New research verifies that organic produce is often lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventionally grown produce.
Fresh organic produce contains on average 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro nutrients than conventionally farmed produce.
Now that's an organic FAQs answer to "to live by".
Does organic food enhance my life in other ways?
America has lost sight of family traditions and values. This is evident in our food consumption, we choose convenience over tradition.
Food is a language spoken in every culture of the world. It speaks of love, wellness and concern.
Speaking this language in organics can lead to a cultural change where our environment and family traditions are respected.
Take the Organic Challenge: Give and get respect!
How does organic food help the environment?
Buying organic food can lead to toxins and environmental pesticides in our foods and environment being drastically reduced, if not eliminated.
Why does organic food cost more?
Organic farming is not necessarily the most efficient farming system. It is slower, harder, and more labor intensive.
Organic farmers deserve our support for their efforts in growing better, safer foods for our table.
Don't baulk at the prices of organic foods, they reflect the true costs of raising quality foods for me and you.
Is organic food safe?
If you're concerned about bacterial contamination, like we have recently experienced in our spinach supply, rest assured organic farmers meet all the sanitation standards required of conventional growers.
Organic farmers must meet tight restrictions on the use of compost and other organic material that do not apply to conventional growers.
The organic FAQs are all the convincing I needed to Take the Organic Challenge. How about you?
Experience the organic food benefits for yourself, I dare ya.
Openly Organic logo design by: Gwendelynn Brown (inspired by the work of Shel Silverstein)
My site is equipped with the FEMA emergency warning system so all web surfers will know if there is an urgent message. This will help to save lives! Courtesy of: FEMA and voice2page.com
