05/30/2023
In order to receive a USDA organic label, produce must limit pesticide use to a certain level and only certain types of pesticides may be used. Other organic foods like dairy and meat must be produced without hormones or antibiotics, as relevant. While you can’t know exactly where it’s been and how it’s been grown, organic food is the second-best option to growing your own produce.
Food grown non-organically is referred to as conventionally-grown. Conventional food may contain pesticides under a more liberal legal limit. Conventional dairy and meat may be produced using USDA-approved antibiotics and hormones.
TYPES OF ORGANIC FOOD
When you think of organic food, your mind probably goes to fruits and vegetables first. While they may be the most common organic offerings, there are also benefits to eating organic dairy, meat, fish, and seafood. All of these types of organic food are readily available in grocery stores.
ORGANIC FRUITS
Fruit is one of the most common types of organic food. Conventional fruit tends to have a heavy pesticide residue, which makes them a good candidate for choosing organic.
Since insects are attracted to sweet, fruity smells, don’t expect your organic fruit to look “perfect.” While farmers will choose the best produce to sell, the absence of pesticides means that they may have blemishes or marks on their skin. However, they will taste just as good if not better than conventional fruit.