Organic - Is it Really Worth It?
Organic - Is it worth it?
Organic food, we assume, is fundamentally better for us and for the environment. But is it? Gone are the notions that organic means long-haired, environ hippies dressed in hemp. The increasing number of organic products available in supermarkets and shops is a clear sign that as consumers we are collectively shifting our spending power towards this growing industry.
But what does ‘organic’ actually represent, and is it worthwhile spending that little bit extra on, especially in these increasingly hard economic times?
But what does ‘organic’ actually represent, and is it worthwhile spending that little bit extra on, especially in these increasingly hard economic times?
What Is 'Organic' Food?
The Waitrose website describes organic food as ‘produce cultivated using a system of crop rotation… without the use of most artificial pesticides and fertilisers’ which will help to ‘maintain land in a healthy, fertile state for future generations’ This will not be new knowledge for most of us, although the idea that we are ‘reintroducing’ such methods of farming into the food chain always strikes me as being somewhat bizarre!.
Is organic food better for you?
It may interest you to learn that the Foods Standard Agency, the government organisation established to provide consumers with unbiased information regarding food, does not officially recognise any significant difference in nutrition and safety between organic and conventional food. Such a statement certainly seems strange especially when a key perception driving the consumer trend for opting organic is precisely that the food is better for you. Even if organic is not ‘scientifically’ superior for us nutritionally, but it certainly tastes better than conventional food and that is definitely a quality worth spending the extra pennies on.
Is there a convenient way to source organic food?
So, we know organic is better for the environment thanks to the farming practices it follows, but in a time of carbon-footprint consciousness is it possible to source the food into your home in an environmental manner?
Yes, is the short answer. If you’re not particularly green-fingered, or simply don’t have time in your day to have a loving chat with the tomato or lettuce plants, there is a growing service that allows you to conveniently introduce organic into your home in a way that is also carbon friendly.
Yes, is the short answer. If you’re not particularly green-fingered, or simply don’t have time in your day to have a loving chat with the tomato or lettuce plants, there is a growing service that allows you to conveniently introduce organic into your home in a way that is also carbon friendly.
Many local organic farm shops now offer fantastic online ordering services with home or office delivery options throughout the day. This means less trips to the supermarket in your car, and the flexible delivery options means you need never miss an order. Grow Wild, Damhead, East Coast Organics, and Simply Organics websites are four that are definitely worth surfing. Selections of seasonal vegetables and fruit are usually purchased in box sets, containing between 8 and 11 different items depending on the supplier. The list of additional products is endless, from milk and preserves to meat, so all your shopping requirements can be easily met with a click of the mouse. If that’s not enough, most deliveries will come complete with recipe suggestions for the products supplied – what more could a busy woman want?
Do YOU have strong views on going organic? Why not share them?
Post new comment