Organic and Non Organic

There are some subjects, such as the difference between organic and non organic foods, that I don't feel quite as qualified to share about because I have not studied in great lengths about them. This is one of those subjects. However, I do feel privileged to have learned from others who know more than I do, and in return, I enjoy passing that information along. 

Someone I’ve enjoyed learning from is my mom. Although my mom doesn't know everything when it comes to health and nutrition, there is much that I've learned from her. 

When I was growing up, I never understood why my mom only purchased organic strawberries. Now I understand why she does that. Strawberries are one of the most heavily sprayed crops out there.

Sadly, in the United States, many of our fruit and vegetable crops are heavily sprayed with chemicals and pesticides, some crops more than others. Fruit and vegetable crops aren’t the only ones that are sprayed; sadly, our crops of grain, such as wheat and corn, are also heavily sprayed with chemicals and pesticides. 

I’m not a farmer, but from my understanding, many farmers spray their crops with certain fertilizers along with chemicals and pesticides to keep away unwanted critters, thus yielding a larger crop. I can understand why they do that. However, bigger isn’t always better. 

Sadly, chemicals and pesticides used on many crops today are not only harmful to those unwanted critters (which is why they won’t touch the crop) they are also harmful to people! And yet, we eat certain items, completely unaware of the many harmful chemicals and pesticides lurking in them. 

For that reason, there are certain items that my mom usually purchases organic rather than non-organic. (regular or conventional) Berries are one of those, strawberries in particular. Apples are another one. 

When it comes to things like bananas or avocados, my mom doesn’t always purchase organic. Why not? Because those have an outer peal on them that we don’t eat. My mom has felt that the pealing offers some protection to the fruit inside. 

But berries? Other than the stem, you eat the entire thing! That is why my mom almost always buys organic berries rather than conventional ones.

A simple, internet search on a definition for organic is this: 

food or farming methods produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.

Another definition for organic says it this way:

food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides.

I think both of those definitions give a pretty clear idea what organic means. 

Plant foods aren’t the only ones to watch out for. Sadly, many animals today are also injected with harmful growth hormones and antibiotics and such. In turn, when purchasing animal products, namely meat and dairy, unless it is organic, you are getting some of those things that were injected or fed to the animal in you!  

For these reasons, more and more grocery stores (including Walmart!) are selling organic foods - in meat, dairy, grains, and in produce. Unfortunately, organic food usually costs more, making it not as affordable. And so, many opt for the regular stuff. 

While I don’t always buy organic, I’ve found that, if I’m going to the grocery store or Walmart to purchase a few items and there isn’t much difference in the price, I will usually purchase the organic. If the price is nearly the same for the organic, why not? Ideally, eating food in it’s natural state (organic!) is how God made it. 

I’ve had some people tell me that there really is no difference between organic and non-organic. It’s all pretty much the same, some say.

Once again, I’m not a farmer, so I can’t say for certain. I’m not the one growing the crops or feeding the animals. But I can taste the difference between regular coffee and organic coffee. The same is true with organic oats vs. regular oats. Organic in both of those items is far superior! The same is true when I’ve purchased organic produce.

In recent months, my mom and I made a batch of the peanut butter oatmeal ball recipe I shared on this blog. Instead of using regular oats, my mom decided to try using organic oats. Both of us were amazed at the difference! Not only did they taste better, the balls rolled out and held together better. 

Right now, I’m working for some friends in an office in California helping to fill seed packs every week day. My friends sell regular and organic seeds. To sell organic seeds, those seeds have to be stored and made into seed packs in a completely separate room in order for them to be certified organic! 

Why? The organic certification board knows there is a difference. There are no chemical fertilizers or pesticides on the organic seeds. The conventional ones likely have chemicals, pesticides, or other small residue on them that can spread to other seeds if they were packaged in the same place.   

There is a difference between organic and non-organic. Organic is better. Organic is how God originally made everything. 

Ideally, eating organic is best but not always possible because of cost. For that reason, I don’t always eat organic, though I try to when and where I can afford to and there isn’t much of a price difference. (like coffee and oatmeal)

Where you can, purchase more organic foods. I think you’ll find that organic is not only better, it usually tastes better too. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and I have no medical training. The things I share on this blog are simple, practical things that I've learned help with good health.