The idea of going organic can get exciting and is probably the best decision you’ll ever make, as you care for yourself and the environment around you. However, if you’ve chosen the path of organic food consumption, you need to know what organic food really is. The concept of going organic can get confusing, and a lot of consumers consider organic food as natural food since it is planted and harvested through burying in soil and watering till growth.
It is important to know that not all natural foods are organic foods. Organic foods are crop and livestock products that are grown as per the regulations set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Natural foods are however not guided by any certified organization that keeps its activities in check, all that matters is that it has not been ultra-processed.
On the other hand, non-organic foods are produced using synthetic methods. It is almost impossible to tell the differences between organic and non-organic foods because they look the same and have almost the same level of nutrients.
The differences between Organic and Non-Organic Foods
Spotting the physical difference between organic and non-organic foods is the duty of the USDA, as the difference between the final products isn’t obvious. The USDA has set regulations that earn organic food producers a certification label, which helps you identify the authenticity of what you’re consuming. As similar as organic and non-organic foods might seem, they still have a couple of distinguishable features. Here are some of the ways these food products are different;
Farming system
Organic farming discourages the use of synthetic products to develop crops; it only depends on the use of raw and natural fertilizers, insects and birds for pest control, and crop rotation, mulching & hand weeding for weed control. However, non-organic farming encourages the use of chemicals, pesticides, and insecticides to aid the growing process of crops.
Eco-friendly
The farming practices carried out in the production of organic products are desirable to the environment, while farming practices used in the production of non-organic products are detrimental to the environment.
Cost
Organic foods are usually more expensive than non-organic foods due to its high demand, cost of production, and other surrounding factors.
How can you identify organic foods
With the organic certification program initiated by the USDA, organic products that meet the set standards come with different labels that show its authenticity.
100% Organic
Food products that have this label are wholly made from organic ingredients, with absolutely no additives.
Organic
For food products made with 95% organic ingredients, with 5% of ingredients left approved by the USDA.
Made with Organic Ingredients
This label shows that the food product contains at least 70% organic ingredients, and must show 3 organic ingredients used in production.
Non-organic
With less than 70% of organic ingredients used in production, these food items cannot possess the USDA organic seal.
Consumption of organic food is beneficial to both the environment and its inhabitants. Not all organic products are entirely good for health. Whether you’re consuming organic or non-organic food products putting cost and availability into consideration, it is important to make healthy choices and purchase fresh items.
Want to get started with organic produce? Take a look at the Annapoorna Organic product range. At Annapoorna, we pick the choicest organic produce from all over India and make it available for our customers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
FAQs
What are the advantages and disadvantage of organic foods?
Organic food has advantages such as reduced exposure to pesticides and potentially favorable nutrient profiles, but disadvantages include higher prices and limited availability.
What are the advantage and disadvantages of non-organic foods?
Non-organic food has advantages such as lower prices and greater availability, but disadvantages include potential exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and negative impacts on the environment and soil health.
Why are organic food safer than non-organic?
Organic food is considered to be safer than non-organic because it is grown and processed without synthetic chemicals, reducing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Is vitamin C an organic compound?
Yes, vitamin C is an organic compound.
Is a banana inorganic?
No, a banana is not inorganic. It is a living organism made up of organic molecules.
What is non-organic food called?
Non-organic food is often called conventional food, as it follows traditional methods of industrial agriculture that rely on synthetic inputs.
