‘Should I buy organic?’ is a question we often find asking ourselves. In fact, thinking about what’s better for our health is a step in the right direction. But with all this talk about local vs. organic, how do we know what’s best? When we’re faced with the option of locally grown produce which is not necessarily labeled ‘organic’ or organic produce that has traveled half way around the world to get to you, 9 times our of 10 the experts say go with the local and here’s why:
- If it’s taste and freshness you’re after going LOCAL is typically your best bet. The produce doesn’t have to travel far and is sold in its freshest form.
- ORGANIC produce from places like Chile and Mexico are less ripe when they’re picked to preserve them for their voyage so they hold LESS vital nutrients.
- If you’re focused on health, nutrition and keeping your body chemical-free, ORGANIC is always the way to go. Labels that start with the number 9 will usually indicate that the product is organic certified.
- Go ahead and ask. There’s nothing wrong with asking the farmers at your LOCAL roadside stand or farmers market if their produce is organic. Talking to a farmer is the best way to get the full picture. Most locally grown produce is in fact organically grown and harvested but may not be organic certified since the process is very costly and a lot of smaller growers cannot afford it. So just ask.
- When your ideals are more closely aligned with supporting LOCAL businesses and being a conscious consumer, definitely go local.
- Follow the “Dirty Dozen” as a guide for when to go organic. Some fruits and veggies do not need to be purchased in an organic form and if you are buying them organic you are wasting your money. And visa versa, some item must be organic due to the nature of the way they are grown and absorbed by our bodies. Keep this list with you, it will help you make healthy and budget couscous decisions.
While you can’t always get both, when it comes down to it, being knowledgeable about your produce is half the battle. Do you shop your local farmer’s markets when possible? What’s your typical go-to local, organic or both?
