What's the buzz about Organic Foods? Are they really worth the extra cost?

The word "organic" refers to the way that agricultural products are grown and processed. It applies to all forms of food, including the fresh fruits vegetables, and grains. Thus the dairy products and meat processed from animals must be fed organic foods themselves in order to be labelled as "organic".

Organic farming practices also focus on soil and water conservation and reduced pollution. Organic Farmers use natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, use beneficial insects and birds to reduce pests and disease instead of chemical insecticides. They rotate crops, till hand weed or mulch to manage weeds. They also give their animals access to the outdoors, rotate grazing site, feed them a balanced diet, and clean housing to minimize disease.

How do you know if something is truly organic? The following categories will help you know how much of the food you are buying is organic:

"100% organic" - this means the food has no synthetic ingredients and can use the organic seal
"Organic" - this means the food has a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. It can also use the organic seal
"Made with organic ingredients" - this means the food must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. These foods cannot use the seal.

Meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy labeled "organic" must come from animals that, among other things, have never received antibiotics or growth hormones. (Standards for organic seafood have not been set.)

Because of the extra care and time needed to develop foods without the use of chemicals and other additives, organic foods are more expensive to buy. So where are your dollars best spent when it comes to investing in an organic diet?

Fruits and vegetables that have a tough exterior, or one that is removed, can provide a protective layer against chemical pesticides. But others will absorb the pesticide residue and be difficult to wash off. So consider spending your organic dollars on the following foods:
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Nectarines
- Spinach
- Red raspberries
- Soy beans
- Celery
- Peaches
- Peanuts (including peanut butter)
- Pears
- Cherries
- Potatoes
- All baby food

The following foods have less pesticide residue, so you may consider buying convention or locally grown products for the following, but of course wash them thoroughly before eating:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Peas
- Mangoes
- Bananas
- Kiwifruit
- Pineapple
- Avocados
- Papayas
- Onions
- Corn

Keep in mind that organic foods may not look as shiny and nice as those with colors or wax added, and they may not last as long without the addition of preservatives. So buy them fresh and regularly, and enjoy knowing that you are feeding your body more natural and wholesome foods!