What is the History and Importance of Organic Food Farming?
October 19, 2010
Organic food farming has always been around. In fact, it has always been organic farming prior to 1900s, and it only lessened in popularity when chemicals and artificial fertilizers began popping up in the farming industry. Let us face it, with chemicals, insecticides, artificial fertilizers, and artificial growth hormones, the crops and the animals are not only bigger but meatier as well.
Any type of farming practice prior to 1900s was considered as organic farming wherein the farmers make use of natural soil and natural fertilizers to grow their crops. There were no artificial growth hormones then or gene-enhancing medicines that can alter an animal’s genetic makeup, and the farmers rely on the land to nourish both their crops and animals.
However, by the mid 1900s, artificial fertilizers and growth hormone drugs were introduced to the market. Through advertising and campaign, organic farming started to become an “alien” practice, and using chemicals and artificial methods slowly became the norm. Consumers were made to believe that the new method of farming was healthier, and, for some reason, the consumers believed them.
It was only when the inherent dangers of these chemicals were brought to light by Rachel Carson that the consumers started taking notice in organic foods once more. Carson is not only a very well-known writer, but she is also a biologist as well as an ecologist. She researched and wrote about the dangers of artificial fertilizers and chemicals and wrote a book about it. The book became very controversial and shook the foundations of the farming industry, but it did what it was intended to do – to make people become aware of the dangers of using artificial methods in farming and to make them understand, too, the benefits and advantages of Organic Food Farming.
Organic farming never really disappeared as there were still some farms that grow crops and tend to animals the natural way. It was just overshadowed by the use of artificial fertilizers and chemicals. The farmers who only grew organic foods for their own consumption now became the “talk of the town” as more and more people became aware of the importance of organic food. In time, the small organic farms grew and are still growing to accommodate the ever-increasing need for organic produce.
Many consumers are now after the same thing, the benefits of organic foods. Not only do they contain little amounts of chemicals or none at all, but the organic foods also give a better and richer taste. Furthermore, organic produce contains more nutrition, vitamins, and important minerals than processed foods and those pumped with artificial fertilizers and chemicals.
Tips in Transitioning to Organic Food
October 11, 2010
Nowadays, if you want to become healthy and live a healthier life, you have to go organic. This means that the meals you are going to have to prepare in your own home should be made from organic foods. However, transitioning from conventional table foods to organic ones can be a bit difficult, especially if you are used to eating at fast food restaurants. For this reason, here are some tips for an easy transition.
One, know what organic foods really mean. These are basically the same as the conventional foods that you usually buy in the grocery store, but what makes them different and far more healthier is that they are preservative-free as well as chemical-free. No artificial medicines or artificial fertilizers were used in the production of the organic foods, just natural soil and natural fertilizers.
Two, now that you know what organic food is, you have to know the real reason why you are going to choose organic foods over conventional ones. Once you know the reason, you can then set goals and stick with it. Your reasons will also provide as your inspiration to follow through with your plans. In conjunction with this, you also have to stop looking at the brands. If a brand or a label is not going to fit into your go-organic food campaign, then do not buy the brand.
Three, know which among the local grocers provide organic foods. This is no longer that hard to look for though because more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of healthy living, thus, there are an increasing number of outlets selling organic foods. However, it is still important to shop around and look for providers that offer them at a reasonable price because, let us admit it, it can be quite costly. Visit your local farmers and join co-ops or clubs to get discounted prices on organic foods.
Four, stop buying refined foods as well as processed foods. This is probably the easiest to say but the hardest to do. However, if you really are after a healthy living lifestyle, then eliminating this type of foods from you diet and from your home is the best decision that you will ever make. For this reason, it is important that you go slowly though the transition period, and the best way to go about it is to replace conventional food items one at a time with organic ones.
Five, always choose fresh organic foods. Remember, the fresher the produce is, the more organic it is.
Questions and Tips in Organic Food Buying
October 2, 2010
Right now, using only organic foods in your home and kitchen is no longer just a food fad but it has become a necessity, especially if you want to provide your loved ones healthy food. However, organic foods do not come cheap. In fact, it can become a bit expensive that going back to conventional food becomes tempting. However, this need not be the case if you know what to do.
The most common question many people ask in relation to buying organic food is where can they purchase such items at very reasonable prices without jeopardizing the quality of the organic food?
For this question, all you have to do is to research. Know who your local providers are as well as know which stores offer organic foods. You can also search for them in the Internet, and you will be given a list of websites whose physical stores are near your place.
If you find their organic foods a bit costly, then here are some tips on how you can get them at a much reasonable price.
One, know where your local farmers’ markets are located. Not only can you take your pick among the fresh organic foods that they have on trade here, but you can also get them at great discounts.
Two, it is also advisable that you become a member of a co-op that deals in organic farming or become a member of a buying club. There will probably be some initial fees at first, but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. You can also allot some time to help in the farming, and when it comes to harvesting the crops, you will almost certainly get a good discount. As for the buying club, what happens is that your club will buy organic foods in bulk, earning a good discount in the process, and then the members will divide the items between them.
Now, if you do not want to join any groups like the co-op or buying club, then simply buy your organic produce in bulk. This will also give you good discounts. Buying seasonal organic produce will also give you organic foods at a discounted price.
The question that comes to mind though when you buy in bulk is where will you store the organic foods? Of course, you can store them in a freezer just like you would normally do with conventional foods. Not only will it preserve the food for about six months, but it is also very economical.
Lastly, be on the lookout for any organic food coupons. There are brands that offer coupons, and you can find them in newspapers. They are even posted in the store fliers as well as included in the food packages. Save them and redeem them for organic foods.
