Common Sense Organic Food Shopping

More than ever before, people are paying attention to what they eat. Years ago, few people knew the words organic, natural, free range or hormone free in respect to food. They just did not give it a second thought. Now, however, people are taking these words to the store and coming home with different products. In addition, people now want to find these words when they dine out. For reasons of both budget and availability, it is important for the consumer to note that all organic foods are not equal in overall benefit.

According to the U.S.D.A, in order for any food to be labeled as "USDA organic" certain standards must be met. These standards are usually related to the growing, production or manufacturing process involved. A true organic food may have no ingredients that are synthetic such as pesticides or residue of fertilizers. At least 95% of what goes into an organic food must also be organic. Animals from which products are derived must never have been given growth hormones or antibiotics. If a food is labeled "Made with Organic Ingredients", only 70% of the ingredients must be organic.

Products that are grown locally, therefore requiring less handling before reaching the consumer, are the best organic foods. When organic foods are shipped from far away in order to reach the market, there is more of a chance that some of the organic qualities can be lost along the way. It is generally recommended to buy organic to avoid the elevated pesticide levels found in commercially grown or produced products.

Fruits grown commercially that have been shown to contain the higher amounts of pesticides are cherries, imported grapes, pears, strawberries and raspberries, apples, and peaches. Celery, potatoes, spinach, bell peppers, and hot peppers are vegetables that, when not grown organically, contain high pesticide levels. With this in mind, the smart decision would be to buy the organically grown versions of these products, despite the higher price.

Commercially grown fruits that are lower in pesticide levels are watermelons, plantains, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, plums, and mangoes. Vegetables that fall into this lower pesticide category are broccoli, cauliflower, onions, radishes, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. These fruits and vegetables are a relatively safe option for those on a budget who can't afford to buy organic. These products present less of a degree of risk than produce that contains higher levels of pesticides.

It is easy to find tips online or elsewhere when looking for the best products in cookware or kitchen gadgets. Shopping for organic food usually requires a little more thought. The decision as to what organic foods to buy is a personal one based on individual tastes and budget. But the smart shopper should make a point of finding out what things have an effect on the quality of an organic product and what organic foods provide the best benefits. A choice to switch to organic should always be based on the facts.

Stan Dyer is a seasoned writer and photographer residing in Colorado. To have organic food and products delivered to your doorstep, visit http://www.OrganicFoodeStore.com.