Organic farming sounds like the holy grail of food. You picture rolling green fields, happy cows, and pesticide-free veggies. But reality is a bit different. There’s a lot more going on behind that “organic” label than you might think.
Organic Foods are Always Healthier
Myth: Organic foods are universally healthier than conventionally grown foods.
Reality: They limit exposure to pesticides and chemicals but aren’t necessarily richer in nutrients, as nutritional content can be similar to non-organic foods.
Organic Farming Uses No Pesticides
Myth: Many believe that organic farming does not use any pesticides.
Reality: Organic farming does use pesticides, but only those that are natural or derived from natural sources, meeting specific organic standards.
Organic Produce Always Tastes Better
Myth: There’s a common perception that organic produce always tastes better.
Reality: Taste can vary and is influenced more by factors such as freshness, crop variety, and growing conditions, rather than solely by organic status.
Organic Food Always Means Better Animal Welfare
Myth: Organic labels guarantee that animals are treated more humanely.
Reality: While organic standards include some welfare requirements like access to the outdoors, they don’t guarantee broader humane treatment compared to non-organic farms.
Organic Farming is Always More Expensive
Myth: The assumption is that organic farming always costs more due to higher labor and management costs.
Reality: While often more expensive, the price gap is decreasing as techniques improve and demand increases, making organic options more accessible.
Organic Farming is More Labor-Intensive
Myth: Organic farms always use more labor-intensive practices than conventional farms.
Reality: While organic farming often requires more manual labor for weed and pest control, advancements in farming techniques are reducing the gap.
Organic Products are GMO-Free
Myth: Organic automatically means free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Reality: Organic certification does prohibit the use of GMOs, but contamination can occur unintentionally.
Organic Food is Only for the Wealthy
Myth: Organic food is a luxury that only wealthy people can afford.
Reality: As the organic market expands, more affordable options are becoming available, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Organic Farming Uses Less Water
Myth: Organic farming is often thought to use less water than conventional farming.
Reality: Water usage depends more on the crop and farming technique than on whether the farm is organic or not. Organic does not automatically mean less water used.
Organic Farming Completely Eliminates Carbon Footprint
Myth: Organic farming is often perceived as having no carbon footprint.
Reality: While organic farming typically uses fewer fossil fuels due to less reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, it does not completely eliminate carbon emissions. Practices vary, and some organic methods, like increased land use for the same yield, can lead to higher carbon outputs.
5 Reasons To Go Organic And 5 Reasons It’s Just Hype
Deciding whether to go organic isn’t just about personal health—it’s also about considering broader environmental and economic impacts. This article takes a no-nonsense look at the real benefits and downsides of organic food. From the health of the soil to the health of your wallet, we’re laying out what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Read it Here: 5 Reasons To Go Organic And 5 Reasons It’s Just Hype
Don’t Leave Costco Without These 13 Organic Picks
Shopping at Costco can be overwhelming with so many options, but if you’re into organic products, there are some real gems you shouldn’t miss. From pantry staples to fresh produce, Costco’s organic selection is surprisingly impressive. We’ve narrowed down the top organic items that are not only great for your health but also your wallet. Check out what you should be adding to your cart on your next Costco run.
Read it Here: Don’t Leave Costco Without These 13 Organic Picks
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
