All you need to know about organic products

In the second part of this series, know what you’re getting into when you buy organic products

In the second part of this series, know what you’re getting into when you buy organic products:

Everyone talks about organic products, but few people know much about them. So here are some FAQs.

Where do I buy organic products?

* Grocery chains, though the fruits and veggies may not be labelled.

* Online farm baskets, where fresh produce is delivered to you if you agree to purchase a minimum quantity of the produce regularly.

* Organic dairy farms supply products directly to your doorstep.

Avoid: Suppliers who run organic businesses from their homes as most of them lack the experience to be consistent.

What does the labelling mean?

100% organic: The product contains no hormones; used no chemical fertilisers, chemicals and antibiotics; used no genetically modified seeds; used no sewage or sludge as manure; included no non-vegetarian derivatives in the feed; if it is a dairy product, at least one third of the cows’ diet was grass.

Free range/Pasture-raised: The animal or bird had access to outdoor pastures. This is vague, because the outdoor access may have been for just 10 minutes a day.

Certified organic: This label is the most trustworthy, meaning that 95 per cent of the rules of organic farming were followed.

Derived organic: Doesn’t explain how the product is organic. For example, ingredients are organic, but the processing may involve chemicals.

Made with organic ingredients: At least 70 per cent of the ingredients are organic.

Fresh: Does not necessarily mean organic.

Pure: The food is not adulterated and was packed in hygienic conditions. Not necessarily organic.

What’s a fair price for organic foods?

With no regulations as of now, prices can range from cheaper than non-organic to 40 per cent higher than non-organic food.

Are organic foods better-looking than non-organic ones?

They are plainer. Non-organic produce looks good because of polishing, wax-coating, bleaching, and removing the outer layer of cereals or grains.

What kind of a shelf-life can I expect for organic foods?

Natural food attracts bacteria, fungus, insects, birds and so on. Consume it quickly.

From HT Brunch, April 3, 2016

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