Nowadays everyone is health conscious. From making healthy lifestyle choices to trying out the latest celebrity diet, our health has become a priority. If you visit any supermarket, you will come across a section specially dedicated to organic food. Flip through any magazine, there’ll be a number of articles on organic food. The popularity of organic food is on the rise. You might wonder, what’s so special about organic food and how is it different from non-organic. To understand the difference between organic and non-organic it’s important that we first know what is organic and what is non-organic.
The term "organic" refers to the process of how certain foods are produced. Organic foods are grown or farmed without the use of artificial chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or pesticides. Whereas, non-organic foods are produced in the conventional way which includes the use of artificial chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, drugs, etc.
Here are the 7 key differences between Organic and Non-organic food that’ll help you determine what’s best for you and your family.
1. Aesthetics
Organic fruits and vegetables look different from non-organic. They look more real and resemble the fresh fruit and veggies in your garden with varying shapes and colours. They also have blemishes and look imperfect. Non-organic fruits and vegetables look perfect due to chemicals and artificial fertilizers.
2. Taste
In general, organic food tastes better than non-organic food because it produced naturally and the soil used is well nourished and free of any artificial chemicals. Making organic fruits and vegetables more concentrated retaining the flavor. When you eat organic, be prepared to be delighted by the taste and freshness. Not to mention, the fragrance is also better than non-organic fruits and vegetables.
3. Nutrients
Organic fruits and vegetables are more nutritious and wholesome than non-organic food. Organic foods have more vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and micronutrients than commercially grown foods because the soil is nourished with sustainable farming practices. On average, organically grown foods provide 21% more iron, 27% more vitamin C, 29% more magnesium and 13% more phosphorus than fruits and vegetables grown conventionally.
4. Environment-friendly
Some people opt for organic because it is sustainable and environment-friendly. Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil quality. Choosing to eat organic fruits and vegetables is not just good for you but it also good for the environment.
5. Health benefits
In the case of non-organic fruits and vegetables, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used to boost the production. These chemicals have been proved to cause a number of diseases and might put you at a greater health risk. On the other hand, organic fruits and vegetables have higher nutritional quality than non-organic food as they are grown naturally. Consuming organic food will boost your immune system and will also prevent premature aging.
6. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers
This is the most tangible difference between organic and non-organic food. Organic farming practices do not use conventional methods to fertilize or control weeds and insects. For organic farming, farmers use natural fertilizers like manure or compost, to feed soil and plants and manage the weed by rotating crops. Also sometimes in stores, colours and preservatives are often added to make them appear 'fresh' and 'new'. In case of non-organic farming, chemical fertilizers are used to promote plant growth and insecticides are sprayed to reduce pests and diseases.
7. Price
Organic produce often costs more than non-organic. Higher prices are due to more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations, and lower crop yields. It is also more expensive because organic farming because is more labour and management intensive.
Trend or no trend, it is clear that organic food is here to stay because of the innumerable health benefits. Even though it is more costly than non-organic, you can still go for it by simply growing your own organic fruits and vegetables. This way you will be saving money without compromising on health. Bali Bohem has made organic farming at home easy and hassle-free. From planting to providing yearlong care to your organic garden, Bali Bohem provides 360-degree organic farming solutions under one roof. Enjoy organic and healthy, homegrown vegetables and fruits and make a difference in your life.