Why organic? Experience the taste for yourself. With organic food only the natural goodness and true flavor come through. By using natural practices to keep the soil nutrient rich and fertile, organic farmers help take care of our environment — so nearby lakes and streams stay free of chemical pesticides. Also, organic farming is a more natural way to grow food. As nature intended, organically grown plants have to develop their own natural defenses to survive, making the foods richer in antioxidants. Now that you know some of the benefits, there is good news: Organic foods are becoming more available. As you see more products on the shelf, you may have additional questions or wonder what the different “organic” labels really mean. Read on to learn more.

What makes something organic?

A food is organic because of the way it is grown and processed. In order to be certified organic, farmers must follow a strict set of regulations developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The lowdown on labels

Here’s what the different organic labels mean:

• 100% organic. All of the ingredients are organic.
• Organic. At least 95% of the ingredients are organic.
• Made with organic ingredients. At least 70% of the ingredients are organic, and the rest must come from the USDA’s approved list.

For more information on organic labeling, visit the USDA’s website.

Organic FAQs

Test yourself to see how much you know.

1. Are organic foods healthier?
   There is some evidence suggesting that organic foods have more nutrients, specifically antioxidants.
2. Do organic foods taste better?
   Try them and let us know what you think.
3. Are organic foods pesticide free?
   They are not pesticide free; they may use biological pesticides, which are natural and friendlier to the environment. As for the amount of pesticide, organic foods contain less than conventionally produced foods.
4. Are organic foods safer?
   Both organically and conventionally produced foods must meet the safety standards established by the Food and Drug Administration, but organically grown foods are safer for farm workers.
5. Are organic foods better for the environment?
   Yes. Organic farmers use environmentally friendly pesticides and fertilizers.
6. Are organic foods more expensive?
   They can be, but prices are coming down — especially now that organic foods are becoming more available.

Should you go totally organic?

You do not need to go totally organic. However, some conventionally produced foods when tested had pretty high levels of pesticides. Consider choosing organic when you buy the following foods.

• Apples
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries

These foods tested pretty low for pesticides.

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn (sweet)
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Onions
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Sweet peas

Clean produce is healthy produce

Make sure to wash all produce — organic or not. The Environmental Protection Agency offers the following helpful tips:

• Use running water instead of soaking to remove much (but not all) of the pesticide residue and dirt found on produce. Soaking is not as effective.
• Peel the outer layer of some fruits and vegetables, such as the outer leaves of lettuce. But make sure not to routinely peel all fruits and veggies because the skin contains the healthy stuff — fiber and lots of nutrients.
• Choose a variety of foods to avoid exposure to a single pesticide — and as a bonus, you increase the blend of nutrients in your diet.