What Is Organic Food?

Organic food has been gaining popularity as more people become health-conscious. What exactly, though, is organic food?

This article, which I first wrote and published on another website in 2008, explores this question.

What is Organic Food?

What is organic food? The use of the term “organic” does seem pretty interesting. Its original meaning, actually, could be one of the following:

• Compounds or substances which contain carbon.
• Something of plant or animal origin
• Being, relating to, or referring to living organisms or living matter.
• Having properties which are characteristic of living organisms or living matter.
• Derived from or obtained from living organisms or living matter.

Going by these basic definitions, virtually all food which is produced would be considered organic, wouldn’t it? It would not be possible to produce, say, an inorganic apple, or an inorganic carrot, or raise an inorganic cow.

What is organic food? Today, it is widely used, of course, as a labeling term or certification for food products which are produced in accordance with certain standards and regulations.

Broadly speaking, the term “organic” today is often used to mean the following:

• Simple, healthful, close to nature and the environment.
• Relating to natural substances or products.

What is organic food? – General explanation for plant foods

Organic farming is a natural way of farming and it pays a great deal of attention to keeping the soil fertile.

It also ensures the re-using and conservation of important resources, such as water and soil, keeping them clean and preserving (or even enhancing) their quality for continued use in the future.

Organic produce are grown using organic farming methods, without the use of chemical or synthetic pesticides, including fungicides, herbicides and insecticides; fertilizers; or other harmful chemicals. These include fertilizers which are made from or contain petroleum products, sewage sludge or human waste.

No chemicals are used to make the fruits and vegetables grow faster, or ripen faster, or grow bigger, or alter their taste and appearance, etc.

Organic food products must not have artificial or chemical flavorings, colors or additives added.

Organic food must neither have been irradiated, nor be biologically or genetically modified, nor have genetically modified organisms (GMO).

..read on..

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