Organic Vs Natural Foods

Taking a walk through the grocery store, you see so many different labels claiming this food product is better and healthier than the one next to it. Unfortunately, some marketing practices either lack integrity or lack knowledge - or perhaps a little of both. So is there a difference between Organic and Natural claims on a label? Most often, yes.

To be labeled Organic in the United States, the product must adhere to strict regulations imposed by the USDA's National Organic Program. Some of these regulations include: the ground must be chemical free for 36 months prior to selling crops as organic; limitations on vaccines and hormones given to animals, including poultry, beef cattle, and dairy cattle; and specific processing and labeling requirements.

Natural, on the other hand, has no regulations in the United States. Simply speaking, if something says it is "Natural," it is claiming that it is natural by the definition of the producer or manufacturer. Some believe using Round-Up and other such products is natural. Some believe there is nothing wrong with spraying weeds, giving animals growth hormones, or using fertilizers.

And there are some who take the definition of Natural to mean "the most natural way of life for plants and animals." These people don't use chemicals, but rather use alternative means to get rid of weed and pest problems through crop rotation, hand-picking, and other ways that are not detrimental to the plant. They allow nature to take its course with animals, giving the livestock access to pasture, space to move around, and accepting the natural growth instead of attempting to defy nature through growth hormones. Often times these products could qualify as being organic.

How can the average consumer know they are buying something that is actually natural and healthy? Check the label. It's usually a safe bet if a product has more then one or two impossible to pronounce, scientific sounding ingredients, it is no healthier then the box next to it that doesn't claim to be natural. Use local suppliers you know and trust. If you don't know local farmers personally, you may know someone who does, and who knows the farming practices used. Farmers generally don't, from what I've seen, hide the fact that they spray weeds, or what they use. So a simple solution, ask.

If you ever doubt the validity of a "natural" claim, and can't get an answer that satisfies your desire to have the healthiest, most natural food available, don't buy it. And if you ever doubt the validity of an "Organic" claim, USDA regulations require the certification agency be listed on the product. Call the agency and ask if the product is indeed certified organic. Organic certification agencies are here not only to give out certificates stating a product is organic. It is also their job to assure consumers that everything possible has been done to insure the integrity of the organic industry and the organic status of the products on the market.

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Tips For Growing Organic Foods

Many people would love to buy organic foods from the markets and grocery store but they have a budget for food that doesn't allow it. One great idea though is grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home. You can create a wonderful garden with more than enough of these foods to feed your family. It will also cut down on your food costs overall so you can use that money for something else.

It is important to know that an organic garden can be time consuming to manage. Yet it can be something for the entire family to help with. The satisfaction that all will have as you enjoy those great foods is well worth the time you dedicate to it. One of the biggest rules to follow is that you don't want to apply any chemicals to the area or around it. Take a good look around to be sure that chemicals can't run into your garden area when it rains from a neighbor's property as well.

The location needs to be one where it will get lots of sun. Without it, your organic foods won't grow as they should. Take the time to clear the space for your garden. Make sure you remove rocks and other debris so that you have a flat and clean surface to work with. In order to get the soil ready you want to provide organic compost.

You can buy this from many locations but you can also create your own. Dry leaves and coffee grounds work extremely well. You can also get into the habit of collecting compost from your family so that you have lots of it to use when you need it. Ideally, you want at least three inches of compost in your garden.

You want to make sure your garden area gets plenty of water. The soil needs to be wet but you don't want it to be flooded. Now you are ready to plant what fresh fruits and vegetables you wish to grow. Make sure you follow the planting directions for them in order to encourage the very best results.

When it comes to organic gardens you will have to fight a constant battle with a couple of things. The first one is the weeds that will fight for the nutrients in the soil. It is ironic that we can struggle to get what we want to grow but those weeds tend to be able to do so without any problems. You will want to pick the weeds by hand. Doing so as they start out is the best way so try to spend time doing this at least once a week.

Insects and bugs will be in the area too so set various traps for them. This will give you a way to relocate them. Check those traps on a regular basis. Make sure you have a small fence around them or mesh panels too. This will keep animals including cats, raccoons, and mice from finding your organic garden to be their place to dine when they feel like it.

Make sure you harvest your organic foods when they are ripe. That way you can enjoy them at the best time for ultimate flavor. You want to make sure you carefully wash all items that you have grown in your organic garden before people consume them. This process is one you will really benefit from. It can take some time to get started but after the first season you will have a good idea of what works for you and what doesn't.

Organic food becomes a good choice by more and more people. The Organic Grocer is an online organic food Sydney based retailer. They provide fresh organic fruit and vegetable. They delivery organic food penrith and organic food blue mountains.