Oh, and many CSAs offer grass-fed beef, organic free range chicken and their eggs, etc. in addition to vegetables.
As I write this newsletter, I’m doing a little late night snacking on a batch of organic cucumbers (marinated in vinegar, yummmmm) from my local CSA.
Now, you’ve probably heard that there are benefits to eating organic, but if you’re like most people, you’re may still be a tad confused about the whole “organic” thing (as is proved by all the organic-related emails that regularly come through my inbox).
Perhaps you’ve wondered, what exactly makes something “organic” and why is it better than the regular stuff? Or maybe, what makes organic produce so darned expensive, and is there any way to enjoy it without burning a hole in my wallet?
Joel to the rescue.
We’ll start with some boring (yet helpful) definitions.
For a food to be certified organic, it must meet certain USDA’s criteria. For produce, this means that the produce must be grown without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.
There are obviously other criteria when talking about meat, but for today we’ll stick with produce.
The benefits of eating organic, particularly produce, are that produce grown under organic standards have been shown to be more nutritive, possessing greater phytochemical, vitamin, and mineral content.
In other words, you get a lot more of the good stuff and a lot less of the potentially harmful stuff—pretty much a great trade-off any way you look at it.
As far as cost is concerned, if you’re buying organic produce at your average supermarket, then yes, you will certainly pay considerably more than the adjacent non-organic fruits and veggies.
That said, a simple solution is to shop elsewhere for your organic needs. As I mentioned several times before, I do the CSA thing (community supported agriculture). Basically, I’ve got all the organic produce I could dream of from June – Thanksgiving, for a very reasonable price.
You can get a list of local CSA farms near you by visiting http://www.localharvest.org
Another alternative to joining a local CSA is simply stopping by your local farmer’s market. Health food stores are third option, but I’d recommend checking out circulars and going for what’s on sale when shopping at these outlets.
Organic produce that is fresh and in season can be just as affordable, if not more so, than the regular stuff at the grocery store.
Buying in bulk can further decrease cost. As we all know, that 5-gallon tub of mayonnaise is always a steal compared to the cost of the equivalent 20 individual jars.
Remember, produce will always be cheaper in season, so stock up at the right time and then freeze the rest (frozen produce can easily last months once purchased and will still taste great; simply thaw and enjoy). This gives you the double-whammy savings of buying in season and in large amounts.
So, how about you? Do you regularly buy organic? Will the tips from today’s post help you start or do so more often? Let me know in the comments section!
Talk to you below!
Joel
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39 comments - add yours
MK
July 27, 2009
Sanjeeb Gopaldas
July 30, 2009
Hi joel,
On a completely unrelated topic. I have read Cheat your Way thin and I am flollowing the diet as part of my maintenance program.
I have a little apprehension regarding the cheat day you are proposing. I am as Chris Shugart says a Former Fat Boy. (FFB) And chris says cheat meals dont work for FFB’s as our body make up is different from the common person. I would very much need some reassurance from from you regarding this matter as I am not looking forward to eating 100% healthy meals for the rest of my life. I would like to enjoy a little as well. Please let me know what you think about this.
Rgds
Sanjeeb Gopaldas
Manila. Philippines
On
Great info Joel. I try to by organic as much as possible, especially when it comes to the fruits and veggies that I eat the skin like: apples, pears,plums, berries, spinach, lettuce etc. I’ve located a couple CSA’s and plan to check out their goods at the farmers market before I get on their list. I think CSA’s are a great way to get you out of your rut of buying the same stuff week to week. Placing an order from Grassland Beef is also on my list. The health and nutrition advantages from fully finished grass fed beef are too many to list.
Leah
August 3, 2009
Just wanted anyone who is reading this to know that JOEL MARION IS A LIAR!!!! I purchased his Cheat Your Way Thin program, gave it an honest try, and because I didn’t see any results, I requested my money back. He has not responded to 5 e-mails and he removed me from his e-mail list (probably so I’d forget that he exists). He has an “iron-clad” money back guarantee, but he doesn’t stick to his word. If you don’t want to be cheated, don’t buy his program unless you want to keep it.
Galina
August 5, 2009
Has anyone noticed that on all the Organic trade responses there was word “May”. “There is mounting evidence that organically grown fruits, vegetables and grains MAY offer more of some nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus..”
If there are “mounting evidence”, should ‘MAY’ be replaced with “do offer more.. blah, balh, blah”..?
And who is checking the produce? Is there a control? If I told you today that my produce is organic, would you just beleive me? Where is the prof?
The reason why OTA says “may” is that the EU study referenced in our post, for one, has not yet been completed, and results are preliminary. OTA will not make claims until the final scientific results are in.
With respect to control over the use of the organic label, it is important for consumers to realize that the organic system is backed by a strict set of goverment standards and regulations. Producers and handlers of organic products must be certified by third-party certification agencies and undergo audits to ensure that they comply with the organic rule. Penalities are issued to those selling products under the organic label without proper compliance.
Enforcement has been and continues to be a top priority in the organic system. Thanks to efforts by the Obama administration to increase the financial and human resources available to tackle enforcement within the National Organic Program, organic is well-positioned to remain the symbol of integrity that consumers can trust.
Joe Willis
August 5, 2009
In reply to Organic Trade:
I’m not trying to put you out of business but hasn’t anyone noticed the most recent report on Organic vs. Conventionally produced food (including meat). Experimental results in The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture showed no difference in the major and trace minerals and nutrients or their retention in crops studied (carrots, kale, mature peas, apples and potatoes). Animals were fed the different crops from the different production methods and there was no difference in nutrient retention no matter how the crops were grown. Also, an even more recent article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at other studies done over the last 50 years and concluded that there is no difference nutritionally between organic produce and conventionally produced products. Eating “organic” is a lifestyle choice for those who can afford it. But the science DOES NOT support the contention that organic produce is more nutritious than conventionally produced foods nor does it support the contention that “certified organic” farming methods can be as productive as a combination of organic and conventional methods. Enjoy your organic produce if you choose to consume it but don’t blow smoke to rationalize it.
It is important to remember that people choose to buy organic for a wide variety of reasons. Some do so to minimize their exposure to toxic and synthetic pesticides, synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics, and genetic engineering, while others do so to avoid artificial ingredients and highly processed food produced without any restrictions on additives. Still other people choose organic as a means to promote and protect environmental health. Regardless of one’s rationale, the fact is that any time a consumer buys an organic product, whether food or non-food, s/he is supporting a system of sustainable agricultural management that promotes soil health and fertility, fosters species diversity, helps combat climate change, prevents damage to valuable water resources, and protects farmers and farmers’ families from exposure to harmful chemicals. In turn, this benefits both the health of the planet and all of us who live on it.
Emily
August 6, 2009
Re: Organic… Unfortunately in N America, I think that genetically modified food can also be considered “organic”. Just because it’s regulated by the FDA or EPA doesn’t mean it’s safe (the same good folks brought us DDT… need I say more). I’m all for organic, just make sure you do read the label to get the complete picture. Let’s hear it for the EC labeling regulations (and here we are – theoretically GM free, at least for now).
I live in Europe and have a wretchedly small fridge and no freezer. Sad at times, but at least I shop daily for fresh food and most supermarkets have decent organic sections. Here in my part of Italy, we are also quite tied in to local produce and food only being available when in season (going crazy on melons and peaches these days!).
Genetic engineering is prohibited in the production of organic food in the United States. According to federal organic regulations, products made with genetically engineered materials cannot bear the USDA organic seal.
I agree with your valuable suggestions.Thank you very much.
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Hey, it’s Joel! So you want to know a little more about me, huh? Well, I’d be happy to oblige :-)
I guess it all started back in 2001 (my freshman year of college) when I was just a “skinny fat” 19-year old kid. At the time, I was spending close to 2 hours a day in the gym (now my workouts last about 30 minutes), and despite my efforts, you’d probably never guess I worked out a day in my life by looking at me...