| This is a long debated and much publicised topic. Is | | | | Certified Organic products are a good choice. They |
| Organically grown food more nutritious than | | | | ensure a product was produced through a strict |
| conventionally grown food? | | | | certification process. Looking for the certification logo |
| Whether organic or synthetic fertilizers are added to | | | | is your best choice. |
| soil plants do respond with brilliant green growth. | | | | Certification is an expensive process used by an |
| Much of this transfers through to the edible portion | | | | Organic grower to ensure the consumer they are |
| of a plant making the plant more nutritious. But which | | | | using strict growing practices. |
| is more nutritious? | | | | Many companies proclaim to be "Natural" or "Organic" |
| Much research has pointed in the direction of | | | | simply because they use a plant derived product in |
| synthetically grown produce being more nutritious. | | | | the manufacturing process. While this does meet with |
| Other research points in the direction of Organically | | | | the Dictionary definition of Organic being "...of or |
| grown produce being better for us. | | | | containing carbon..." it does not in any way guarantee |
| One thing research rarely takes into consideration is | | | | the plant or animal was grown or raised in a Chemical |
| the additional pesticides and herbicides the | | | | Free Environment. |
| synthetically grown plant is exposed do in its growth | | | | 5 Easy ways to ensure you get the most from your |
| cycle. While the nutrition level of Synthetically may be | | | | Fruit and Vegetables: |
| higher according to some studies, the added | | | | |
| Chemicals used in the growth process are not taken | | | | 1. Look for Bright, Strong and Healthy Growth. Plants |
| into account. | | | | that look ill probably are. |
| The way a plant absorbs and holds chemicals sprayed | | | | 2. Plants naturally survive on things found in the |
| on it can be likened to soaking a sponge in oil and | | | | environment. Feed your plants what they naturally |
| trying to wash it out with water. While many | | | | want to have - Compost, manures, mulch etc. |
| chemicals in use do break down in a short period of | | | | 3. Eat Your Fruit and Vegetables raw when possible. |
| time others are persistent and can hang around for | | | | 4. If cooking your vegetables use them in Soups |
| much longer. | | | | casseroles and stews as you consume the liquid |
| Unfortunately labelling on packaging tells us if a | | | | goodness as well. Much of a plants nutrients are |
| product is Organic it doesn't tell us if a product is | | | | leached when boiled or steamed. |
| synthetically grown nor does it list the Chemicals the | | | | 5. Choose a selection of Fruit and Vegetables from |
| plant was exposed to in its growth cycle. | | | | mixed colour groups. Red, White and Green. |