People sometimes wonder if they are getting organic vegetables when buying from a local farmer or a supermarket. Do you know the difference?
Any farmer can claim to use organic methods. But can we tell if a fruit or vegetable is organic?
If you want to adopt an organic lifestyle, here are some ways to tell if the vegetables are organic.
1. Look at the Size and Shape
To know if vegetables are organic, check their physical traits. These traits can quickly show which crops are organic and which are not.
Non-organic food crops will have the perfect look compared to organic food crops. Therefore, if a fruit or vegetable is perfect in shape, large, and flawless, it is likely on the “dirty dozen” list.
Organic vegetables usually have variable sizes and shapes. Farmers describe them as “imperfect.” The reason is simple. They are not treated with enzymes, synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones.
They also have to withstand insect pests and different environmental impacts.
If you are practicing organic farming, you can clear critics’ doubts. All you have to do is get certified as an organic farmer or invite them to inspect your farm.
Point to Note:
Organic vegetables can still have the perfect look, shape, and size. These traits are due to the rich nutrients from compost and other natural gardening methods used while growing.
You can use pesticide test strips to swab your fruits and vegetables to tell the difference. These strips help detect pesticide residues.
2. They May Have Worms and Bugs on Them
Organic crops are not sprayed with synthetic pesticides or herbicides [1]. The seeds are also not genetically modified.
Non-organic crops, especially leafy vegetables, may have no insects. This is due to the chemicals used in their growing phase. Chemical-free crops may have a few bugs on them.
Soak your vegetables in water containing salt and vinegar to get rid of the bugs and worms.
3. Insect Holes in Leafy Crops
For leafy vegetables like cabbage and callaloo, insect holes are the most common signs they were grown organically. These holes are from constant insect bites.
Non-organic leafy crops may not have these holes. That’s because the chemicals used on them are poisonous to insects.
Insects are also smart enough to know which crops have poison on them. They’ll only feed on plants free of harmful substances. Isn’t that something to learn from?
A few things reveal which crops are on the Clean Fifteen list [2]. Some of those things include insect holes, visible bugs, and worms.
4. The Taste
Some people can also taste the difference; I know I can.
- Genetically modified or chemical-laced fruits and vegetables often burn my stomach and/or chest.
- My mouth also gets watery with a bitter or metallic taste.
- The food also takes longer to digest.
With organic foods, none of that happens. I can taste the flavor and feel the food doing what it’s supposed to do inside my body.
5. The Cost
When shopping at the supermarket, organic vegetables may be more expensive. This cost may be due to the effort, time, and energy needed to maintain an organic farm.
Farmers can’t use synthetic chemicals and fertilizers on organic crops or the land. Therefore, they need more manpower to control the farm.
Things such as preparing the land and weeding have to be done manually.
The farmers may also have to spend time getting rid of pests and maintaining compost. They may also perform other techniques that do not entail using harmful pesticides and herbicides.
On the other hand, inorganic fruits and vegetables are easier to grow; hence, their cost is lower.
Even so, don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. If you care about your health, buy organic produce. It’s better than paying the doctor later.
6. Non-Organic Foods May Cause Allergic Reactions
People have experienced allergic reactions after consuming food that is not organic. These reactions may be due to the toxins used during the growing process.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Chest burns
- Coughs
- Stomach burns
- Itchy ears
- Tongue burns
- Mucus in the eye corners
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Acid reflux
- Constipation or diarrhea
Organic vegetables and fruits are safe. They won’t cause harmful side effects. That’s the best part about eating organically grown produce—it’s 100% healthy.
Takeaway
So, how do you tell the difference between organic and inorganic vegetables? Those grown with synthetic chemicals may have the perfect look and size.
However, organic produce may have a few wormholes in the leaves. You may also find small worms or bugs stuck to them.
Just make sure to wash your produce thoroughly. Washing will help eliminate the worms and bugs when preparing for cooking or eating.
Ultimately, picking off a few worms and bugs is better than ingesting vegetables sprayed with harmful chemicals. Those, no doubt, may lead to many health issues later.
The benefits of organic produce far outweigh those of conventionally grown produce.
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