By Amy Whitfield Richardson:
Food recalls seem to happen on a more regular basis now, and acronyms like GMO and HFCS are popping up in conversations regarding food and children pretty much everywhere you turn. You can buy Organic, Locally Grown, All Natural, Free Range, and Grass Fed but what does it all really mean?
As parents we have enough to stress over without the added pressures of reading labels we don’t understand. So, to put your mind at-ease and help you out next time you’re at the market, BirminghamMommy decided to decipher some of the jargon for you.
100% Organic
– Organic farming completely avoids the use of artificial inputs, like synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and bans the use of animal by-products, antibiotics and sewage sludge among other practices.
USDA Organic
– Meaning it avoids the use of MOST artificial inputs. It should be at least 95% free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers as mentioned above. Unlike many of the eco labels you find, “USDA Organic” claims are verified by the USDA.
All Natural
– Contains no synthetic or artificial ingredients (flavors, colors, chemical preservatives). With the exception of USDA-approved meat and poultry. Currently there is not an organization that can verify a manufacturer’s claim so essentially anyone can use the All Natural label on their product.
Free Range
– The “free-range” label doesn’t necessarily mean the animals went outdoors, it does mean that animals have “access” to the outside, per the USDA. However, there is no guarantee of lower salmonella rates or that they have freedom to roam. The term “pasture-raised” is a better indicator of how the animal grew up on the farm.
Cage Free
– When it comes to eggs, Cage Free means hens are uncaged in barns or warehouses, but not they have access to outdoors. Uncaged hens can freely walk, nest and spread their wings. But no third-party, such as the USDA, verifies Cage Free labeled products.
Grass/Grain Fed
– Grass Fed, good. Grain Fed, not so good. As opposed to Grain Fed beef, Grass Fed beef is less fatty and contains high amounts of conjugated linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that is known for many health benefits, including decreasing inflammation in the body. However, much like the term “Free range”, Grass-fed doesn’t necessarily mean the cows went outside to graze, but that they at least had access to pasture.
Locally Grown –
-Locally grown doesn’t always mean better grown or local in the sense you might think. Unlike certified organic labels, Locally Grown claims are not regulated by the USDA and are defined by retailers in vastly different ways. It could mean the food you’re buying is from the next state over, maybe within a day’s drive, but probably not 20 minutes down the road.
As you’ve noticed, organic foods aren’t as budget-friendly as conventional food items. Now with the labels decoded, which foods are best to find in your organic food aisle, and which ones are okay not to buy? Here are some organic do-buys and don’t-have-to-buys to help you to balance food safety and nutrition with the cash in your grocery fund.
Usually fruits or veggies with a thicker outer skin are less likely to be affected by pesticide levels because the thick skin acts as a protector, blocking pesticides from seeping in. That means fruits like strawberries and leafy greens are more prone to contamination. Even a good wash, doesn’t get rid of all pesticides. Bottom line, if you eat the skin and all, it’s better to go organic.
Better to Buy Organic:
Apples
Bell Peppers
Blueberries
Carrots
Celery
Cherries
Grapes
Kale
Leafy greens
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomato*
Okay to not buy Organic:
Asparagus
Avocado
Cabbage
Bananas
Broccoli
Eggplant
Kiwi
Mango
Onions
Papaya
Pineapple
Sweet Corn
Sweet Peas
Tomato*
Watermelon
* According to the Environmental Working Group, in 2008 the tomato was one of the most pesticide-ridden veggies, but has cleaned up its act since, that‘s why you can find it on both lists. You may want to try growing tomatoes on your own if you’re worried about this sudden shift in the tomato’s cleanliness.
Buying Local:
Over the last few years big retailers such as Wal-Mart and of course Whole Foods have jumped on the “locally grown” bandwagon, but if you’re truly looking for food grown within the county limits, your best bet is a local farmer’s market where you can meet the actual farmers and ask them questions about their farming practices. Ideally, buying local means you are putting your dollars back into your local economy by buying from Farmer Joe down the road instead of Wal-Mart. Environmental benefits come from reduced shipping, meaning less fuel consumption, less packaging, and not to mention that warm and fuzzy feeling you get inside from doing your part for the environment and for Alabama’s farmers.
Here are a few nearby farmer markets where you can buy local this season:
Unlike other Birmingham farmer’s markets, the Alabama Farmer’s Market, located on Finley Ave. West, is open daily year-round and is part of Birmingham‘s rich food heritage, dating back to 1921. This open-air, indoor facility offers just about anything you could imagine, produce-wise, attracting 2,000 to 2,500 Alabama farmers each year.
Located in Birmingham’s Lakeview District, Pepper Place Saturday Market, which officially kicked off their season April 16, offers veggies, flowers, honey, and bake goods, mixed with live music and cooking demonstrations every Saturday.
East Lake Farmer’s Market will open May 7 with a Strawberry Festival. In addition to the fresh veggies, you can find canned jars of jam, relish, soup, or spaghetti sauce. A family-friendly atmosphere lets you shop local while your kids craft under the kids-only canopy.
Serving south Birmingham, the Valleydale Farmer’s Market in the parking lot of Faith Presbyterian Church on Valleydale Road offers fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, including naturally grown produce with no chemical pesticides or herbicides. This Saturday market begins in May.
Urban Cookhouse Farmer’s Market
With the slogan “Buy Local, Eat Urban,” this homegrown restaurant in downtown Homewood is set to host a Saturday farmer’s market for its second year beginning May 21. Beyond fresh food, look for artist booths, live music and chef demonstrations.
Sources:
Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.com
Consumer Report’s greenerchoices.org
www.OrganicGrassFedBeefinfo.com
www.humanesociety.org
About Amy:
A Birmingham native, Amy Whitfield Richardson, isn’t a mommy, but a proud PANK who learns a lot from her friends at BirminghamMommy. When she’s not writing for this website, you can find her blogging about her love for midcentury architecture at Mod Room
Have you visited the Mt Laurel Farmers Market? It’s just over the Mountain on Co. Rd. 41 and starts Saturdays in June.
Hi Robert. I have not. Will add to the list!