Tips for successful organic grocery shopping
With the rapid spread of health awareness, people have become conscious of their consumption. Due to the demand for extensive production to supply the alarming rise in population, use of excessive chemicals to increase the quantity within the shortest period of time resulted in health deterioration, steering a significant part of the population towards organic goods.
The future of organic grocery shopping is the success of this lifestyle change.
Hence, it is important to know the right way to purchase organic items, that are comparatively new to the market and our lives.
The following are a few tips for successful organic grocery shopping:
Know the process of production
In order to understand the benefits of organic products, it is necessary to know what they are and how they are produced. Ideally, an ‘organic product’ is grown without the use of artificial chemicals, growth hormones, antibiotics, and without the addition of preservatives, food coloring, and chemical flavoring agents.
- Organically grown crops tend to use natural fertilizers like manure to improve plant growth. Animals raised organically are not given hormones, steroids or antibiotics.
- Organic foods that are available commonly are fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meat and also processed organic products like sodas, jams, cookies, cereals, etc.
Identify the source
It is important to know where the products are coming from. The source of production should be a professional, proficient in the production of organic items. It is advised to check up on the provenance (farms, godowns, factories, etc.) and validity of any organic grocery store.
Read the labels and certification
The organic food production and sale is monitored by a certifying agent that conducts a detailed inspection of the process and methods of manufacture. The label will include the authentication of the product. Organic sale has the potential to grow at a fast pace, so some companies may fraudulence, hoping to cash in on it, by greenwashing (use of organic terms or traits to sell a product that is not completely organic). Hence, always look for the certification and seal.
Check for date of manufacture and expiry
Understand that since no artificial growth aid is used, food items, especially fruits, vegetables, and crops cannot be grown in the off-season. And since no preservatives are added, they cannot be stored for a very long time.
Assess the nutrient content and composition
Organic products have more anti-oxidants and vitamins and comparatively lower amount of nitrates. It is advisable to go through the nutritional values to be sure of the credibility of the product. A healthy lifestyle in the future develops from the choice of opting organic grocery mindfully.
Seek help for shopping if needed
Organic products can be dicey with their descriptions and it may be difficult to shop amongst the fake organic brands. Therefore, even if you have done your research, it is prudent to ask help from a store employee to pick the right organic product. Ordering organic groceries online is also a convenient option, but choose a reliable online dealer judiciously.
Organic products have been proved to be more wholesome and nourishing than the chemical infused ones.
