Organic is a word that has received much attention in the food industry in the past few years and now, more than ever customers are purchasing organic products. Some may be doing so because this word is tied to healthy and many recommended these products, as they are good for you.

But before you rush to the local farmers market to get the best fruit and vegetables, you should know a bit about organic foods and what it is that makes them the best food choice.

Farmers and food producers- produce organic foods without using synthetic chemicals like pesticides and artificial fertilisers. They don’t use genetically modified components (GM) or expose the food to irradiation, making them a truly natural source.

Organic foods are grown naturally and are not necessarily completely chemical free, but have a considerably lower pesticide residue than modified foods. Less chemically effected foods makes them a more reliable, safe food source.

There have been a number of studies on organic foods to compare the nutritional content. There are no significant differences in vitamin and mineral contents, but organic vegetables have lower nitrate levels, higher vitamin C, and higher levels of selenium.

As well as not using harsh chemicals and artificial fertilisers, animal welfare is a priority for organic farming. Organic foods can also include animal produce like eggs, which would be free range rather than caged (also known as battery) hens.

Organic foods include fruit and vegetables, grains, meat and meat products, eggs, dairy foods and honey.

Although organic products are better for you and the environment (and the animals) it is often far more expensive than other foods. This is because the labour to grow the food is far more intensive, it doesn’t have herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, making the yield generally smaller.