The urban folklore goes that the organic food, being devoid of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers in its cultivation, is supposed to look and taste exactly like the produce one could buy off the street from the local vendor, who, one imagines out of affection, is usually referred to as "galli walli bhaiya."
It even makes many question the premium associated with the purchase of organic products. Understanding actual differences in taste, appearance, and overall quality of organic food versus conventionally grown street vendor produce will go a long way to clarify why organic is often better.
Why Does Organic Food Sometimes Look and Taste Different?
Natural Growth Conditions: Organic produce is reaped under very severe conditions mimicking a natural environment for growth. This means that the fruits or vegetables may not look so uniform as those grown conventionally, usually with the help of chemicals to look immaculate.
Organic products can come in different shapes and sizes that might represent the characteristic diversity of this food grown without synthetic interferences.
Taste Profile: Many organic food advocates say it simply tastes better than conventional produce. The reason is that in the richer health of the soil that exists at organic farms, it could be translated into higher nutrient levels and better flavour development in the produce.
Where conventional farming is aimed at making crops big and attractive by suppressing the colour appearance and laying much emphasis on it, at the expense of taste, organic farming lays the greatest emphasis on taste and the nutritional value.
Addressing the Myth: Is It Just Like "Galli Walli Bhaiya’s" Produce?
Pesticide Use: The most important difference is the use of pesticides. Likely "Galli Walli Bhaiya's" produce likely includes the cultivation involving the use of pesticide and fertiliser residues unless it is specifically stated not to be so. Organic food, on the other hand, is certified not to contain synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, therefore healthier.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness: Organic farming is not only the safety of food but also environmentally friendly. Organic practices reduce pollution and save water; they help improve soil fertility and consume less energy. These commitments would generally not be thought of as part of the equation when looking at the production of normal, everyday, street vendor-produce.
Certification and Regulation: Organic produce is guaranteed, by certification, under rigid standards that include inspections and control regulations concerning the way the food is grown, harvested, and processed.
However, such a guarantee is not provided in the produce commonly sold on the street.
How to Verify True Organic Produce:
Look for Certifications: Make sure that the sellers or brands you buy from have been certified on standards applying in an equivalently valid manner in your country. All of these standards will ensure that the food is grown in accordance with given organic standards.
Know Your Farmer: The best and the most genuine way is to buy these organic produces directly from farmers, Founders with a purpose or from some authentic organic outlet. Most communities will have farmers' markets that deal in certified organic produce.
Most authentic organic outlets work directly with farmers on ground, often mentoring and also helping them to get certified.
Conclusion: Embracing Authentic Organic Food
One would understand the real value of organic food, considering there is a need to really point out the differences in health benefits it would provide for the environment. It is an absolute fact that organic food tends to lose out on showcasing a lesser appeal of 'beenti' in comparison to the chemically grown convention of fruits and vegetables;
However, the value to health, taste, and the environment is manifold. Myths concerning organic food should be debunked so that people can make informed decisions and avoid unsustainable lifestyle practices.
