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 as uniform as those grown conventionally, usually with the help of chemicals ,to look immaculate.
Organic products can come in different shapes and sizes, which might represent the characteristic diversity of food grown without synthetic interference.
Taste Profile: Many organic food advocates say organic produce simply tastes better than conventional produce. The reason is that the richer health of the soil at organic farms could translate into higher nutrient levels and better flavor development in the produce.
Where conventional farming aims to make crops big and attractive by suppressing the color appearance and emphasizing it at the expense of taste, organic farming lays the most significant emphasis on taste and nutritional value.
Addressing the Myth: Is It Just Like "Galli Walli Bhaiya’s" Produce?
Pesticide Use: The most crucial difference is the use of pesticides. "Galli Walli Bhaiya's" produce likely includes cultivation involving pesticide and fertilizer residues unless it is expressly stated not to be so. Organic food, on the other hand, is certified not to contain synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and is, therefore, healthier.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness: Organic farming is not only safe for 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 considered 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 according to standards that apply equivalently in your country. These standards will ensure that the food is grown according to given organic standards.
Know Your Farmer: The best and most genuine way is to buy certified organic produce directly from farmers, Founders with a purpose, or from an authentic organic outlet. Most communities have farmers' markets that sell certified organic produce.
Most authentic organic outlets work directly with farmers on the ground, often mentoring and helping them get certified.
Conclusion: Embracing Authentic Organic Food
One would understand the actual value of organic food, considering the need to highlight 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, organic food has manifold benefits for health, taste, and the environment. Myths about it should be debunked so that people can make informed decisions and avoid unsustainable lifestyle practices.
