Milk & Other Dairy
Non – organic dairy cattle are often exposed to synthetic growth hormones and antibiotics.  If you are a Mom with milk guzzling kids, or if you drink a lot of milk yourself, it’s probably smart to buy organic dairy whenever possible.  Organic milk is much pricier than non-organic, but keep in mind that it also has up to a two week longer shelf life than non-organic milk!

According to Craig Baumrucker, professor of animal nutrition and physiology at Pennsylvania State University, and the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, organic milk lasts longer because producers use a different process to preserve it so it can stay fresh longer.   An organic milk shipment often must travel farther to reach store shelves since it is not produced throughout the country. The process, called Ultrahigh Temperature (UHT), gives the milk a longer shelf life by heating it to 280 degrees Fahrenheit (138 degrees Celsius) for two to four seconds, killing any bacteria.  This is a much higher temperature than pasteurization.  Some say that UHT makes the milk taste a bit sweeter, but that’s okay with us!

Alternative Resources to Shop Organic
Organic products at big supermarkets and stores like Whole Foods can easily cost 50-100% more than their conventional counterparts.  Yes, supermarkets are sooo convenient – but that is also why they are sooo expensive!  A little extra effort can provide you with organic produce and extra money in your pocket.  Here are three resources that are gaining a ton of popularity and also support the local farmers near you!

Farmers’ Markets – Many cities now have weekly farmers’ markets that offer locally grown food straight from the source!  Most farmers’ markets now offer cheese, meat, eggs, bread and even fish.  Of course not all farms are organic, but you can easily find out the growing practices when you are speaking directly to the farmer!  Buying direct from the source cuts out a lot of expense associated with the middleman, not to mention you are getting fresher food that is literally right off the farm.  Check out www.localharvest.org to find a farmers’ market near you.

CSAs – Community Supported Agriculture – When you participate in a CSA program you are actually buying a share or ½ share of a harvest from a local farm! You will receive a box of locally grown veggies & herbs on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.  Additionally, many CSA’s often sell fruit, eggs, and flowers.  When you register, you must pay up front for your share of the crop, but if you can afford to, the costs for a big box of produce breaks down to as little as $15 per week!  The sites www.sare.organd www.localharvest.org will provide you with a list of CSA options near you.

Food Co-Ops – Co-ops are essentially small supermarkets that are run by members and provide local food, much of it organic, at a very discounted price.  Many co-ops ask that you work at the store once a month in order to get the discounts, but every one is different.  For co-ops near you, visitwww.coopdirectory.org.

Becoming more informed means everything when making Fab & Fru choices for your health and your budget.  We hope this article inspires you to do your own research about eating organic vs. non-organic so you can afford to feel your very best both inside & out!

| Print

Pages: 1 2