cynupstateny
Well-known member
With all the publicity lately about farmed seafood, contaminated products and carcinogens in almost everything, it seems smarter to spend the extra money. I'm also trying to purchse as many local products as possible.
Just curious- How many of you purchase only organic or natural foods?
- Thread starter cynupstateny
- Start date
Definitely milk
I do buy some organic produce but not exclusively. However, as for milk, I buy only organic now. I happened to pick up some organic milk one day, and both my husband and I noticed that it tasted so much better than the regular milk. My daughter-in-law was at our house one day, and she also commented on how good it tasted. Now she also buys only organic milk.
I do buy some organic produce but not exclusively. However, as for milk, I buy only organic now. I happened to pick up some organic milk one day, and both my husband and I noticed that it tasted so much better than the regular milk. My daughter-in-law was at our house one day, and she also commented on how good it tasted. Now she also buys only organic milk.
marsha-tbay
Well-known member
Dairy, most meat, greens. Organics offer more support for blood sugar support: low carb cereals,
Men's Bread, agave nectar, sugarless cocoa, etc.
Men's Bread, agave nectar, sugarless cocoa, etc.
dawn_mo
Well-known member
Hi Cyn...
I have been buying organic canned goods, dairy goods, legumes, grains, and vegetables through a food co-op here. They are a group that purchase health foods, organic foods and bulk foods through an organization called United Buying Clubs. We place an order once a month, and they are delivered to a small church, where we unload the truck and divvy up the items we ordered. I have been very happy with their organic products, but especially their produce. Here is a copy of my order I just placed today. I supplement it with organic produce from the farmer's markets and the grocery store. Walmart actually carries a fairly extensive list of organic veggies.
prod id product description qty/case want more price your price more price
29529 apples, pink lady (3#) 4.05/ 8.10
25431 carrots (5#) 4.34/ 4.34
10619 celery ( 3 bunches) 1.33/ 3.99
23568 garlic (1#) 3.39/ 3.39
23569 ginger (1#) 5.03/ 5.03
22116 lemons (3#) 5.64/ 5.64
21827 mushrooms, crimini (1 1/2#) 3.39/ 5.09
48877 mushrooms, shiitake (1#) 5.23/ 5.23
33257 onions, yellow (15#) 1.64/ 8.20
37719 pears, red bartlett (4#) 1.17/ 4.68
17593 pomegranites (2) 0.98/ 1.96
46882 potatoes, yellow (15#) 1.87/ 5.61
29496 oranges, valencia (4#) 3.17/ 6.34
17803 potatoes, russet ( 5#) 0.68/ 3.40
Subtotals 71.00
Total 71.00
http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/
I have been buying organic canned goods, dairy goods, legumes, grains, and vegetables through a food co-op here. They are a group that purchase health foods, organic foods and bulk foods through an organization called United Buying Clubs. We place an order once a month, and they are delivered to a small church, where we unload the truck and divvy up the items we ordered. I have been very happy with their organic products, but especially their produce. Here is a copy of my order I just placed today. I supplement it with organic produce from the farmer's markets and the grocery store. Walmart actually carries a fairly extensive list of organic veggies.
prod id product description qty/case want more price your price more price
29529 apples, pink lady (3#) 4.05/ 8.10
25431 carrots (5#) 4.34/ 4.34
10619 celery ( 3 bunches) 1.33/ 3.99
23568 garlic (1#) 3.39/ 3.39
23569 ginger (1#) 5.03/ 5.03
22116 lemons (3#) 5.64/ 5.64
21827 mushrooms, crimini (1 1/2#) 3.39/ 5.09
48877 mushrooms, shiitake (1#) 5.23/ 5.23
33257 onions, yellow (15#) 1.64/ 8.20
37719 pears, red bartlett (4#) 1.17/ 4.68
17593 pomegranites (2) 0.98/ 1.96
46882 potatoes, yellow (15#) 1.87/ 5.61
29496 oranges, valencia (4#) 3.17/ 6.34
17803 potatoes, russet ( 5#) 0.68/ 3.40
Subtotals 71.00
Total 71.00
http://www.unitedbuyingclubs.com/
shaun-in-to
Well-known member
As much as we can, especially seasonal produce, dairy, chicken, canned
beans and tomatoes, frozen veg. (although the organic frozen peas we had were the worst peas on earth).
We try not purchase farmed fish or trawl-caught fish.
beans and tomatoes, frozen veg. (although the organic frozen peas we had were the worst peas on earth).
We try not purchase farmed fish or trawl-caught fish.
janet-in-nc
Well-known member
Always buy organic chicken , eggs and pork and never buy farmed seafood..NT
Visited some friends in the country last month. They are seriously and totally organic and
to a fluctuating extent, vegetarians.
she served a salad of only lettuces. With lemon basil. All things considered, it was the best salad I have ever enjoyed. Every leaf had a flavour. As a whole, it was just oustanding. I am not a salad-loving person, so this concoction really blew me away out into the beautiful green fields.
I've always thought that, living on my own, I could become a vegetarian. But perhaps, I could go organic even more easily.
My friend in France that I just visited, is totally organic as well..."bio" there, pronounced: bee oh. The organic foods are far beyond what we see here. And that surprises me.
I must say, though, that I am a bit suspect of the sources of the foods that we get in the big cities, regardless of country, touted as being organic.
And, I must add, that the 'free range' local farmer's chicken that we ate in the Canadian countryside, was every bit as delectable as the 'bio' chicken that I ate in France. And each was so far above even the best of the supermarket quality here....maybe I'll make a change soon.
In the meantime, I simply will not buy the cheap sale chickens available now. It seems that there are about 4 levels of 'feeding quality' chickens available now at our supermarkets and apparently, consumeres here have stated that they want the better quality and are willing to pay for it. A few stores just stopped carrying the junk poultry. So far, I am at stage 3.
to a fluctuating extent, vegetarians.
she served a salad of only lettuces. With lemon basil. All things considered, it was the best salad I have ever enjoyed. Every leaf had a flavour. As a whole, it was just oustanding. I am not a salad-loving person, so this concoction really blew me away out into the beautiful green fields.
I've always thought that, living on my own, I could become a vegetarian. But perhaps, I could go organic even more easily.
My friend in France that I just visited, is totally organic as well..."bio" there, pronounced: bee oh. The organic foods are far beyond what we see here. And that surprises me.
I must say, though, that I am a bit suspect of the sources of the foods that we get in the big cities, regardless of country, touted as being organic.
And, I must add, that the 'free range' local farmer's chicken that we ate in the Canadian countryside, was every bit as delectable as the 'bio' chicken that I ate in France. And each was so far above even the best of the supermarket quality here....maybe I'll make a change soon.
In the meantime, I simply will not buy the cheap sale chickens available now. It seems that there are about 4 levels of 'feeding quality' chickens available now at our supermarkets and apparently, consumeres here have stated that they want the better quality and are willing to pay for it. A few stores just stopped carrying the junk poultry. So far, I am at stage 3.
I try to avoid them as much as possible...
I know it's not the popular thing to do, but I don't buy them, as a matter of fact, sometimes I have to go out of my way to get normal food -
I think the whole movement is overhyped and way overpriced - plus, I like my food not to taste like dirt and bugs...
I know it's not the popular thing to do, but I don't buy them, as a matter of fact, sometimes I have to go out of my way to get normal food -
I think the whole movement is overhyped and way overpriced - plus, I like my food not to taste like dirt and bugs...
cynupstateny
Well-known member
I' REALLY finding this thread soooo interesting!
shaun-in-to
Well-known member
I've heard that complaint about dirt and bugs before, but
you can always wash it.
you can always wash it.
shaun-in-to
Well-known member
Europe's got the whole Slow Food thing going on,
which emphasizes local, seasonal food and often artisanal or traditional methods. North America doesn't have the same local, cultural food-history, so here the movement is more of a "lifestyle choice".
I agree with you about organic that comes from the other side of the planet. Wal-Mart's introduction of organic increases questions that were raised when Whole Foods became an international chain. It changes the definition of organic, so "local" is no longer part of the picture. Are organic carrots that are flown from Peru to New York "better" because they're organic, despite all the pollution generated by transporting them?
It leads to some difficult choices. On the upside, I think it makes more people think about where their food comes from, and what quality of food they're eating, which can't be a bad thing.
which emphasizes local, seasonal food and often artisanal or traditional methods. North America doesn't have the same local, cultural food-history, so here the movement is more of a "lifestyle choice".
I agree with you about organic that comes from the other side of the planet. Wal-Mart's introduction of organic increases questions that were raised when Whole Foods became an international chain. It changes the definition of organic, so "local" is no longer part of the picture. Are organic carrots that are flown from Peru to New York "better" because they're organic, despite all the pollution generated by transporting them?
It leads to some difficult choices. On the upside, I think it makes more people think about where their food comes from, and what quality of food they're eating, which can't be a bad thing.
W
whipappeal
Guest
Joined a co-op last year, bailed this year.. Why? >>
Ironically, we would have had to drive to the co-op after changing neighborhoods, this year--and the co-op is run out of the headquarters of the World Car-Free Network, so I thought our car might get beaned with a few overripe (organic!) tomatoes...and I wasn't happy with lugging 12 kilos (that's 26 pounds, my fellow Yanks) from one end of Prague to the other via our (excellent) public transport system.
There are a lot of options for organic food, here, but it is an open secret that anything labeled "organic," here, doesn't undergo much of a certification process and it's mainly used as a marketing tool--at least in the Czech Republic. "Organic" goods, however, are priced *way* out of the reach of an average Czech salary and they are viewed as a status symbol.
Tesco markets "organic" meats and "organic" dried goods, here, but it's anyone's guess as to how organic something really is. But they're a big-box store; some smaller places offer organic products in a health-food line.
In any case, most of the fruits and vegetables in the supermarkets here are in sad shape (as though they fell off the back of a truck) and are nearly always imported from somewhere else--usually in the EU and the Middle East.
The best way--if one could afford it--to ensure you know what your family is eating, here, is to revert to the Communist-era concept of a family garden in Grandma or Grandpa's back yard, which many families used as a main source of fruits and veg--and a secondary income--when supplies were low in the stores.
My version of "buying local" is going to the fruit-and-veg shop (hidden in an alleyway) of a Vietnamese vendor who sells restaurant-quality stuff at reasonable prices. Vietnamese immigrants, incidentally, run many of Prague's fruit and vegetable stores, and their produce and fruits are far superior to anything you find in the local "Czech" or big-box shops. The shop I go to had mango, last week! smileys/smile.gif
End of rambling response...
Ironically, we would have had to drive to the co-op after changing neighborhoods, this year--and the co-op is run out of the headquarters of the World Car-Free Network, so I thought our car might get beaned with a few overripe (organic!) tomatoes...and I wasn't happy with lugging 12 kilos (that's 26 pounds, my fellow Yanks) from one end of Prague to the other via our (excellent) public transport system.
There are a lot of options for organic food, here, but it is an open secret that anything labeled "organic," here, doesn't undergo much of a certification process and it's mainly used as a marketing tool--at least in the Czech Republic. "Organic" goods, however, are priced *way* out of the reach of an average Czech salary and they are viewed as a status symbol.
Tesco markets "organic" meats and "organic" dried goods, here, but it's anyone's guess as to how organic something really is. But they're a big-box store; some smaller places offer organic products in a health-food line.
In any case, most of the fruits and vegetables in the supermarkets here are in sad shape (as though they fell off the back of a truck) and are nearly always imported from somewhere else--usually in the EU and the Middle East.
The best way--if one could afford it--to ensure you know what your family is eating, here, is to revert to the Communist-era concept of a family garden in Grandma or Grandpa's back yard, which many families used as a main source of fruits and veg--and a secondary income--when supplies were low in the stores.
My version of "buying local" is going to the fruit-and-veg shop (hidden in an alleyway) of a Vietnamese vendor who sells restaurant-quality stuff at reasonable prices. Vietnamese immigrants, incidentally, run many of Prague's fruit and vegetable stores, and their produce and fruits are far superior to anything you find in the local "Czech" or big-box shops. The shop I go to had mango, last week! smileys/smile.gif
End of rambling response...
shaun-in-to
Well-known member
Wow, that's fascinating. It's sad, really, how few of us, wherever we live,
truly know how safe our food is.
Then again, it's been pointed out how tremendously lucky we are in North America to even be able to make a choice between eating organic or not.
truly know how safe our food is.
Then again, it's been pointed out how tremendously lucky we are in North America to even be able to make a choice between eating organic or not.
I buy local and organic as much as possible. Always: milk, apples, grapes, & carrots
since my son consumes lots of those. I buy all organic food items for my infant daughter - except Cheerios. There is a noticable taste difference in some items - such as milk and carrots.
I'm lucky to have 2 stores nearby that have organic items at fair prices, so it is not so much a question of economics.
since my son consumes lots of those. I buy all organic food items for my infant daughter - except Cheerios. There is a noticable taste difference in some items - such as milk and carrots.
I'm lucky to have 2 stores nearby that have organic items at fair prices, so it is not so much a question of economics.
heather_in_sf
Well-known member
For the last 8 years or so I have purchased organic produce from a produce wholesaler
lately it's been with Planet Organics but before that it was Bay Area Organic Express, and supplementing with things at the local farmers markets. This includes organic lactose free milk, local cheeses (they may not be wholly organic actually), eggs, and some meats (Marin Sun Farms). I refuse to eat farmed fish, and only eat fish off the Green list put out by Monterey Bay Aquarium (no Chilean Sea bass, it's on the red list). Whenever possible I try to eat locally. But there are occasions when I really need some Skippy peanut butter!
It is more expensive to eat this way, but I try to mitigate costs by not shopping at Safeway and Whole Paycheck unless necessary. I do feel better knowing that I am not eating more pesticides and supporting local farmers. Also, I think my health is better given the circumstances. I live in a very polluted city, heavy particulates despite the nice fog, and was exposed to lots of pesticides when I was a kid (remember the malathion Medfly spraying anyone?), and a few toxic-related illnesses have challenged my liver and I think this contributes to my migraine disease. Really, it's not the cocktails! LOL
But the best part about eating this way is the exposure to the really neat produce grown around here, more and more farmers are going organic and transitioning their fields to be organic, so I support them through that process too. The quality and freshness of the food is wonderful, things stay much fresher much longer than grocery store produce. Also, the variety of produce is amazing, I had never tried rapini, delicata squashes, gold and chiogga beets, dino kale, those yummy green figs (what are they called?) and one green veggie I can never spell but it is sort of japanese and looks like a dark green broach for your best Sunday coat. Such fun!!
I only wish I had a garden but that's sort of impossible in a north facing studio apartment in a highrise!
lately it's been with Planet Organics but before that it was Bay Area Organic Express, and supplementing with things at the local farmers markets. This includes organic lactose free milk, local cheeses (they may not be wholly organic actually), eggs, and some meats (Marin Sun Farms). I refuse to eat farmed fish, and only eat fish off the Green list put out by Monterey Bay Aquarium (no Chilean Sea bass, it's on the red list). Whenever possible I try to eat locally. But there are occasions when I really need some Skippy peanut butter!
It is more expensive to eat this way, but I try to mitigate costs by not shopping at Safeway and Whole Paycheck unless necessary. I do feel better knowing that I am not eating more pesticides and supporting local farmers. Also, I think my health is better given the circumstances. I live in a very polluted city, heavy particulates despite the nice fog, and was exposed to lots of pesticides when I was a kid (remember the malathion Medfly spraying anyone?), and a few toxic-related illnesses have challenged my liver and I think this contributes to my migraine disease. Really, it's not the cocktails! LOL
But the best part about eating this way is the exposure to the really neat produce grown around here, more and more farmers are going organic and transitioning their fields to be organic, so I support them through that process too. The quality and freshness of the food is wonderful, things stay much fresher much longer than grocery store produce. Also, the variety of produce is amazing, I had never tried rapini, delicata squashes, gold and chiogga beets, dino kale, those yummy green figs (what are they called?) and one green veggie I can never spell but it is sort of japanese and looks like a dark green broach for your best Sunday coat. Such fun!!
I only wish I had a garden but that's sort of impossible in a north facing studio apartment in a highrise!