The term organic has become synonymous with a variety of products, including – but not limited to – skincare products, hair products, grocery items, etc. Understanding what pure, organic ingredients can do for your overall health is important for anyone looking to eat a little cleaner and reap the benefits of organic foods.
What Does Organic Really Mean?
The word organic specifically refers to how agricultural products are grown and subsequently processed. Regulations to determine which foods are truly “organic” differ from country to country, but in the United States, organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and bioengineered genes (GMOs).
Organic vs. Nonorganic
Organic crops are treated differently during the growth process compared to their nonorganic counterparts. For instance, organic ingredients are grown using natural fertilizers like compost and manure, whereas conventionally grown produce is grown using synthetic and/or chemical fertilizers.
When growing organic products, weeds are controlled naturally through crop rotation, hand weeding, mulching, and tilling, whereas weeds get treated by chemical herbicides during the traditional process. Regarding pests, organic products are managed by natural methods, like birds or bugs, whereas nonorganic products are sprayed down by pesticides.
Organic Benefits
While most people associate the term organic with physical health benefits, using organic ingredients goes beyond physical health. How the food you consume is grown and processed can ultimately play a major role in your overall mental and emotional health, too. Unsurprisingly, using organic products also has a more positive impact on the environment – and we’re all about treating the environment with respect.
Lack of Pesticides
Nonorganic foods and products almost always contain chemicals like synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. The residues from these chemicals in nonorganic ingredients remain in and on the foods, even when purchased from your grocery store. It’s easy to look past this when shopping and meal prepping, but food for thought: Organic foods don’t contain these chemicals. There’s your alternative.
GMO-Free
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered (GE) foods are plants that have experienced a DNA alteration that cannot occur in nature or traditional crossbreeding. Rest assured that organic food is GMO-free.
Environmental Impact
Organically sourced ingredients are generally better for the environment. Organic farms typically implement strategies to reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and ultimately, use less energy. When farmed without synthetic pesticides, birds and other animals that live close by are also positively impacted.
Freshness
Generally, organic foods are fresher because they do not contain preservatives. Preservatives are designed to keep a food “edible” for longer periods. Organic ingredients are often produced on smaller, or even local, farms – this only adds to the freshness factor.
Nutrient-Rich
Studies have shown that levels of certain nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, were up nearly 50% in organic products compared to nonorganic products.
Buying Organic
We know that going organic can sometimes come with a higher price tag. Organic ingredients require more care and a commitment to sustainable practices, which is why they’re often more expensive. At Big Country, we make organic quality accessible, ensuring that our hard seltzers and beers are both affordable and certified USDA organic. We believe in crafting beverages that are good for you, without compromising on taste or cost.
So the next time you’re choosing a drink, think about what’s inside. With Big Country, you’re not just getting a refreshingly delicious beverage—you’re supporting a commitment to organic farming, better health, and a more sustainable world.
Finder a deeper dive into organic practices in this video with our founder, Bill Gillies and President, Ryan Schramek.
