It has long been said that ‘we are what we eat’, and it is widely agreed that what our diet and food quality can have a massive impact on our health and wellbeing. Although at first glance fruit and veg may seem like variations of the same thing, but there is a wide range of difference in quality in the vegetables available to consumers in the UK. A closer look at the production, shipping and farming of UK vegetables shows that there are huge disparities in the quality, the ethical production and the environmental impact of the food on the shop shelves. This has not always been easy for consumers to consider, but fortunately improved labelling laws and quality standards have made buying organic vegetables much easier and more transparent.
What really are organic vegetables?
Organic vegetables are grown in the most natural way possible using a farming system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or the use of radioactive materials. This type of ‘organic agriculture’ is good not only for the people who eat the organic vegetables, but because it relies on natural processes instead of using unnatural techniques, it is much better for the whole ecosystem and protects the waterways, biodiversity and wildlife.
So why are organic vegetables worth caring about?
One of the best reasons to buy organic vegetables is because they are not exposed to chemicals which could in turn enter our bodies. It makes sense to think that fresh organic vegetables may supply more micronutrients and have fewer residual pesticides in them. Some studies have suggested that organic vegetables may reduce the risk of allergies and obesity, and that some organic options can improve skin quality. Organic vegetables are a great way to ensure that your five a day is five of the best!
Another great reason to pick organic vegetables over non-organic is because EU regulations require that organic vegetables and other organic foodstuffs also be free from artificial colours and artificial preservatives. This means that suppliers can’t rely on chemicals to force freshness out of the produce; sometimes non-organic vegetables can be on the shop shelves weeks after they were picked, whereas natural, fresh organic vegetables are exactly as nature intended and so you can be confident that if it looks good enough to eat on the shelf, it really is! The superior, natural freshness of organic vegetables is evident in the flavour and the organic vegetables are notably more flavourful and less homogenized.
Where to get organic vegetables
Windmill Wholefoods is the definitive green co-operative in Liverpool and have been supplying ethical and organic vegetables since they opened in 1991. The independent organic vegetable and wholefood shop specialise in sourcing food and produce that are eco-friendly, healthy and of the very best quality. If you are looking for organic vegetables and you live in Liverpool, Windmill Wholefoods is the place to start your journey. Visit their website here today for opening times and details.
