Organic vegetables have become readily available, and there is probably an organic section in your local supermarket. Organic vegetables are not necessarily local, as many countries have their own certification program. For this reason, the organic certification program has been criticized by some. Often, local farmers markets provide organically and locally-grown fruits and vegetables, which is more sustainable.
Organic vegetables can be used in the same way as conventional vegetables are. Wholesome cooking starts with healthy, fresh ingredients. If you cannot afford to purchase all organic, the most important items to buy organic are lettuce, tomatoes, and fresh fruit without peel (such as berries and stone fruit). These are the most susceptible to pesticides under conventional agricultural practices.
Regardless of your location, it is easy to start an organic garden for a few staples. Lettuce and tomatoes are simple crops, and can be grown in pots in a sunny window or porch. Growing your own organic herb garden is also a great way to save money and eat fresher food. To grow organic vegetables, start with organic seeds and chemical-free potting soil and fertilizer. Organic vegetables can be grown in a window planter or outdoors, either in pots or directly in the ground. By definition, organic vegetables are grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, so be sure to choose natural fertilizers, or create your own organic compost with non-meat kitchen waste.
When buying organic vegetables, look for the freshest possible produce. Organic vegetables sometimes look smaller than their conventional counterparts, but if you find out the day your supermarket receives its organic shipment, you can be sure to still have a great selection. When you get home, be sure to wash your organic vegetables thoroughly, paying particular attention to organic vegetables grown close to the dirt, such as organic leeks and organic lettuce. Dry thoroughly and store vegetables in the refrigerator in airtight containers. For fresh lettuce, wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce immediately and store in a lettuce crisper. Organic fruit can be stored in the refrigerator or the countertop.
Organic vegetables can usually be stored for a few days, but it is best to eat them as soon as possible. Use fresh organic lettuce and tomatoes in a salad, or roast organic root vegetables to serve in soup, with rice, or on their own. Organic vegetables can be used to create your own sauces, such as organic marinara sauce and organic salsa.
