If you are looking for a basket idea that contains pesticide-free food and fruits, choose organic. An organic option will give you peace of mind that you are not ingesting harmful pesticides or chemicals. Organic food and fruits can be found at major retailer grocers wherever there is a Certified Organic USDA stamp located on or near the product. You can also find organic food items through private growers and farmers markets.
Understanding Organic
According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, organic is defined as the process by which food is created, produced and harvested remaining as chemically and artificially untouched as possible. The farmer is not allowed to used pesticides, fertilizers or growth hormones to grow food. The USDA requires that an organic farm must follow the guidelines set forth by them to have its food stamped organic for commercial use. This is called certification. Certification as a farmer means allowing the USDA to inspect your growing practices and review your annual submission plan as to how you keep your food organic and away from synthetic practices.
Types of Organic Food for Baskets
Put together a food and fruit basket that includes foods that are USDA organic certified. The Daily Green identifies some common foods that you can purchase organic and use for a gift basket. Choice cuts of natural and chemical free steak such as rib-eye, T-bone and Porterhouse can accompany a bottle of organic wine or juice. A basket can also include organic milk-based products such as cheese and chocolate. Fresh fruits including apples, oranges, cherries, strawberries, grapes and apricots are tasty choices for a basket. Organic coffee and fresh organic vegetables are also options.
Benefits
The Environmental Working Group explains that choosing organic foods as opposed to pesticide laden foods can reduce your health risks for certain conditions. Pesticides can cause certain health problems such as irritation of the eyes, skin and lungs. Nervous system and hormone problems can also occur from long term exposure.
Uses
A basket that is filled with organic food and fruits makes a great gift. Someone who lives by organic standards and only purchases and consumes organic foods would appreciate an organic gift basket. You can also purchase or put together an organic gift basket for someone you would like to introduce to organic foods and produce. Explain to them the health benefits of eating natural foods that are chemical free. Another use for a basket is to transport organic produce from the market to home or on a picnic lunch.
Negative
Organic food can be harder to locate than the fruit and food found at your grocery store. If you live in an urban area, it can be difficult to find a farm stand or natural food store that sells organic food items and produce. Private growers, farm stands and specialty markets often charge more for their products as opposed to retail growers. The Royal Society of Chemistry website explains this is due to high animal welfare standards, crop rotations and the lack of chemical usage that leads to lower crop production. The higher prices can be difficult for someone who is on a fixed income or tight food budget.
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