As health and environmental consumer awareness grows, so is the demand for organic foods, which include baking ingredients. Certified organic foods do not use synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified seeds, irradiation, antibiotics and artificial ingredients in growing or processing them, according to the USDA's National Organic Program.
Flour
You can purchase a variety of flour products that are certified organic. The benefits of organic flour include the prohibition of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and artificial ingredients. Many non-organic or "conventional" flour products, such as cake, brownie and cookie mixes contain artificial ingredients. Some of these artificial ingredients include artificial colors and flavors. Certain conventional baking products contain hydrogenated fats or trans fats, which are carcinogenic and considered unhealthy by the American Heart Association.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an ingredient that is helpful when baking pies, because it thickens the fruit filling. Certified organic cornstarch is healthy because it uses organic corn seeds instead of genetically-modified organisms or "GMO" seeds. Most non-organic corn uses GMO seeds that may present long-term negative health effects. The World Health Organization states the possible health and environmental dangers GMO seeds cause, including possible gene transfer from the eaten food to your body that includes an inherent resistance to antibiotics. In addition, one of the environmental effects include a reduction of environmental biodiversity.
Chocolate
Organic chocolate is free from hydrogenated fats and unhealthy sugars. Instead of refined sugar or corn syrup, it contains evaporated cane juice, organic agave syrup or organic sugar. It also does not contain artificial colors and flavors like a synthetic vanilla, called vanillin. By buying organic chocolate, you can support ethical trade with impoverished South American farmers who grow cacao beans. Look for the "fair trade" label.
Organic Dairy
You can buy organic dairy derived from cows humanely raised on a nutritious feed such as grass instead of GMO corn. Some organic cattle are free-range, meaning they are allowed to roam in a pasture, instead of confined to an overcrowded stable in possibly unsanitary conditions. Organic dairy also does not contain antibiotics and growth hormones like rGBH. Try organic butter or organic, vegetable-based butter that does not contain dairy or hydrogenated oils. Use organic milk to ensure that you do not consume cancer-causing hormones and increase your resistance to antibiotics.
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