Organic Food History and Current Trends

Farming practices used before the 1900's are classed as organic. It was only after this that added chemicals such as urea and DDT were brought into farming - previous to this, farmers didn't have the knowledge and simply put, were happy enough with things as they were; as most of us today would be. After all, home grown food is often the nicest, most tasty food we put on our plates.

For some reason, during the 1960's and 1970's the concept of organic food became a separate entity to the 'normal' food we were then buying. Consumers had been effectively duped into believing that what they were buying, was food as nature intended, it not appreciating that the chemicals which were added during growth of the 'normal stuff' were what actually made the food abnormal in the first place.

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Rachel Carson, a prominent writer, biologist and ecologist established public awareness of these issues via 'Silent Spring', a book she wrote which basically brought about major controversy on the use of agricultural chemicals and synthetic pesticides in particular. As a direct result of this book, and the growing concern over the use of farm chemicals which consumers were suddenly more aware of, chemical regulation procedures were put into place, and when the demand for organically grown food rose, so did the need for further regulatory procedures to cut down on the ecologically destructive and toxic chemicals.

Organic Food History and Current Trends

Today, organic food is finally reaching an all time high of acceptance from consumers, so its demand is increasing - more 'organically acceptable' agricultural procedures are gaining momentum, and it seems even though it is more expensive than chemically treated foodstuffs, it is healthier, and it is that health factor which is winning the battle against chemically treated consumables.

A creation of a whole new set of ideas about organic standards which first came into debate in 1990, took over ten years to refine to relative perfection, and they will still evolve as new practices come into force. It is by these standards now that, organic food and other products such as wool in the USA is grown/gathered.

All of this though begs the questions - why can't farmers just grow food without chemicals at all, why does it need regulation, and why were chemicals introduced into grown food and other consumables in the first place; I think you already know the answer though, and that's money.

In this modern technological age where farmers are in direct competition between each other to gain the bigger contracts of the supermarkets and other food retailers, they have to be cheap. They simply can't grow the vegetables (for example) as fast as the grocery store can sell them, so they have to resort to other methods to keep up, or did do at least until the consumers voice began to ring out strong and true.

Organic food is no longer a small niche in the food desires of Americans; it is becoming what everyone wants. Everyone now wants and feels the need to eat in a more healthy fashion with the onset of so many new medical conditions which prove costly as it is; a little more expense to eat something grown without strong use of chemicals (which could 'theoretically' make it worse) might mean a saving health-wise instead.

The organic food trend of today is growing ever-stronger, and not just for vegetables even though at one point organic purchases totalled over 40% of all organic buys. Meat and fish which is organically produced is still at the lowest of all food purchases, but is moving up the chain too. Dairy, bread and grain, beverages and snacks are all becoming more and more popular.

Today there are more Organic supermarkets popping up everywhere, sometimes in certain areas more than others - almost as though people in one state are more 'organic' than others but on the whole it is more of a blanket change than just a few people trying to eat in a healthier way, the amount of people eating organically is far more substantial than most realize. Suddenly people have more choice, and this is obviously because the demand is there. The world is finally going organic, and with any luck the bigger grocery store chains will have to meet this demand, rather than flood the market with low-cost chemically treated alternatives.

Organic Food History and Current Trends

Carl Copeland is motivated to bringing information and resources to others regarding Food Storage, Food Safety, and Food Preparation and its benefits for everyday life. Save money by having your food last longer. More Info at http://www.Food-Storage-Info.com

Organic Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women - The Natural Alternative To Risky Hormone Treatments

Menopause is one of the most irritating and discomforting times of an adult women's life. If you were to ask any women they would gratefully accept any product that would bring relief to their hot flashes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. The problem with this is that in their quest to bring balance to their lives women have subjected themselves to unnecessary risk. This is especially true after recent studies indicate an increased risk for women developing cancer after taking hormone replacement therapy that includes estrogen, progesterone and other steroid hormones.

Why Do Women Take HRT?

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1. To help alleviate symptom of pre-and-post menopause which include:

Organic Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women - The Natural Alternative To Risky Hormone Treatments

• Hot Flashes
• Trouble sleeping
• To prevent calcium depletion and fractures (especially of the hip)

2. To boost mental and physical health overall

• To reduce and eliminate mood swings, irritability and emotional ups-and-downs
• To bring balance to the body by regulating hormones
• To increase energy levels and libido

Is There A Risk In Taking HRT?

Yes, if you are taking a hormone replacement therapy that includes the use of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. While it is noted that there is an advantage to taking HRT, above and beyond the benefits of reducing and eliminating hot flashes, such as a a decrease in hip fractures and rectal cancers, HRT treatment still poses a considerable risk for many women. For all the health risks that hormone replacement therapy warrants women are still undermining their health by taking hormone pills with estrogen and progesterone.

Are There Alternative Treatments Available for Women?

Yes there are alternative treatments for women; more specifically there are all-natural, organic alternative hormone treatments available. Any woman considering HRT should take a closer look at one of the all-natural hormone replacement products available such as Avlimil. Avlimil is an all-natural alternative for women to treat their menopause symptoms in the most organic way possible. These botanical ingredients work with your body to restore energy levels and bring balance to your bodies internal system. Avlimil does not contain any steroid hormone treatment including testosterone, progesterone and estrogen.

Organic Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women - The Natural Alternative To Risky Hormone Treatments

If you are looking for relief from night sweats and emotional ups-and downs and would like to see a reduction in your menopause symptoms without risking your health then take a more in-depth look at your all natural hormone replacement therapy options like Avlimil, visit www.libidounlimited.com today for more information on hormone supplements, libido supplements and female sexual enhancement creams.

http://www.libidounlimited.com

Honey - The Difference Between Organic and Conventional

This sweet glistening liquid is found in most Australian cupboards. Most people have often wondered what the difference is between conventional and organic honey. Here are a few facts that may open your eyes about this ancient commodity.

Conventional Honey
Short supply of honey in Australia means honey packaged under an Australian brand does not mean it has been produced here (and often not clear on the labelling). There is concern of the fact that imported honey is produced in genetically engineered crops (Argentina is a major producer of GE canola and other flowering GE crops). GE crops in Australia pose a threat to both conventional and organic honey production. Using antibiotics in bee keeping is common to treat disease and chemical bee repellents are used. Heat treating is also common in conventional honey production and there is no limit on the temperature to which honey can be exposed. Supermarket's do not like honey crystallising on the shelves although this a natural occurrence and a good sign that it's untainted, we often think when honey crystallises it has gone off. Heat treating keeps the honey clear and runny and destroys some of the delicate anti-oxidants and enzymes that are naturally present in honey.

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Organic Honey
Certified Organic beekeepers are required to ensure their hives are a safe distance from anything that can contaminate the honey, such as garbage dumps, livestock watering troughs, urban areas, golf courses, conventional orchards and crops, and GE crops. Although bees don't require feeding, in bad conditions (particularly cold periods), some feeding using organic sugar or sugar syrup is used. No chemical bee repellents are used, but natural methods (such as burning leaf litter). Unlike conventional bees, organic bees are unable to be treated with antibiotics or other conventional veterinary methods. Heat treatment of organic honey cannot exceed 45 degrees C.

Honey - The Difference Between Organic and Conventional

Health Benefits
Apart from having a superior flavour, organic honey oozes a range of health benefits. A carbohydrate, it provides energy at a reasonable steady rate with a glycaemic index (GI) rating in the moderate range. Nutritionally superior to sugar, honey contains enzymes, vitamins, minerals and free radical antioxidants.

Honey - The Difference Between Organic and Conventional

Scott Butler
Owner of Organic Home Delivery Service Organic Angels
http://www.organicangels.com/blog

Organic Plant Food & Fertilizer - How to Make Organic Seaweed Fertilizer Extract - Granules

Why We Need Fertilizer

Plants do need a whole host of mineral nutrients to sustain healthy growth; most soils do contain a balance of minerals. A soil may be lacking in some of them, and adding fertilizer will enhance the plants growth and performance.  Millions of people do live near the sea or go on vacation with a trailer to seaside locations and seaweed is the best Organic Fertilizer on the market. This is because it contains natural nitrogen minerals which are not found in very many other organic fertilizers.

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After working for several years for a seaweed manufacturer I am about to blow the lid and you can discover how easy it really is to make your own fertilizer.

Organic Plant Food & Fertilizer - How to Make Organic Seaweed Fertilizer Extract - Granules

How to Make Your Own Fertilizer

Equipment needed:

·         1 medium sized bin about 25 litres, 5 gallon.
·         Food processor.
·         Oven or grill (optional).
·         Kitchen foil.
·         Oven trays.
·         Scraps of wood to fit into the inside of the bin.
·         A cutting tool i.e. a saw.
·         Something heavy in my case I use bricks.

Product needed:

·         Seaweed bubbly type preferably (more extract/juice comes out) 7 Kg, 14 Lb
·         Food preservative (optional)

OK you've got the equipment and product together

·         Cut out a scrap of wood that will fit in the bin a quarter of the way up from the floor.
·         Put in the bricks to support the wood and create a new floor for the bin.
·         Make sure the wood is not a tight fit.
·         Liquidize the seaweed about 1 Kg, 2.2 lb at a time in the food processor.
·         Use blades that will give you a rough finish (you don't want it too smooth).
·         Add minced up seaweed to your upgraded bin.
·         Repeat this process until your bin is full.
·         Clean out food processor as seaweed contain a high level of salt that may rust some metal blades. ·         Cut another scrap of wood to fit inside the top of the bid (about 5 inches from each side of the bin). ·         Put the bin outside and load the bricks on top.
·         Leave for 2 days.

The top of the bin (oven)

·         Unpack the bricks and transport the seaweed into an oven tray with kitchen foil on.
·         Place in a pre heated oven at 200°C, 392 °F.
·         Cook for half an hour or until really crispy but not burnt.
·         Grind up (optional).
·         Add water 40 grams diluted with water makes up to 20 litres of seaweed liquid feed.
·         Or add straight to the soil.

The top of the bin (without oven)

·         Unpack the bricks and transport the seaweed straight onto the soil and mix in.

The bottom of the bin

·         This is where the liquid extract will be.
·         Add Food preservative or can place in freezer or use within 4 weeks and store in fridge.
·         Add water up to an amazing 80 to 1 mix.

I have searched the web for instructions on how to make my own seaweed extract and I think this is the first detail instructions on how to make organic fertilizer seaweed extract and seaweed powder/granules. Seaweed granules can also be used as animal feed, seaweed powder can be used alongside pet food just sprinkle some in and this increases there fertility rate as well as help smelly pet breath.

Organic Plant Food & Fertilizer - How to Make Organic Seaweed Fertilizer Extract - Granules

I think in this day and age techniques are lost on making your own products and everybody should have a chance to be organic. To see what the finished products are like or save time and order a product just click on the link http://www.seaweedproducts.co.uk/