Urban Farms | SoCal Connected | KCET

By Rose Swartz March 22, 2023 16 mins read 1990412 Views

Discover the wonders of global cuisine at Belovedsaffron.com! Our mission is to bring you spices, herbs and organic food from all over the world, introducing you to flavors you may never have experienced before. We’re passionate about sustainable farming, sourcing spices, herbs and other ingredients from ethical producers who share our commitment to best practices. Plus, we offer our own recipes for the home cook looking for something new and delicious to try.

If you have a secret recipe or an article perfect for sharing on our blog section, don't hesitate to let us know at [email protected] -- everyone has something extraordinary to offer and we can't wait to hear yours! Join us as we explore delicious flavors around the globe!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if food is organic?

Any chef will tell you fresh ingredients are more important than any other ingredient. Because we feel better when we eat well.

The same is true of our food. We know where our organic food came from and how it has been grown. We also know that it didn't have any harmful chemicals.

Organic foods are made without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, hormones, steroids, antibiotics, or genetically altered organisms (GMO). These substances are not allowed for organic farmers.

However, organic farming is not an easy task. There are many methods to safely grow them.

Many people refer to organic agriculture as sustainable agriculture. This means that organic farming does not use as many resources as conventional methods, but it still provides the essential nutrients needed to sustain life.

Organic farming methods include crop rotations, composting manure and cover cropping. These techniques prevent soil erosion while improving water quality.

They reduce the amount of chemical runoff that can enter waterways. Because most people live in urban areas, it is easy to find farms that grow organic produce.

There are two types for organic products certification. One is certified by the USDA National Organic Program, and the other is certified by independent certifying agencies. Both require strict adherence of organic standards.

USDA seals or O Seals can be applied to organic products. This symbol indicates that the product meets federal requirements.

What are my top priorities when buying organic products

USDA-certified organic labels are desirable. This seal signifies that the product meets specific USDA standards. Look for the "USDA Organic" seal on packages, boxes, cartons, cans, and jars.

When you shop for meat, ensure that it comes from cows who are fed organic feed. Cattle are ruminants, which means they chew the cud. Ruminant cattle can be found with four stomach compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, omasum, abomasum and omasum. All parts of an animal must be organically fed if the cow is going to be labelled '100% organic.'

Buy chicken from only organic chickens that have been fed 100% organic food and are not given antibiotics. Chickens can eat both animal and plant food. A digestive tract that is omnivorous includes a crop, proventriculus and gizzard. It also contains small intestines, large intestines, and anus.

It is important to ensure that dairy products are from cows that were fed 100% organic feed. Just like ruminants have four stomachs, dairy cows have four. The fourth stomach compartment is the udder.

When purchasing other types of livestock, check the label to see what percentage of the diet the animals were fed. A label for pork might say "95% organic", which means that 95% of the feed used by the pork came from organic sources.

Are organic foods better for us?

According to the Environmental Working Group's latest report on pesticide residues in foods, organic fruits and vegetables had nearly half the level of pesticides compared with non-organic versions. Organic apples had eight times less pesticides than nonorganic apples. However, organic strawberries had four times the amount of pesticides as their conventional counterparts.

Some studies also suggest that eating organic food helps reduce your exposure to toxic metals, such as mercury and lead. For instance, one study showed that children who consumed organic meat had 33% less blood lead levels than children who did not. Another study concluded conventional fish consumption should be stopped by pregnant women because it contains high levels of mercury.

Organic food seems to be safer than the non-organic. Experts recommend fresh vegetables and fruits whenever possible in order to reduce the risk of getting cancer.

Does organic mean that it is not sprayed with pesticides?

Organic food does not contain pesticides or chemicals and is therefore chemical-free. This means organic food is free from pesticides and fertilizers.

Because it is free from harmful additives, organic produce has higher nutritional value than conventionally produced food.

The USDA National Organic Program requires that organic farming practices be followed by farmers.

These guidelines include soil preparation and crop rotation, pest management, water conservation, as well as harvesting practices.

Organic farming methods are also beneficial for wildlife and natural habitats.

Are organic foods healthy?

There are two types of foods; those we grow ourselves and those we buy from someone else. While there are exceptions, the general answer is yes to both. Organic food is healthier because it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, or genetically modified organisms (GMO).

There are many supermarkets that sell organic food across North America and Europe. Organic food is now available in most grocery stores, making it easier to find organic foods.

Organic food tastes better and is more nutritious, as it has higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Organics are also grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, so they don't pollute our soils and water supplies.

The USDA regulates organic farming practices. It requires that farmers follow strict guidelines in order to ensure organic produce is safe for consumption. There are over 30,000,000 acres of US agricultural land that has been certified organic.

Organic food can often be cheaper than conventional food. Customers pay less for the same amount in calories, protein and nutrients. Organic farms are able to charge lower prices for their crops because they don't have to purchase expensive chemical inputs like insecticides and fungicides.

According to the Environmental Working Group organic food is 10 percent cheaper per pound than conventionally manufactured food. You can make a change to organic food if your family is concerned about their health.

Organic food has become an increasingly popular alternative to American standard diets. Although many may think that organic food is only available at specialty markets and gourmet restaurants, this isn't true. Organic food can easily be found in any regular grocery store across the United States.

In recent years organic food sales increased substantially. Organic food market value in the US increased from $21 billion to $43 billion in 2007 to reach $43 billion in 2012.

What is an organic food manufacturer?

Organic food producers make products that are organically grown. These foods include fruits as well vegetables, grains and dairy products.

Organic food production occurs on farms that have their crops grown naturally. This includes soil preparation, pest controls, and crop rotation.

For an agricultural product to be considered organic, it must meet strict criteria set out by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

These guidelines are designed to ensure consumers have access to safe, healthy and nutritious food.

Organic food has many benefits, including lower pesticide residues and higher levels of heavy metal contamination as well as better nutrition and flavor.

USDA organic products must carry the USDA Certified Organic seal.

This certification means the product has met the standards of the National Organic Program.

As well as ensuring that we eat healthier, organic food also helps protect our environment.

Organic farming techniques conserve water and land. Organic farming techniques also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contributes to climate change.

Organic agriculture uses fewer chemicals and reduces pollution runoff.

Because harmful gases such as ammonia or nitrates are less likely in the atmosphere, it also improves air quality.

There are many forms of organic farming.

Conventional farming is the use of synthetic inputs like pesticides or fertilizers.

Regenerative farming uses compost, cover crops, green manures, and other methods to improve the soil's health. It promotes biodiversity.

Agroecology focuses on sustainable relationships between people, plants, and animals.

Permaculture is a system that mimics nature and promotes self-sufficiency.

What are organic products for beauty?

Organic Beauty Products are natural products without synthetic chemicals such as petroleum, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and artificial preservatives. These ingredients are common in cosmetics such as shampoos, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Organic beauty products are not tested on animals and contain no genetically modified organisms.

The USDA defines organic as "a system for production that fosters recycling of resources". It has been used over the years to describe foods grown without pesticides.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for eco-friendly beauty products because of the harmful effects of chemical substances on our bodies.

These include cancer, allergies, skin irritation, hormonal imbalance, and premature aging.

Organic beauty companies believe in creating safe and healthy products while protecting the planet.

Statistics

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
According to a study performed by consumerreports.org, organic products, compared to non-organic products, ranged anywhere from 13 percent cheaper to 303 percent more expensive. (en.wikipedia.org)
To provide the highest quality products and services to every customer, with a dedicated workforce that puts the customer first and takes the extra step to achieve 100% customer satisfaction and loyalty. (hollinsorganic.com)

External Links

How To

What Organic Foods Are You Looking For?

Organic foods come from plants and animals without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or additives. They are produced without genetic engineering or the application of ionizing radiation. The food must contain no artificial ingredients, colourings, flavour enhancers, or preservatives. It must not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The term "organic", as it is commonly known, was first used by Justus von Loig in 1845. He coined the phrase "organisch", which means life-giving, to describe manure's properties. Most people associate organic production with food. Organic refers to products that only contain naturally occurring substances, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, which are all found in nature.

Globally, organic product consumption has increased significantly over the last decade. Recent statistics indicate that approximately half of the world’s population eats at least one organic food per day. This figure is on the rise and it is predicted to grow to 70%, 88%, and 90% in 2020.

Organic products are preferred for many reasons. Some like the taste, others prefer them because they believe organic produce is healthier, while some think organic farming is more environmentally friendly. But, non-organic products can be a good choice because there are ethical concerns over the treatment and welfare of farm workers.

Organic foods are usually more expensive than conventional ones, although prices vary depending on countries and regions. There are many factors that influence the cost of organic foods. The availability of suitable land for organic agriculture is one factor. Another is the cost of inputs and labour needed for organic cultivation. There are other factors such as transportation costs, marketing and taxes. The average European price for organic food is 10% lower than the regular price.

Here are some key differences between organic and traditional foods.

Organic produce is naturally free of synthetic fertilizers and growth regulators as well as hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals.
Organic livestock is fed a diet based on grasses and grains rather than corn and soybean meals.
Organic milk comes from cows that eat an all-natural diet of hay and pasture grasses.
All organic raw materials are certified organic.
No pesticides or other harmful chemicals are allowed during organic fruits and vegetables' growth and processing stages.
Organic meat, poultry, and seafood are free from radiation.
It is important to soak any raw nuts and seeds prior to use.
Organic cooking is only allowed to use healthy oils.
Organic eggs are laid by hens, and have access to the outdoors.
Bees use traditional methods to extract organic honey.
Organic chocolate uses sugar and beans that have been grown and processed organically.
Organic wines are free from chemical additives.
Organic tea leaves are made from hand-picked plants.
Organic cotton can't be treated with any pesticide or herbicide.
Organic flours, cereals, and breads are free of artificial colours and preservatives.
All natural soaps and shampoos do not contain harsh chemicals.
All-natural cosmetics are safe and gentle for your skin.
All natural cleaning products are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic.
All natural bodycare products are dermatologically tested for hypoallergenicity.
All-natural personal hygiene products are fragrance-free and can be used safely by babies.
The all-natural baby formula is free of bovine serum and animal rennet.