An eco-friendly product is an item that is environmentally friendly and designed with sustainability in mind. A product can be classified as organic if it is free of artificial additives and has not been treated with synthetic pesticides. In essence, it refers to any food that is produced without the use of additional chemicals. However, many people wonder What characteristics should an organic food have?.
In this article we are going to tell you what characteristics an organic food must meet for it to be truly ecological.
What are they
To expand our understanding of green products, we need to broaden the scope of this definition. Organic products are derived from methods that take advantage of the inherent rhythms of nature and the specific environment in which cultivation takes place. Additionally, they refrain from the application of pesticides and chemicals, as mentioned above.
When it comes to organic food, Its main objective is to play a role in safeguarding the environment and its various ecosystems. Not only is the production of these organic products considered, but equal importance is given to their distribution and marketing strategies.
Environmentally conscious methods employed in the preparation, production, distribution and marketing of organic products are essential. So what exactly are these environmentally friendly processes?
It means that agricultural practices must be employed that align with the natural rhythm of the environment, while at the same time Caution is taken when it comes to fertilization, cultivation and storage of harvested crops. To promote healthy growth and prevent the appearance of pests and diseases, there are several methods available that use organic resources. For example, in olive cultivation, the application of green manure is an effective technique.
Another aspect of organic farming is organic livestock farming, which prioritizes animal welfare through the provision of high-quality facilities, adequate veterinary care and proper nutrition.
There are products known as ecological proximity products or kilometer zero products. These products are manufactured very close to the end consumer to minimize the distance they must travel. In cases where this is not feasible, Efforts are made to ensure the use of environmentally friendly storage systems and transportation methods and have a minimal impact on pollution.
To minimize the environmental impact, the packaging of ecological products must prioritize the use of recycled paper and glass, while ensuring the avoidance of plastic materials.
How to identify an organic food
According to Regulation (EC) 2018/848 of May 30, 2018, on organic production and labeling of organic products, it is mandatory that all organic products carry the organic farming seal of the European Union. This seal serves as evidence that the organic product complies with the regulations outlined for production, processing and distribution established by the governing body.
The emblem of the European Union, awarded by an impartial organisation, features a leaf commonly known as a euroleaf, on a vibrant green background. In addition, organic products usually carry the Regulatory Council logo, although it should be noted that this logo may differ depending on the country of origin of the product. In this way, consumers can distinguish organic products and acquire the guarantee of both safety and origin thanks to the presence of the Regulatory Council logo.
For a product to carry the ecological logo of the European Union, It must be composed of a minimum of 95% organic ingredients and the remaining 5% must meet rigorous criteria.
The primary goal of the organic certification logo is to avoid any potential confusion among consumers, while maintaining their confidence in organic foods and supporting inspection regimes.
When it comes to organic extra virgin olive oil, both the logo of the Regulatory Council of the Autonomous Community where it is produced and that of the European Union must appear prominently on the label. These logos serve as indicators of the organic nature of the product.
Characteristics of organic foods
Organic foods, unlike their artificially processed counterparts, do not undergo any artificial procedures. This absence of chemical intervention allows for a more pronounced aroma and flavor. By refraining from the use of water-increasing chemicals, the natural essence of these foods is intensified.
The shelf life of organic foods is shorter, but they prioritize the preservation of the environment. The production of ecological products helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevents the generation of polluting waste and promotes energy conservation through the use of renewable resources.
The quality of organic products is superior. To ensure that these items come from natural production, greater attention is paid to quality controls. Besides, Certificates are provided to verify the quality and food safety of these products.
Growing organic produce plays a crucial role in fostering growth and prosperity in rural areas. By generating local employment opportunities and boosting economic wealth, organic agriculture contributes significantly to the development of rural economies.
Advantages
According to the United Nations, intensive agriculture and livestock excessively deplete energy resources such as water, oil and coal. Additionally, it inadvertently facilitates the transfer of insects and pests between continents, contributes to serious deforestation and leads to the emergence of plastic pollution in the oceans, among other harmful environmental consequences.
From the beginning, betting on organic products entails a series of beneficial results for both the final consumer and the environment, which are evident from the beginning.
There are advantages that the consumer can benefit from. By eliminating pesticides from crops, the consumption of organophosphates is reduced. These substances are commonly used in large-scale agriculture and contribute to the increase in cases of poisoning and diseases that affect the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems, among others.
The antioxidant properties of organic products are of significant importance. The use of hormones and antibiotics in breeding and fattening products is associated with the development of antibiotic resistance in the human body. However, By consuming organic products, this resistance can be decreased.
Products that do not contain preservatives or dyes cannot compare to the richness and flavor that organic foods offer.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what characteristics an organic food must meet.