Resolving to cook more at home?
Remodeling your kitchen comes with many benefits such as increasing storage, modernizing and improving appearance of the space and as this article highlights below – saving $ by cooking/eating at home and healthier choices for you and your family.
(BPT) – Cooking more at home is a common New Year’s resolution – and a good one at that. Not only can you save money by eating at home, you can also make choices restaurants often decide for you about how food is purchased and prepared.
Labels and terms on packaging at the supermarket today can be really confusing. Do you know what many of the food terms really mean? What does “local” mean, and what is the difference between organic and non-organic?
These terms and others are everywhere – and, until now, few have been clearly defined. U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance wants to help you learn more about your choices and where your food comes from.- Knowing some key food terms can help you navigate the store aisles and make informed decisions. Here are common food-related terms you’re sure to see.
‘Organic’
The main difference between organic and non-organically grown foods is the production method. Those who raise organically grown food must follow a strict set of guidelines outlined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA organic label indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods that integrate cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity.
Like many other value-added products, organic food can be more expensive because, in some cases, it costs more to produce. For example, organically raised pigs must be fed only organic feed produced without synthetic pesticides, and may not be given antibiotics. A common misconception is that the increased cost of organic food relates directly to its superior nutritional value, which is unproven.
Another common misconception about organic food production involves pesticide and fertilizer use. Organic farmers can choose from organic certified pesticides and fungicides, which are outlined by the USDA Certified Organic program. They can also use organic matter (livestock manure) for fertilizer.
‘Local’
This term means that the food is grown (or raised) and harvested close to where it is sold. It is often distributed a much shorter distance and supports local businesses, increasing economic benefits around the community. Supporting local businesses is great – from the mom-and-pop hardware store to local farms and ranches. Did you know 95 percent of U.S. farms are family-owned? Our nation needs farms of all sizes and locations to help grow enough food for our growing population, especially during the winter months when some areas are simply too cold to grow crops.
‘Hormone-free’
Hormones occur naturally in all farm animals, just as they do in humans – it’s a natural part of life, so no beef, pork, poultry or dairy products are “hormone-free.” When it comes to poultry raised in America, no hormones are ever used to promote growth, a common misconception. Hormones are used in farm animals under the guidance of veterinarians and animal nutritionists and only given in targeted ways – in very low doses and at particular times in the animal’s life. Over the past several decades they’ve been studied heavily. Hormones continue to be approved for use in this country and many others because studies have shown they pose no risk to consumers.
“Cooking meals at home for my family is one of my most favorite things, especially when the whole family gets involved – from the shopping to the cooking to the clean-up,” says Katie Pratt, an Illinois farm mom and U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance spokesperson. “There are many shopping options, so understanding what the terms mean and how food is grown and raised is really important.”
For more information about food production and the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, visit www.FoodDialogues.com. Wholly or partially funded by one or more Checkoff programs.
