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“Go organic” has become the battlecry of thousands of Americans, with most assuming that if a fruit, vegetable or other consumable plant is labeled “organic” it is automatically a better, healthier product. But is that really true?
The fact is that organic and hydroponic both embrace a desire to protect our planet’s fragile environment. Both eschew harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Both seek an end to irresponsible water pollution and soil contamination. So what is it that separates these two “do no harm” philosophies?
What defines “organic” may surprise you. That little “organic” label on produce is the result of a tangled mass of bureaucratic definitions, which seem to vary wildly from one state to the next. In fact, a product that falls far below one state’s organic standards can receive the “gold standard” label of Certified Organic in another. There seems to be little consistency from one state to the next as to what truly constitutes organic produce.
The basic goals of organic growers include controlling pests naturally and without the toxic pesticides that also kill birds and bees; replenishing our nutrient-depleted soil by composting and other natural methods; and using artificial nutrients in moderation, primarily through the humus that comes from compost. Certainly, this is a step up from the traditional agri-industry, which is notorious for its wanton use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. But does that make organic your best choice?
In order to be considered organic, plants cannot be nourished with mineral salts or any other refined substances, even though these are of a higher purity than most organic fertilizers. Only unrefined minerals can be applied to organic crops. The problem is that a number of these unrefined minerals, although natural, are toxic in nature. For example, mined phosphate contains excessive amounts of fluoride and radioactive radium, both of which can be extremely harmful to humans. Chloride is another natural mineral permitted in organic agriculture, even though it is incredibly bad for both plants and soil.
Organic farming also allows the use of manure as a natural fertilizer. This has caused a recurring health problem due to E-coli and salmonella outbreaks. We all remember the recent outbreak of serious gastro-intestinal illnesses traced to a California lettuce grower whose produce had been contaminated by E-coli due to the use of manure. And the Western Fertilizer Handbook points to a shocking number of similar illnesses traced back to manure used on organically-grown crops.
Hydroponic – what it is and what it is not
Hydroponic growers have completely eliminated the need for soil and its micro-organisms. This has resulted in better crop quality, higher growth rates and much healthier produce, all without soil erosion or water supply contamination. The fertilizers used in hydroponics are much more pure than those utilized in organic growing, and they also leave no residue in cultivated produce. The result is that more people can be fed, less precious natural resources are used, and the produce is much healthier and flavorful.
Hydroponic crops are generally grown in a far more sterile environment than organic crops. Precise controls are utilized to ensure optimum growth, extended growing seasons, and maximum nutrition. This sterile environment also dramatically reduces the need for pesticides. When a form of pest control is needed, only natural, non-toxic materials are ever used.
Hydroponic growers use highly refined minerals in their nutrient solutions, simply because mined minerals dissolve poorly and, as mentioned earlier, can be extremely toxic to humans and even harmful to plant life. In fact, when hydroponic crops are analyzed for any trace of chemicals listed on the EPA’s priority pollutant list, absolutely none are found.
Another obvious benefit of hydroponically-grown produce is enhanced nutrition. Compared to their soil-bound counterparts, fruits, vegetables and herbs grown hydroponically typically offer a significantly increased amount of the vitamins and minerals that we all need to maintain good health. Additionally, hydroponic produce has superior flavor and appearance, and even stays fresh longer.
So there you have it. As the great “organic versus hydroponic” debate rages on, you now have the inside scoop on what each is and is not.
For a healthier, younger-looking you, create your own hydroponic antioxidant garden!
Everyone wants to feel better, live longer and look younger. One fantastic way to enjoy all these great benefits and include incredibly tasty foods in your daily diet is to start your own indoor antioxidant garden.
Antioxidants are organic substances, primarily the Vitamins E, C and beta-carotene found in many fruits and vegetables, and they are proving to be incredibly helpful in preventing heart disease, stroke, cancer and even premature aging. When consumed, antioxidants seek out and neutralize free radical molecules in your body. Free radicals damage healthy cells and, over time, this damage can become irreversible. So it just makes sense to provide your body with the antioxidants it needs to stay healthy and looking great.
Strawberries, tomatoes, red peppers, red and black beans, and lettuce all flourish beautifully in a hydroponic setting. And each of these tasty treats is literally packed with antioxidant Vitamins E, C and beta-carotene. Plus, their fabulous, rich colors and fragrances will fill your kitchen with a pizazz you’ll simply love.
So take your daily health and beauty routine to a whole new level, while also enjoying amazingly flavorful produce year-round, by creating your own hydroponic antioxidant garden!
Resources:
http://www.genhydro.com/genhydro_US/quicktips/OrganicHydroponicArticle.pdf
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