Organic food loses our taste test – surprised?

“Which? Gardening’s latest research suggests that veg grown non-organically tastes better, has more nutrients and often has higher yields than organically grown equivalents”

Having encountered a similar story in the Daily Mail, I knew then it could be dismissed.

🙂

Organic produce does taste better, any person who has tried it who do not have their taste buds and sense of smell ruined, jaded or even, compromised by smoking can tell this – the difference is often not night and day, the organic versions have a certain ‘unforced’ and effortless quality and subtlety about the taste, it’s hard to describe.

It’s not so much that it has MORE taste, but more so what it does *not* taste of.

A more accessable analogy is the difference between Real Hi-Fi and Bose, or compare Asda Smart price ketchup with a better ketchup.

First let me say that I am NOT surprised by this trial, if it was a truly, above board, scientific trail. But even the article mentions that it was a small trial. So, to a certain degree, the results have to be taken with a grain of salt.

That being said, there is a significant difference between “organic” and “nutrient dense organic food.” Many times organic gardeners take a VERY simplistic approach to gardening. I know because that is how I grew for many years, BEFORE I educated myself. And by educated, I mean I embarked on a 5 year long course of personal study and experimentation that culminated with my founding an organic fertilizer company, (Mighty Grow Organics) and becoming a recognized expert in the organic soil amendment industry.

So, in bottom line terms, to grow nutrient dense fruits and veggies, you need an organically vibrant soil with a balance of plant available minerals with plenty of the proper types of organic matter and beneficial micro-organisms. It is really that simple. But let me tell you what will NOT work. Just putting grass clippings and leaves in the garden soil hoping you are getting the correct nutrients without taking soil samples and without using good quality organic soil amendments. Above all you have to add trace minerals back to the soil, if you need them.

So, while organically grown produce may be inferior in some respects to conventionally grown produce, nutrient dense organic produce will ALWAYS be better than conventionally grown crops. All it takes is a little dedication, a little patience and the right education about the correct way to garden and you too can grow food you would be proud to serve to the Queen.

Michael in Alabama, USA