Rooibos tea and organic farming
Posted in Organic farming, Rooibos tea farming on 11/27/2008 01:13 pm by admin
There’s been quite some talk about organic and natural farming lately. But despite all the buzz not many know what organic really means. People just asume that organic food is good and nutrient.
Organic food can be labeled as such when farmers avoid the use of non selective and bio-resistent pest control chemicals. When the focus is shifted from mass production of food towards sustainable farming and environmental conservation.
Of course the definition varies regarding the specific product. In the example of livestock organic means avoiding the use of hormones and antibiotics on animals, proper food and living conditions that impact the well being of the animals which has a decisive effect on the quality of the derived meats.
In order to be organic fruit and vegetables have to be farmed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge, conventional pesticides or bio engineered seeds.
In the strictest definition organic is geared more toward preserving the environment and the use of sustainable cultivation than to food itself.
So is organic food really better than traditionally produced food?
It might be, but the answer varies depending on the type of food. In the case of thick peel fruit and vegetables the effect of pesticides negligable so oranic doesn’t really apply. Of course if the impact on the environment and the support of local small farmers mean something to you than the choice is clear regardless.
In the case of Rooibos tea organic farming can have a very strong impact. As the Rooibos plant grows on a very small area the conservation and sustainability of the environment is paramount for the local people and the plant itself. Rooibos itself plays an important part in this context as it is a very resistent plant. The need for pesticides is reduced and it can be avoided altogether by reqular care of the crops.
So enjoy you cup of Rooibos tea knowing that is all the way organic and bring to you body health and youth.