Organic cultivation ensures that garden herbs contain fewer contaminants than conventionally grown varieties. Increased purity and biological safety are relevant for ensuring the optimum nutritional benefits of fresh and dried herbs. Adding herbs to salads, soups, drinks, vegetarian, and meat dishes is an easy way to increase the daily supplies of antioxidant compounds. When included as part of a balanced nutrient intake, organically raised herbs assist the body to improve its natural resistance against disease and to repair cellular damage associated with stress, illness, ageing, and environmental factors such as poor air quality.
Organic Care Australia’s herbs are handpicked to ensure only the highest quality ingredients are included in the production of our products. Organic farming has traditionally been via small family run farms. This is why organic products are generally available in smaller quantities compared to non organic products.
Further, true organic farming is produced according to certain regulated standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. Also, at all levels, organic food is produced without the use of genetically modified organisms. It is said that organic farms are more sustainable and environmentally sound. Therefore we believe, by supporting the use of organics, we are reducing the impact to our environment. Organic products typically cost 10 to 40% more than similar conventionally produced products. Processed organic foods vary in price when compared to their conventional counterparts. An Australian study by Choice magazine in 2004 found processed organic foods in supermarkets to be 65% more expensive, but noted this was not consistent. Prices may be higher because organic produce is produced on a smaller scale, and may need to be milled or processed separately. Furthermore, there is an increase in shipping costs from more centralized production in otherwise regional markets.