I have long been a believer that organic food is not only better for the planet but also better for health - no pesticides, no artificial fertilisers, no worries.  

Whilst organic growing does have obvious benefits for the environment and biodiversity, the jury has been out on whether there is any nutritional difference between fruit and veg grown organically when compared to that grown conventionally.

However, new evidence published in the British Journal of Nutrition has concluded organically grown crops do contain significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants and lower levels of cadmium (a toxic heavy metal) and pesticide residues. Basically the research carried out by an experts led by Newcastle University, suggests organic food has more of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff.

My top 3 highlights from the research:

  • Switching to organic could provide additional antioxidants equivalent to eating 1-2 additional portions of fruit or veg per day.
  • The concentration of cadmium was found to be 48 per cent lower in organic food.
  • Most likely attributed to advancements in methodology, the findings are different to the 2009 UK Food Standards Agency commissioned study which concluded there was no significant nutritional benefit of organic food.

Although a range of studies have been undertaken in the past, this study is by far the most comprehensive comparison of organic vs conventional ever done. Why not read the full report?

So, this is really good news for us here at Growhampton, we have always thought our veggies taste extra special. It’s also really good news for all of you who are growing organically in your gardens and allotments.

Another piece of good news for Growhampton is we have been shortlisted for the Green Gown Awards under the Food and Drink category. The Green Gown Awards recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities across the UK.

Next week I’ll be talking about watering and mulching

Joel W.
Joel Williams is the Grower for the University of Roehampton Students’ Union’s Growhampton project

 

Top tip for this week:

Google ‘shoppers guide to pesticides’ to find the list of the top 12 contaminated fruits and vegetables for 2014. Try to buy these organically where possible. Here you’ll find the top 15 least contaminated list also.