The discussion about the merits of purchasing organic versus non-organic products, especially produce, often takes place around the Ecollo office. Is it better to purchase organic fruits and vegetables and know you're pesticide-free or should you buy locally-grown produce, which is better for the environment because it isn't shipped halfway around the world to get to store shelves? We've never come to an absolute conclusion during these talks, however Farmer's Daughter sheds some light on the topic with her thoughts about it.

So which is best? Well, that depends on your beliefs, preferences, needs, and location. For me, local always wins. If I had the choice between an apple grown on my own family’s farm and an apple that is certified organic from New Zealand, I would choose my own. Obviously… but let’s just realize that the CT apple is fresher and therefore tastes better. If I have to choose between butternut squash grown in Massachusetts and one grown in New Mexico, I choose the Massachusetts. If I have to choose between Maine potatoes and Idaho, then Maine. The same reasons dictate my choices: freshness, quality, taste, and fossil fuel usage. Not only does shopping locally support my local economy, but my food tastes better and has a much smaller carbon footprint. Sometimes I can’t choose local, like with bananas. Which ones do I buy? The good ones, of course.

But what about organic? Well, I will buy organic out of season. Usually. So if I had to choose between two apples, one organic from Washington and one not organic from Washington, would I choose the organic? Maybe. I look at quality and I look at price. I look for what kind of apple it is, how crisp and fresh it looks, and how much it costs. If one looks significantly better, I’ll pay more for it. However, I’m not likely to buy a Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith, organic or not. Why? Because I find all of them bland and boring, bred for shipping and keeping, not crisp juiciness that doesn’t last long like my forever favorite, the local Macoun. Will I buy a Macoun at the grocery store? ABSOLUTELY NOT! They’re mealy and gross because they don’t keep well. I only eat Macouns when they’re freshly picked from my family’s farm. YES that means I can’t eat one any day. BUT that means that I appreciate them all the more when I have them. AND I’m more likely to turn them into applesauce or pie, because I want to enjoy them while they’re here.

I could ramble on and on about many fruits and vegetables. But I think the point is to know your food, shop for quality, and develop a set of your own beliefs that you abide by. Does that mean I won’t ever eat a Red Delicious in March? No, I will. But not without wishing it was a Macoun in September.

She makes a valid point in saying that organic vs. local is a personal choice. Let's be honest: do you really want to buy an apple that looks like its seen better days simply because it has the organic label on it, especially considering it probably costs more? Probably not.

» Farmer's Daughter