Did you know that eating conventional produce increases your risk of pesticide contamination by 30%? And chowing down on non-organic chicken and pork increases your risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria by 33%? This is all according to a 2012 Annals of Internal Medicine report.
If you're not already sold on the benefits of eating organic, consider this: organic foods may have more nutrients than their conventionally produced counterparts. Organic broccoli, for example, has higher levels of antioxidants and vitamin C than the traditionally produced variety, found a 2012 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture study. There’s also evidence of more heart-healthy omega-3s in organic poultry and dairy.
So eating organic is good for you and your family, but here's more: organic grub is good for Mother Earth. Foods advertised as organic must be grown by farmers who aim to use renewable resources, and conserve the soil and water. These practices preserve the environment and help prevent the extinction of numerous animal species.
So, here are some of our favorite local organic hot spots. Plus, check out these great markets featuring eco-friendly fare:
Wilton Organic Gourmet
What They Offer: An excellent source for completely natural produce, vitamins, supplements, prepared foods and more. Patrons of this organic grocery store rave about the freshly-made soups, sandwiches and juice bar. '
Hours: Mon - Sat 8AM - 6PM Sun Closed
Green Leaf Organic Bakery and Cafe
What They Offer: With a menu replete with breakfast and lunch items, such as vegetable quiche, organic fresh fruit salad, vegetable egg white souffle, tartines, salads, wild Scottish salmon, roasted garlic pork tenderloin medallions and more, the business is more than a coffee shop serving pastries and espresso.
Hours: Mon - Fri, 6:30am - 7pm; Sat, 7am - 6pm; Sun, 7am - 5pm
Village Market
What They Offer: The store features a florist shop, fresh soups and daily lunch specials, organic produce, catering services, a bakery and complimentary coffee.
Hours: Mon - Fri, 7am - 8pm; Sat, Sun, 7am - 7pm
Station Eats (New Canaan)
What They Offer: Station Eats serves all-natural hamburgers, falafel burgers, hot-dogs, French fries, hormone-free and antibiotic-free milk shakes, and beers.
Hours: Daily, 11.30am - 8pm
