Ok, if you are an Organic Novice, the below should be a good starter:
WHAT IS ORGANIC?
Organic farming is not a recent fad. In India, prior to 1960/70s (Green Revolution), everything was organic. It involves traditional methods where natural fertilizers are used to feed soil and plants, and crop rotation and natural means (No chemicals & toxic pesticides) are used to manage weeds.
WHY SHOULD I EAT ORGANIC?
In two words “Stay Healthy”.
- Organic foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants. Since they are chemical free, you can eat your fruits and veggies with the skin on (maximum nutrition). It tastes better of course.
- Avoid synthetic chemicals from entering your body. 400+ chemical pesticides (many banned in western countries) are routinely used in conventional farming in India. The residues remain on food even after washing. Studies have linked pesticides to everything from headaches to cancer to birth defects.
WHY IS ORGANIC EXPENSIVE?
- Technical factors: Organic farming relies on proven traditional practices which are more labor & management intensive (no shortcuts) compared to conventional farming.
- Economic factors: Awareness is still very less about organic food and hence demand is less. It is not mass produced yet. It is still grown in pockets and is therefore logistically expensive to source. Organic farmers do not receive any subsidies like conventional farmers do. So farmers need that slight premium to motivate them to move to organic.
BUT, HOW EXPENSIVE ARE WE TALKING?
- While Organic in general can get expensive, but at Healthy Buddha we keep the margin on many of the produce low. So on an average customers will pay about 25% more than produce with chemicals. On an average about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1700 Per Month. Even lesser, if one makes use of our prepaid scheme.
- To put it in context, a dinner at a fancy restaurant lightens the pocket by Rs. 2-5K. Whereas, the additional cost of purchasing organic products from HB will be about Rs. 500- Rs. 1500 per month.
HOW CAN CUSTOMER BE SURE THAT THE PRODUCE WITH HEALTHY BUDDHA IS ORGANIC?
- We are in this to promote organic farming and make a difference. Not to make a quick buck. We have stood the test of time. We have been serving customers for past 12 yrs in Chennai successfully.
- 80% of our products are certified. We work with cooperatives who help farmers convert to organic and help them get certified. In select cases where it is not certified (cost of certification is expensive for a small farmer), we handpick trusted farmers and ensure we do random checks on their practices.
- For some products, not necessarily for all, customers can make out if it is organic from the taste and the time it takes to cook (example Toor dal, carrots, cabbage).
NOT HAPPY, CAN I GET A REFUND?
Healthy Buddha (HB) Team personally goes and hand picks the produce and delivers only those items that are of good quality. We can say with confidence that our products are better than those currently available in the market. If you are not happy with the product for any reason, you can exchange or get a refund.
"IT IS THE INNER BEAUTY THAT COUNTS"
- Typically, organic fruits & vegetables may not be as “good-looking” (vis-à-vis color, shape and size ~ the way nature intended) as regular produce. But you can be sure that it is pure and grown without harmful elements. In fact you should question any product which looks perfect in color, shape and size.
- Say hello to occasional worms. Some produce like cauliflower, broccoli may have worms inside, even though they look ok from outside. It just proves that it is organic & no pesticides are used. Nothing to worry, one can wash worms away by putting the produce in warm water with some turmeric.
- Taste of Organic Produce will vary depending on the soil & water of the location where it is grown.
“ORGANIC” IN NON PERISHABLES, DOES IT MATTER?
Organic applies to non perishables like Dal, Rice, honey, sugar, juices, etc. Not only in the way it is grown, but also in the way it is processed (without chemicals) & stored without any fumigants. For instance, most of the branded regular honey has got antibiotics in it. In Atta, they add fillers while grinding wheat. In Rice & Pulses, they spray fumigants while storing to prevent insects.
Insects might crop up in stored organic non-perishables like dal, rice etc. But nothing to worry, just sun dry the product. To preserve organic non perishables for longer, one can place natural repellants like Neem Leaves, Dry Chillies, Acorus (Vasambu). Non-organic products may not have insects in it, but remember, you are consuming a produce that is so harmful that even insects will not eat.
