What else can we eat?

What is different in the production of organic fruits and vegetables? Organic farming must not use chemical synthetic pesticides, easily soluble fertilizers and anti-mold agents (ensuring faster growth and yield, easier transport and storage). The plants are protected by preventive insects from pests. In addition, a natural, organic fertilizer (manure or compost) is used. Organic fruits and vegetables grow more slowly, so it contains less water and tastes more intense. How is biological livestock different from conventional? In organic farms, growth promoters are prohibited during feeding, which increases the number of animals slower, explains Michaela Knieli from Umweltberatung.at (umweltberatung.at). The law prescribes an out-flow to the open air and a larger area of ИН ИНstable than animals in conventional farms. Prophylactic medication is prohibited, it should only come when an animal is ill, whether organic or conventional. The animal may then be slaughtered only after a legal waiting period; This is twice as long for organic. How can I be sure that the meat comes from Austria? For meat, the labeling is very strict. If the red-white-red AMA quality seal or AMA-Bio-Siegel is on it, z. B. Cattle born in Austria, fattened, slaughtered and dissected, as Butcher Florian H tthaler (huetthaler.at) explains. But that only applies to fresh meat. Raw materials can be purchased internationally for the production of sausages. For the AMA seal, a maximum of one third of the raw materials may come from abroad, and the product must be manufactured in Austria. Is organic healthier than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables? Pesticide-free organic food is already a health benefit. The vitamin and mineral content depends on the variety, soil, climate and harvest time. This means that the nutrient content in bio does not have to be higher, but it is partly due to longer maturation time. Birgit Beck from the Association for Consumer Information (VKI, kon sument.at) points out that even bio is not entirely free of pollutants because they still occur in the air and soil. You also have to eat balanced organic food – because organic chips also make you fat. How much does our meat consumption affect climate change? To some extent, because our high meat consumption contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect. 85 percent of the CO2 emissions in agriculture result from animal husbandry. The production of one kilogram of beef, for example, is as harmful as a car trip of 250 kilometers. According to environmental advice, we also consume much more meat than we should. On average, the Austrians eat about 25 dag of meat per day. But we recommend 20 dag every three days.

How do I know if the meat comes from Austria? Is a processed organic product really 100% organic? Yes, because according to the VKI, the organic regulation applies to every product, whether raw or already processed. All products must be through a flow control. This means that from the raw material in the field to the finished product, all intermediate steps have to be controlled and guidelines for organic farming adhered to and must be verifiable. This also applies to the EU and third countries. Unfortunately there are black sheep. What is really in the bread? Are there any bakers who bake themselves? Bread and biscuits are today mainly produced by machines in large chains. Enzymes ensure consistent quality and make the dough rise faster. Semmerl & Co are finished in a few hours. Packaged bread is preserved by alcohol and heating the wrapped product. Few bakers, such. B. Josef Weghaupt of "Joseph Brot" (joseph.co.at, also available in organic markets), still make bread and biscuits by hand, and that takes time: the sourdough rests for 1-2 days, then it becomes Shaped, baked, chilled and re-baked for 8-12 hours, it stays fresh for longer and does not dry out too quickly Fruit & Vegetables from the farmer: is this also possible in the city A convenient option is to subscribe to a Bio-Kistl. The ordered box with fruit and vegetables is delivered to the house (List of providers: umweltberatung.at/ernaehrung) .Who like to buy himself goes on the market, where farmers offer fruit, vegetables and meat for sale .Other possibility: the membership In a FoodCoop, food is bought directly from selected producers and passed on to the club members (foodcoops.at) Is the production of organic fruits and vegetables automatically environmentally friendly? No, because many fruits, such as oranges or bananas, are not included U.N s grow, they have to be imported. Who wants to buy sustainable, should rarely resort to tropical fruits. And if it does, it should be organic. According to environmental advice, pesticides are often found in conventional tropical fruits, even under the skin. Preservatives that are designed to protect against mold on the transport can also penetrate. Watch out for lemons: Untreated does not mean unsprayed. These were not conserved only after harvest, but sprayed well during growth. Why is on every piece of fruit in the supermarket an extra rapper? The stickers on kiwi and apple as well as the often extra packaging of fruits and vegetables are required by law. According to the environmental advice and Rewe so the confusion z. As different types of apples, but also of conventional and organic goods are avoided. Is cheap organic really organic, and can I buy it with a clear conscience? Yes, because organic foods always have the same laws, and VKI tests have found no differences between cheap and expensive products in terms of ingredients, germs, etc. However, individual associations have even stricter standards and guidelines for management and livestock, eg. For example, the fertilizer for the fields must come from their own animals. The seal of approval on the packaging provides more detailed information Are there alternatives to the same types of fruit in the supermarket? The desire of consumers for always the same size, shape and color has meant that the trade offers only certain types of fruit and vegetables. Of about 20,000 apple varieties, for example, only a few can be found on the shelves. The association "Noah's Ark" endeavors to preserve the variety of cultivated plants and offers old seeds.Who would like to grow himself, will find it there (arche-noah.at) .The association also works with organic farmers together on organic markets or What is really in our sausage? Meats, flavor enhancers (eg glutamate), stabilizers (eg phosphates), preservatives (eg pickling salt) and dyes ( for example, true carmine, is obtained from scale insects.) There are precise rules on what and how much of it is allowed in the sausage, each ingredient must be on the label, the meat, for example, if pig is standing, the meat part It does not have to be mentioned: according to the VKI, the fat content is often declared, but it is not a must Caution when pickling salt: When searing, nitrosamines are produced, which are carcinogenic, etc. Why do you also find organic fruits and vegetables in the Bio-Kistl if they do not grow? It does not like that Organic ethos fit together, but the supply is determined here – as well as in the supermarket – by the demand of the consumers. However, we can decide for ourselves which fruit and vegetables come with our Kistl into the house. If you want to take countermeasures, order one with regional and seasonal products. A seasonal calendar provides information about what is currently ripe. Organic is often expensive: how can I still be healthy and sustainable? Set priorities! Seasoned organic vegetables and fruits are not much more expensive than conventional ones at this time. So buy the best, which is just ripe. This is varied, and the taste buds get something new to taste. Tip: Try to buy directly from a farmer at farmyard prices. What do the numbers on the eggs say about their production? The individual egg labeling gives the consumer information about the type of chicken the egg comes from. 0 means organic, 1 outdoor, 2 ground keeping, 3 means cage. In Austria cages are banned since 1. 1. 2009. There are strict controls, but unfortunately always black sheep. However, this does not apply to processed eggs: the denomination of origin is not required by law. But one thing is certain: organic products contain only organic eggs. Topic expiration date: how long can I exceed this? Here one differentiates between two names: "Best before" and "To consume until". The former guarantees the consumer perfect quality up to this time. Thereafter, the product begins to degrade, but is not spoiled and can be consumed after a positive odor sample. The second term is used for perishables such as fresh meat. These sensitive foods should no longer be consumed after the expiration date, the health may suffer. Can I grow vegetables in the apartment? Yes – but with restrictions. If you do not have a garden or a balcony to grow vegetables, you can try herbs and vegetables on the windowsill. Here's how it works: Best to grow in spring or summer, as it is too dark in winter. The Kisterl or the pot should be in a very bright and sunny place. The plants need a lot of humidity (spray regularly with water) and always moist soil. Cress, various herbs such as lovage, dill, chives, rosemary, basil, but also tomatoes work well. If that is not enough for you, hire a self-harvesting field and manage it. What labels are there, and what do they mean? There are plenty of seals of approval, association and control signs, it is difficult to keep track of them. These are the most important signs in Austria: the red AMA seal of approval serves as a quality mark for conventionally produced food. They guarantee traceable origin. The blue AMA label means the same, only at EU level. Demeter is the organic seal with the strictest requirements. Friend of the Sea means that this product comes from sustainable fishing and aquaculture. The EU organic label is an EU-wide logo that must be on every organic product produced here. MSC stands for marine fish from sustainable, sustainable fishing. Bio Austria is the network of Austrian organic farmers. Their guidelines are stricter than the legal minimum standards of organic farming.