Organic Oranges Vs. Commercial Oranges
The sweet, tangy zest released from the peeling of an orange is a familiar smell to many all over the world. As one of the most popular fruits in the world, according to Purdue University, orange trees are protected either through organic or commercially produced pesticides and herbicides. There are clear differences between the two, with one considered natural and the other almost toxic. However, these often only affect the peel rather than the inner fruit of oranges. Does this Spark an idea?
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Organic Certification
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Truly organic produce has the USDA Certified Organic sticker. No chemicals can be found within soil for organically produced oranges during an initial two-year testing period before certification. All materials used to grow the oranges, from the seeds to the insecticides and herbicides, must also be recognized as organic by the USDA in order for the oranges to be labeled as such. If a food is labeled with an "all-natural" sticker, this does not mean organic regulations have been followed and is different from the organic sticker.
Commercial Sprays
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Since oranges are subject to a variety of pests and diseases, which can ruin both the inside and outside of the fruit, the trees are heavily sprayed with pesticides and herbicides to protect the fruit. A variety of pesticides are used, from carbofuran to methidathion sprays, so that trees are protected from most pests and diseases. Biological control agents can be used, as well as other organic materials which have been modified to produce the most damage to pests and diseases. These sprays are not recognized as organic and some consider them dangerous to human health, especially when too much is used, according The Independent newspaper.
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Organic Methods
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All fertilizers, seeds, pesticides or any other items used on or in the soil of organic oranges must be certified organic themselves. The orange trees are maintained through natural growing processes, such as crop rotation. These natural means are used to produce more crops rather than using genetic modifiers, commercial sprays or any other synthetic means. Natural fertilizers, from organic cow dung to organic dried leaves, are used to supplement the growth of the oranges.
Cost
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As with most organic produce, oranges are more expensive per pound than their commercial counterparts. This is due to demand for organically produced items as well as the increased cost of running an organically-based business. Production and maintenance of organic certification also increases the price of organic oranges. The cost of organic oranges is almost double that of commercial produce, according to Nutra.
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References
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