Eating Organic in North Andover

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:

Smolak Farms
Smolak Farms offers fresh seasonal produce -- pick your own or buy in the shop -- as well as homemade pies and other foods.

Roche Farmstand
This family-operated business offers locally grown and in-season produce. They will open for the spring season in May.

Boston Hill Farm
Boston Hill Farm sells a variety of fresh organic products, from milk and eggs deli meat and baked goods. You can pick apples and pumpkins in the fall and berries in the summer.

Ciao! Bow Wow
Let's not forget about your pets. They can eat organic as well! Ciao! Bow Wow offers a variety of organic pet foods and other organic pet products.

Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop has an organic foods section, right next to the produce section and the deli.

Where do you go for organic foods? Leave a comment and let us know!