Organic

What does that mean exactly?

You always hear, "read the labels." but sometime I wonder if I know what I am reading.

Here is a brief explanation about the differences in "organic" labeling:

~ 100% organic: only organically processed, except for salt and water
~ organic: contains at least 96% organic ingredients
~ made with organic ingredients: contains at least 70% organic ingredients
~ "natural" does NOT mean organic. There is no requirement for natural products

Source: US Department of Agriculture

Organic means food processed without artificial hormones, pesticides, or fertilizers by farmers using renewable resources to enhance the environment. That production emphasizes the use of renewable resources and teh conservation of water and soil with distinct concern for enhancing the ecological balance of natural systems.