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:
New Canaan Healthfare
What They Offer: Wheat and gluten-free products, frozen foods, beauty products, supplements and cleaners.
Hours: Mon - Sat, 9:30am - 5:30pm
Station Eats
What They Offer: Station Eats serves all-natural hamburgers, falafel burgers, hot-dogs, French fries, hormone-free and antibiotic-free milk shakes, and beers.
Hours: Daily, 11.30am - 8pm
Farmer's Table
What They Offer: The Farmer's Table only uses organic and fresh ingredients that are available each day for its soups, salads, entrees and desserts.
Hours: Mon - Thu, noon - 9pm; Fri, Sat, noon - 10pm; Sun, closed
Le Pain Quotidien
What They Offer: The restaurant serves organic breads, coffees, teas, gourmet specialty items, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. A dinner menu is available with a selection of organic beers and wines.
Hours: Mon - Thu, 7:30am - 8pm; Fri, 7:30am - 9pm; Sat, 8am - 9pm; Sun, 8am - 8pm
Walter Stewarts Market
What They Offer: An expanding selection of all natural, locally produced, gluten free, and organic specialty items.
Hours: Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 7:30pm; Sat, 7:30am - 7pm; Sun, 8am - 6pm
