Food Terminology

Let’s face it – FOOD has changed. Back in the OLD DAYS food was food. There was no such thing as a genetically modified seed, there weren’t chemicals like glyphosate and 2, 4-D or synthetic fertilizers or even intensive livestock production facilities where poultry and swine are fed hormones, denatured food and medications. Animals raised in these mega barn operations often don’t even see the light of day before they are slaughtered.  It’s a far cry from what our ancestors or even our great grandparents thrived on when they chose what to nourish their family with. After several decades of shortcuts in food production techniques we’re now feeling the environmental impact through climate change and desertification and experiencing the devastation in human health with record numbers in virtually every disease from diabetes and heart disease to cancer and obesity despite access to more food than any time in human history. The food that our great grandparents ate was FOOD, in it’s natural state. It was chemical free, non-gmo and if there was such a thing in them days it would have also qualified as certified organic or even regenerative and the beef would have been grass finished! These days “FOOD” is a term used to describe toxic, fake, highly processed junk food wrapped in environmentally degrading plastic advertising such as soft drinks, industrial seed oils, cheezies, chocolate bars or pop tarts! The confusing part is that the word “FOOD” is also used to describe the most nutrient dense foods produced in the most regenerative way possible. We now know that production practices, management practices and seed varieties all can have a drastic impact on the health, nutrient density and the value to you – the eater! These days a chicken isn’t just a chicken and wheat isn’t just wheat, corn isn’t just corn and an egg from a factory farm is certainly not  the same as a pastured egg from a small farm. There’s a HUGE DIFFERENCE in taste, nutrient density, as well as socioeconomic and environmental impacts. That’s why we now need to be educated when it comes to FOOD TERMINOLOGY.

What’s good? What’s bad?

You’ve likely heard some of the modern lingo in food marketing, but do you really know what they mean? Many corporate food companies use clever labeling and marketing to help sell foods, but do these terms actually equate to better quality food or better health? Here are a few terms you may be familiar with; Organic, Grass Fed, Pastured, Alberta Beef, Antibiotic Free, Free Range, Gluten Free, Biodynamic, Regenerative, Non-GMO, Pesticide Free, No Hormones Added, Antibiotic Free…the list goes on. We want to help you be a more informed eater. That’s why our mission is to help you get nutrient dense food directly from the farmer so that you can ask for yourself. The fact is – most small farms care about you – the customer. Therefore they use regenerative practices and responsible methods. Plus our farmers list their production practices so that you know right up front! We’ve put together a helpful list to give you some tools to get started.

The answers below come from common questions our assistants receive. And this list is growing.

Food Labels

  1. What is “Certified Organic” mean and why should I care?
  2. What is the difference between “grass-fed” and “grass-finished?”
  3. What is the difference between “grass-fed” and “organic?”
  4. Isn’t all meat supposed to be “antibiotic-free?”
  5. What are “GMO”, “hybrid” and “heirloom” plants?
  6. What is “heritage” grain like Red Fife and what are the benefits?
  7. What is the best source of omega-3, grass-fed beef or salmon?
  8. What is “Heritage Breed” livestock like Berkshire pork?
  9. Why do free range eggs cost more than cage free?
  10. What is the difference between “wet aged” and “dry aged” beef?
  11. What are the differences between natural, liquid and creamed honey?

Shopper’s Guide

  1. Is buying direct from local farms cheaper? By how much?
  2. What is a CSA and is it worth it?
  3. What is the difference between free range and cage free eggs?
  4. How do you buy meat in bulk? What’s the best way to get the best price?

Farm Practices

  1. What does “Permaculture” mean and why do farms practice it?
  2. What is “Regenerative Farming” and how is it different?
  3. How do farmers process (slaughter) their animals? is it ethical and humane?
  4. Can organic farms really be “100% chemical-free?”
  5. What is “Biodynamic Farming” and certification?

Eating Farm to Table

If you are interested what it means and how to begin eating Farm to Table and live a regenerative lifestyle then get started by clicking here.

Have your own FAQ?

Ask us questions about local food, permaculture or nutrition and we’ll try our best to help you out!