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​Organically grown vs. Certified Organic

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Organically grown vs. Certified Organic

One of the biggest questions asked here at Mountain Maus' Remedies is what is the difference between organically grown herbs and certified organic herbs?




Organically grown means that farmers (in our case our farm and gardens) make a commitment to grow and harvest herbs using organic methods, such as using compost that does not contain chemicals or synthetic fertilizers, using seeds and seedlings that have not been genetically modified (GMO) and by using companion planting techniques instead of pesticides. Although we will not have the government certification to label some of our herbs "certified organic", our customers can be assured that Mountain Maus’ Remedies is committed to using organic methods of growing and harvesting our herbs.

So what is the difference between organically grown herbs and certified organic herbs and what is the benefit of organically grown herbs?

Most certified organic produce and herbs have been grown using synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers approved by the US government. Genetically modified (GMO) seeds and seedlings have been produced to withstand certain diseases easier than non-genetically modified seeds. The farmer attempts to control the environment of the plant, so that it is not stressed very easily and can concentrate on growing nice and big, with no diseases to threaten it. The pesticides help to control the environment, so that the plant has a nice and relaxing journey towards full growth. That doesn't sound too bad does it?  

Now when a seed is not genetically modified (like the seeds on our farm), it must work twice as hard to resist sickness and disease and survive in harsher conditions, therefore, it contains more nutrients and is much healthier for those who consume the finished plant.  Have you ever tasted the biggest strawberries at the grocery store, only to discover that they didn't taste like much? Since the certified organic herbs didn't have to work very hard to grow, they lack the nutrients that make them taste as good as they should!

Mountain Maus' organic farming and gardening has many more benefits and is less damaging to the environment in the following ways:

-Maus’ organic farm does not use pesticides -some of which have the potential to harm soil, water and local wildlife. Maus’ farm uses companion planting techniques that help with controlling plant pests.

-Maus’ organic growing is better than conventional growing at sustaining diverse ecosystems (populations of plants and insects, as well as animals).

-Maus’ organic farming uses less energy and produces less waste. (most waste and unused plant product is being re composted for future crops)

-Maus’ organically grown herbs tend to have more nutrients than certified organic grown herbs, and more likely than not, taste a bit better too!



Dirty Dozen: The 12 listed organic foods (in order of pesticide load, apples being the worst offenders).

1.   Apples

2.   Celery

3.   Sweet bell peppers

4.   Peaches

5.   Strawberries

6.   Imported nectarines

7.   Grapes

8.   Spinach

9.   Lettuce

10. Cucumbers

11. Domestic blueberries

12. Potatoes


1.   Onions
2.   Sweet corn
3.   Pineapples
4.   Avocado
5.   Cabbage
6.   Sweet peas
7.   Asparagus
8.   Mangoes
9.   Eggplant
10. Kiwi
11. Domestic cantaloupe
12. Sweet potatoes
13. Grapefruit
14. Watermelon
15. Mushrooms

Other disheartening data from the report includes:

  • Domestic blueberries tested positive for 42 different pesticide residues.
  • Seventy-eight different pesticides were found on lettuce samples.
  • Every single nectarine tested had measurable pesticide residues.

Do you have any stories to share with us, or any questions regarding the organic, local, or conventional growing debate? Share your comments with us!