Conventional vs Organic Produce: What’s the Difference?

While some people prefer organic produce, conventional produce is very similar. Neither way should be considered right or wrong as it comes down to personal preference and availability. This may cause some confusion for some people as organic food has increased in popularity. However, the nutritional value is the same and simply buying seasonal produce from quality sources is the way to go!

What is Organic Produce?

Quality sources like the ones from Tacoma Boys means both conventional and organic produce are good options. Organic produce is fruits and vegetables grown with different natural fertilizers and practices. This includes focusing on biodiversity of produce on a farm as crops are rotated on bigger land, too. And natural fertilizers and pesticides keep away pests and weeds from fresh fruit and veggies while they grow. This means organic produce might have less residual pesticides. However, cleaning the produce is always recommended regardless of the label.

Some foods like honey cannot be guaranteed as organic because the source of the food (bees) get their own nutrients from unknown sources all over the place. Hey, you try telling a bee to visit only organically grown plants! Other foods are not grown organically because the process is overly labor intensive and the soil has to be just right for certain crops.

If farms are new to growing produce or use other natural farming methods to yield ripe, delicious produce. Organic is a label applied by the USDA and can otherwise vary slightly between big and small farms across the country. Here at Tacoma Boys, we focus on providing fresh produce, often locally grown, from high quality and trusted farms and sources. You can find both conventional and organic produce and pick and choose what looks best and is right for you and your family!

Steady Source of Nutritious Foods

Fresh produce and nutritious foods from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere is abundant at Tacoma Boys. Both conventional and organic produce is nutritious, carefully sourced, and often seasonal. It’s recommended to eat several servings of fruit and vegetables everyday. That’s because they’re full of vitamins and minerals as well as sturdy fiber and water too. Some people might even be following New Year’s resolutions to eat more vegetables and nutritious foods in general. For some tips and advice on how to make your everyday meals more nutritious, check out Tacoma Boys blog here!

Eating these nutrient dense foods help keep your body nourished and energized on an everyday basis. And it all starts with shopping for produce, meat and seafood, and complex carbs. Plus pantry staples and seasonings, you can get everything you need for a flavorful and satiating meal at Tacoma Boys. You can also browse for some specialty food items like infused olive oils and premium jams and condiments, too.

Nothing Beets Fresh Fruits and Veggies!

Around this time of year especially, keep an eye out for these easy to cook nutritious foods and spring produce at Tacoma Boys:

• Broccolini and broccoli crowns
• Yukon gold potatoes
• Mixed greens and spring mix including arugula, and spinach
• Portobello mushrooms
• Kabocha squash
• Golden beets
• Lean seafood like coho salmon filet and true cod
• Power Provisions Chicken Vegetable Bone Broth Soup
• Bob’s Red Mill Brown Lentils

Local Fruits and Vegetables

Tacoma Boys sources a variety of local fruits and vegetables from Pierce County as well as over in the bountiful farms on the eastern side of the state. Some people prefer to purchase organic foods but not all local fruits and vegetables are always available in that way. Springtime and the incoming summer season are especially a great time to take advantage of local fruits and vegetables! That’s when the majority of the produce grown in Washington is available compared to the rest of the year. As we move further into the season in April and May, keep an eye out for spring produce. That includes asparagus, rhubarb, radish, spinach, and more.

Getting to Know Your Local Farms

Here at Tacoma Boys, we always do our best to support local farms. Some farms in the Pierce County region are open to the public for shopping and visiting. This is a nice opportunity to get to know your local farmers and the people who grow the food you eat. This connects you to your own plate, community, and local environment. It’s a nice way to appreciate eating with the seasons and enjoying everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Stop by your local Tacoma Boys to see what’s fresh and available now! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!