Recently I discovered how limited my understanding of ‘Organic’ really was. I have to admit that food labelled ‘organic’ has confused me in the past. I mean, the fruit and vegetables marked organic look and often taste the same as the others in the store… so how was I to be sure it really was organic as the label stated?
Thankfully, the non for profit organisation Australian Organic has launched an awareness campaign to help us ensure that what we are buying are 100% honest, organic products. The campaign is fronted by celebrity chef and Australian Organic Ambassador, Pete Evans. Have a look at what Pete has to share about buying Australian Certified Organic produce:
I have to admit, that when I saw organic products in store, I only thought that they were supposed to be healthier for me. Australian Certified Organic products are not only good for me but have been made with careful consideration for the welfare of people, animals and the environment. With people becoming more aware of the food they eat and where it comes from, it is reassuring to know that in order to display the Australian Certified Organic Logo, the product has been through strict testing and guidelines.
“The recognisable Australian Certified Organic logo appears on any product that our independent certification agency has deemed certified organic,” says Dr Andrew Monk from Australian Organic.
“This is the consumer’s 100% guarantee that the item they have purchased, whether it is food or wine, textiles or even make-up, was produced and created from the source with the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment in mind.”
The Australian Certified Organic logo can be found in all major and independent retailers across the country.
So, what does this label mean?
Purchasing products that carry the Australian Certified Organic logo saves you time at the store and guarantees the product to be free range, GM free, pasture-fed, water efficient and biodiversity friendly as well as grown free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics.
I’ve been fortunate to test out some Australian Certified Organical products with my family.
We enjoyed this wine with our Pitango Free-Range Chicken and Mushroom Risotto.
Dora loved the mango, banana and apple (and quinoa) Sneaky Snacks pack!
Hubby and I have already gone and bought more Pana Chocolate. Oh my goodness! It’s raw, organic and homemade goodness that is rich enough to only need a few slices. It has been my treat whilst I have gestational diabetes. The chocolate also washes down nicely with a cup of organic chai tea!
We have made banana pancakes with the organic flour as well as this diabetic friendly slice: (modified from this recipe: Raspberry and Apple Slice)
Raspberry and Apple Slice
150g (1 cup) organic plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
90g (1/2 cup) rice flour
55g (1/2 cup) almond meal
80g (1/3 cup) caster sugar or 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute (I used Natvia)
250ml (1 cup) organic oat milk
2 organic free range eggs
400g can no-added-sugar apple slices
120g (1 cup) frozen raspberries
Method:
- Preheat oven to 170˚c (fan-forced). Grease an 18 x 28cm slab tin with cooking oil spray and line with baking paper, allowing paper to overhang sides.
- Put flours, almond meal and sugar substitute in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Put oat milk and eggs in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add oat milk to flour mixture with apples and raspberries and stir to combine.
- Spoon mixture into prepared tin and smooth surface.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool in tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut slice crossways into 7 pieces, then lengthways into 5 pieces. Serve.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or wrap in plastic wrap, put in resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
1 piece =1 serve/exchange (15g Carbohydrate).
Sharing with the lovely Alicia:
