Produce Comes Full Circle
I was reading an article about younger shoppers who shop by mood, need, and occasion rather than by food categories.
They want authenticity in the brands and food they buy.
They want convenience.
They want it to be nutritious.
They want it to be modular, not confined to specific timing, and easy to mix and match with protein.
Basically, they want to shop on their own terms. While some brands and companies are scrambling to meet this new paradigm, I'm finding it quite comforting and amusing. What category of products covers all these areas? Organic produce, of course.
It’s authentic; buying and eating it can:
Boost antioxidant intake
Reduce pesticide exposure
Protect pollinators
Improve biodiversity
Fight climate change
Support cleaner water
It’s convenient, modular, not confined to specific timing - I mean, what's more convenient than grabbing an organic peach, some grapes, or a fresh carrot and eating them when and wherever you want?
It’s also nutritious. Study after study describes how fresh fruits and vegetables are part of any healthy diet, and organic produce has been shown to be higher in antioxidants and vitamins. According to the Organic Center, organic apples contain up to 66% more flavanols and 31% more phenolic acids compared to non-organic apples. Similarly, organic oranges have 10.7% more vitamin C and 21.4% more essential oils. These increases in beneficial compounds can have a substantial impact on your overall health. Organic spinach, for example, has higher levels of vitamin C and significantly fewer nitrates, which are harmful in large amounts. The superior taste of organic strawberries and lemons is a direct result of higher concentrations of aroma-inducing compounds.
It's easy to mix and match with protein. From organic potatoes to baby arugula and fresh corn, the combinations are endless, cold and hot. Consider avocado corn salad, grilled tofu salad, or a yummy artichoke boat filled with chicken-potato salad - and I’m sure you have your own favorite combos to build on this list.
Finally, let's not forget - it’s sooooo delicious! So, while consumer habits change and trends come and go, organic produce continues to grow year over year, generation to generation.
It reminds me of the “blue jeans” theory I have: I've been wearing blue jeans as a main part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember. I’ve also been working with and eating organic produce for over 40 years, and it seems no matter how things change, some things are consistent in their value and consumer appeal. Whether you are young, older, or somewhere in between, Melissa’s organic produce is a trend you can count on year after year.
