Organic Food
Food issue
What is you issue?
I have chosen to research organic foods. It is style of farming which consists of avoiding the use of chemicals and pesticides on their products.
Why have you selected your issue?
I selected this food issue as it relates to my big question in Da Vinci, which asks if bio dynamic foods are the key to a sustainable future. Organic food has also always been prominent in my household, and I have grown up eating mostly organic food. It also provides me with lots options when it comes to choosing a meal to create.
Why is this an important issue?
This issue is important because the more industrial way of producing food, goes through many processes to produce food. The food we buy from supermarkets is usually sprayed with chemicals and pesticides, which not only effects our bodies and the way they function, but the soil which needs to be used to produce for future times. If there is not enough awareness surrounding this issue, the soil for the future will be destroyed.
What is the facts, statistics and data for your issue?
The organic food industry grows around 10 percent each year. It also has increased from $1 billion in 1990 to $29.22 billion in 2011.
Why is this issue a concern in Australia?
This issue is a concerns in Australia has the pesticides used in industrial production effect our bodies and the soil. Using pesticides destroys soil for future generation and Australia can't afford to destroy its farming lands.
What is the background/history of the issue?
Before the 1920s, most food sourced was organic until the creation of pesticides was discovered. They were introduced after WWII, as chemicals used for nerve gas, was found to also kill insects. The organic food movement was brought to Australia from the Europeans through out the 1960s. The products used to be only able to be purchased at health stores, in the 1970s and 80s. However it was introduced to supermarkets in the 1990s. Today, organic food has it's own aisle in major supermarket throughout Australia.
What are the solutions?
There needs to be solutions to convince those skeptical of organic foods, to change their perspectives. It needs to be proven that organic food is not just a title that people used to justify an increased price, but an actual way of farming. The health benefits need to be made clear to the public, as well the improvements on Australia's farms.
What are the benefits/ advantages/Disadvantages for stakeholders (consumers, farmers, restaurants, retailers, businesses etc)
The benefits to local and smaller farm businesses who specialise in organic farming would increase as when the demand grows, more consumers are looking for organic food. This therefore is an advantage for organic farmers as their profits would be enriched. However if organic food became the more common approach to farming, then those who do not specialise in organic would suffer.
Consider the issue from two different perspectives.
Looking at the issues from both perspectives, it is understandable why there are some disputes. Unfortunately there has been cases where companies have increased their price on products without effectively participating in organic ways. As organic food does usually have increased prices, it would be difficult for lower classes families who are struggling to support themselves, to pay extra for organic food. This is why it is good to have both as long as there is an even amount to keep our environment balanced.
Research
Recipe
1/4 cup (30 g / 1 oz) Naked Chocolate or a quality cocoa ( I'm using organic cacao)
1/4 cup (35 g / 1 1/4 oz) coconut flour
1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) gluten free baking powder (I'm using normal baking powder)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
4 eggs
1/4 cup ( 3 tablespoons) honey or organic maple syrup (choosing to use honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (choosing vanilla extract)
1/4 cup (60 ml / 2 oz) macadamia nut oil or melted coconut oil or butter (choosing coconut oil)
Combine the cocoa, coconut flour, baking powder, cinnamon and sea salt.
Add the eggs, honey, vanilla and oil.
Mix well until smooth and combined.
Spoon into a small 15 - 20 cm baking tin lined with baking paper – the smaller the tin the higher the cake… or alternatively spoon into 8 lined cup cake tins.
Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until cooked through. Bake smaller cupcakes for about 20 – 25 minutes. ( Making cupcakes)
Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
For the icing:
• 1 cup coconut cream
• ¼ cup coconut sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa or cacao powder
• Small handful of dried rosebuds or edible flowers (optional) (I'm choosing to use cacao nibs and coconut to top my cupcakes)
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well using a spoon until smooth and creamy. If it is a little thick, add a little more coconut cream to reach right consistency.