www.organic-farming.europa.eu Cooking naturally: reCipes using organiC produCts good for nature, good for you. European Commission Agriculture and Rural Development KF-30-08-127-EN-C Organic farming is all about producing fresh, tasty and healthy foods in a way that respects the natural environment and animal welfare. The popularity of organic food and other prod- ucts is increasing right across the EU, as more and more people wake up to the real benefits of organic food and farming. You can now choose to buy organic food and beverages directly from your local farm shop, at farmers’ markets, specialty stores, restaurants and most supermarkets. A confidence boost Products bearing terms like “organic”, “eco” or “bio”, and which carry the EU organic logo or another recognised organic logo, are all pro- duced according to strict EU rules. These rules, known as organic standards, define what organic farmers and food processors can and cannot do. They ensure that organic farmers avoid using artificial chemical fertilis- ers and pesticides, and that animals are reared without reliance on the many drugs and chemicals that are commonly used in intensive livestock production. The organic standards also ensure that proces- sed foods are as natural and healthy as possible, minimising the use of unnecessary food addi- tives and processing aids. Organic farms and food processors are inspect- ed regularly to make sure they are following the organic standards. The same rules also apply to all organic products that are often imported into the EU, such as coffee, tea and bananas. So when you choose an organic product, you can be sure you are buying something that is good for the environment, animal welfare and rural communities – as well as you and your family. What is organic farming? When agriculture becomes organic farming Organic vegetables, such as the ones used in this delicious recipe, are produced from farming systems that seek to protect – and enhance – the natural environment. Organic farmers constantly work to protect the soil and to conserve water supplies, as well as en- hancing farmland wildlife and using energy and other natural resources responsibly. Wherever possible, they will look to recycle wastes and by-products from plants and animals, and use on-site resources. Rather than using artificial fertilisers, organic farmers apply manure and composts to build natural soil fertility, relying on the micro organisms and earthworms in the soil to make nutrients available to the growing crops. By mixing the types and varieties of crops they grow, and using natural pest predators instead of artificial insecticides, organic farmers can control pests and diseases naturally, while mini- mising the risk of costly water pollution and soil contamination. Since chemical synthesized herbicides are prohibited, organic farmers use other methods to manage weeds, including mechanical weed- ing and timely cultivations. Organic farmers are also encouraged to plant hedges to provide shelter for animals and wildlife, and to act as windbreaks to prevent soil erosion. Ideally, organic farmers will seek to grow their own livestock feed or buy it from neighbouring organic farms. • 1headromainelettuce,washed&torn • 7medium-sizedradishes • ¼cupfinelychoppedredonion • 1largeripetomato,chopped • ¼cupblackolives • 1cupcrumbledfetacheese • 1tablespoonDijonmustard • ¼cupredwinevinegar • ¼cupoliveoil • Coarsesaltandfreshlygroundpeppertotaste 1. Inalargebowlcombinelettuce,onion,tomato,olives, radishesandfetacheese.Chilluntilreadytoserve. 2. In a small bowl, mix the mustard, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper with a whisk. Just before serving, drizzle over salad and toss to combine. Romaine Salad with Feta Cheese and Radishes Nature’s bounty The taste of freedom Organic meats, such as the ham used in this recipe, come from healthy, thriving animals that are genuinely free range. It is common sense that healthy, stress-free animals are better able to resist pests and dis- eases. Organic farmers therefore seek to produce healthy animals by respecting the specific behavioural and meeting the physical needs of their livestock, while preventing illness through careful management. Organic farmers aim to prevent animal health problems by choosing disease-resistant livestock breeds that are suited to the local conditions. Access to pastures, a natural GMO-free diet, lower stocking rates, spacious and hygienic housing, and minimising stress are all essential practices in organic livestock management. Ifananimalbecomesillorinjuredorganic farmers must treat them quickly, ideally with natural remedies like homeopathy or plant extracts. However, veterinary medicines are obviously allowed as a last resort in order to minimise suffering. Organic standards also seek to avoid certain practices, such as tethering or isolating animals, trimming birds’ beaks or removing horns and tails from mammals. • 2cupsnelychoppedcookedham • ½cupnelydicedcelery • 1teaspoongratedonion • ⅓cupmayonnaise • 1scantteaspoonpreparedmustard • 12slicesbread • butterforbread,optional In a medium bowl, combine ham, celery, onion, mayon- naise, and mustard. Lightly butter the bread slices, if desired. Spread 6 slices of bread with even portions of ham salad mixture. Makes 6 ham sandwiches. Ham sandwich Tasty organic ingredients, such as those in this pasta recipe, provide consumers with a variety of natural, healthy and tasty foods. Organic production is expanding and diversify- ing and a wide variety of organic goods are now available – from simple produce such as fruits and vegetables, to specialist products like pasta, cheeses and convenience foods. Rare plants and animal varieties are also often used, providing you with the chance to experience new and exciting tastes and flavours. Organic products are also fully traceable – and backed up by strict EU organic standards and inspections. Strict labelling rules ensure that you are given important facts, such as the origin of the product, the ingredients, and the official code of the certification body that inspected the premises. Recent studies also show that organic food and beverages contain more nutritious elements. For example, organic milk is naturally higher in omega 3 while most organic fruits and vegeta- bles contain higher levels of key vitamins and minerals, as well as fewer pesticide residues. As organic standards strictly control the use of artificial inputs, like preservatives and flavour enhancers, and ban the use of GM ingredients, you can be confident that the organic foods you buy contain only natural tastes and textures. • 2mediumcourgette, • 1redonion,chopped • 2clovesgarlic,peeledand minced • 8pittedblackolives,chopped • 4tomatoes,finelychopped • 1tablespooncapers • 3tablespoonsoliveoil • 1cupdrywhitewine • Salt&peppertotaste • 3tablespoonsfinelychopped fresh basil • ¼cupchoppedfreshparsley • ½kgofRigatonipasta • Gratedparmesancheesetoserve 1. Heatalargepotofsaltedwater for the pasta. In a medium pan, heat the olive oil until hot. Add the onion and courgettes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute. Add the wine, sun-dried tomato, olives, capers, salt, pepper and simmer for an additional 5 min- utes. Add the chopped basil and parsley and mix. 2. Drainthepastaandreturnthe pasta to the pot. Add the sauce and cook over medium high heat stirring constantly for a couple of minutes until piping hot. Serve the pasta, offering grated parme- san cheese for the top. Rigatoni with courgettes Cooking with quality Rising to the top It is interesting to know that by choosing the organic flour and eggs used in this delicious recipe,youwillhelptocreatesustainablejob and business opportunities across the EU. Recent research in the UK reveals that organic farmsprovidemorejobsperfarmthannon- organic agriculture. Organic farms also tend to require more people and skills to manage the crops and animals. With an astonishing annual growth rate of around10%,theEUorganicmarketprovides significant opportunities for organic food proc- essors, distributors and retailers right across the EU, as well as key service providers such as vet- erinarians, researchers and financial managers. People who buy organic food want to know how their food is produced – and where it comes from. As more and more people become interested in buying local and organic food from farm shops and farmers’ markets, organic production will help to ensure that more money stays in the local economy. Organic farming is now widely recognised as the most environmentally-friendly form of agriculture, working in harmony with nature and helping to protect natural habitats and rural landscapes. This all contributes to helping to maintain a thriving modern rural economy, popular with eco-tourists and residents alike. More and more organic farms are opening up their gates to public visitors – why not visit an organic farm near you to find out more? • 1cupdriedapricots • 1cupwater • ¾cupbutter • 1cupwhitesugar • 4eggs • 1cupgoldenraisins • ½kgofredandgreencandied cherries • 6candiedpineappleslices • ½kgofdriedmixedfruit • 2cupsall-purposeflour,divided • ½teaspoonbakingsoda • ½teaspoonsalt • ½cupapricotjuice • 1cupchoppedwalnutsorpecannuts 1. Inasaucepanovermediumheat cook apricots in the water until they are mushy. Press them through a sieve and let them cool. 2. Separate the eggs. Beat the egg yolks until lemony coloured. Then beat the egg whites until stiff peaks are formed. Set aside. 3. Creamthebutterormargarineand sugar together. Add the beaten egg yolks and the apricots, and mix thoroughly. 4. Combinetheraisins,candiedcher- ries, candied pineapple, and mixed dried fruits in a bowl coated with one cup of the flour. 5. Combinetheremainingflour,bak- ing soda, and salt. Add this flour mixture alternately to the creamed mixturewiththeapricotjuice. Blend this batter into the mixed fruits. Add the chopped pecans or walnuts and fold in the beaten egg whites. Turn the batter into a prepared baking tin. 6. Bakeat135degreesCfor2hours. Decoratethecakewithcandied pineapples and cherries. Apricot Fruitcake . www .organic- farming.europa.eu Cooking naturally: reCipes using organiC produCts good for nature, good for you. European. supermarkets. A confidence boost Products bearing terms like organic , “eco” or “bio”, and which carry the EU organic logo or another recognised organic logo, are