I am definitely a 'label' person. I read labels carefully, it's actually something I pride myself on as I scour every ingredient list before it earns it's place in my shopping cart. It takes more than a 'Chiquita' label for me to buy those bananas!...and on that note it takes me longer than usual to make my grocery run. Something my husband has come to terms with by now, with his accurate imitations of me, narrowing my eyes in on a package, mouthing the ingredients I'm reading silently to myself. He can laugh all he wants but now he knows, if a product lists Glucose Fructose as an ingredient it is going right back on the shelf where it belongs! Sugar is addictive, and I try to keep it out of my house for the most part.
When I started venturing into different grocery markets here in Germany I noticed that some of them carried specific produce with a label that said 'Demeter'. At first I didn't think much of it, until I did a little digging. I noticed that the produce with these labels were priced a little higher as well, and wanted to know why. I also found baby products, and baby formulas with the 'Demeter' label. This is when I knew it must be special.
So lets dive into the world of Demeter farming to figure out what it is:
Demeter is a certification organization that verifies and promotes biodynamic agriculture. Biodynamic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that emphasizes the interconnectivity of the farm ecosystem, including the soil, plants, animals, and people. Biodynamic farmers strive to create a self-sustaining farm system that integrates crop production, livestock management, and natural resource conservation.
Demeter certification require
s adherence to strict standards, including the use of biodynamic preparations, crop rotations, and biodiversity conservation. Biodynamic farmers also follow the lunar and cosmic rhythms in their farming practices.
While there are no specific "Demeter Farms" in Europe, there are many farms that are certified by Demeter or follow biodynamic principles. These farms can be found in many countries throughout Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, among others.
So the next time you see the Demeter label you'll understand that there is so much more going on behind the product that you are supporting to purchase. If it gives you peace of mind knowing you are buying products that adhere to strict standards then go for it! But if you don't snap up products from Demeter, then it doesn't mean you're not getting high quality organic products either.
So all in all what did we take in from this: A label really can make you judge an apple by its colour, BUT as a mom your gut is the best decision making tool, something a label can't do.