Herbs have been essential in cooking for centuries because of their flavor, scent and healing qualities. Simple food can be turned into a gourmet meal by adding little bit of herbs. Medicinal herbs have been used for healing a number of ailments and proved to be very effective. Herbs are often added to candles, soaps, used to scent linens, and for many other purposes. If you use a lot of herbs, finding a good organic herb supplier is vital.
USDA Organic Certification
If you are looking for a certified organic herb supplier, you should be familiar with the USDA organic certification process. In order for an organic herb supplier to use the term "organic," he or she must grow the herbs in accordance with USDA standards, must keep extensive records, be inspected regularly and pay a certification fee. If your organic herb supplier displays the USDA Organic symbol, he or she has gone through this process, and you can be 100% sure that the herbs are purely organic.
However, many organic herb suppliers prefer not to go through the lengthy USDA certification process. They may have some other certification such as "Certified Naturally Grown" or they may not have any certification at all. Some organic herb suppliers use the term "natural" instead of "organic" - though the herbs they supply may still be organic, just the supplier didn't acquire the USDA certificate in order to label their herbs "organic".
In case you are not sure if the organic herb supplier is a genuine one, talk to them. Ask about the farming practices they use. It might turn to be useful to visit the farm and check it out for yourself. If you take the time, you will find out which "natural" herb growers are actually uncertified organic herb suppliers. Farmer's Markets
The best way to find an organic herb supplier is to check out your local Farmer's Market. The Farmer's Market allows the farmer to sell produce directly to the public. Purchasing food directly from the farmer has more benefits like no middle-men and lower prices; besides, it is more beneficial for the farmers as well since they get higher income.
The Farmer's Market also allows you to interact directly with organic herb suppliers. You can ask questions about how they grow the herbs. They usually have a wealth of knowledge about how to use the herbs they sell, too. You could learn how to make a medicinal lavender tea to soothe your nerves, or how to make thyme jelly to serve with an organic pork roast.
CSA's
Another way to find an organic herb supplier is to check out local CSA's. A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a local farm, usually a small farm that sells "shares" of its produce. You usually buy a "share" and pick up whatever vegetables, herbs and other products the farm produces at specific intervals. A CSA share usually provides enough vegetables for a family of four.
Check out the CSA's in your area carefully - chances are you will get an excellent organic herb supplier for your needs. Visit the farms; ask what kinds of produce you can expect to receive and how much they usually supply. If you are specifically interested in the CSA as an organic herb supplier, check out their herb garden and ask what kinds of herbs they grow.
Of course, you can find an organic herb supplier that ships dried herbs over long distances. But getting herbs from the Farmer's Market or buying a CSA share helps support the farmers in your area.
About the Author
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