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To understand organic foods and what they can do for you, it is a good idea that you learn more about the way in which organic farming is done. Basically speaking, these farming methods are done without the use of chemicals, pesticides or any other additives. These are foods that are grown within the guidelines in your country with little or no processing to ensure that consumers are getting a truly organic and natural product as a result. The more you look into going organic, the more you will see that there are plenty of benefits that come along with it.

Organic fruits and vegetables have a much higher level of antioxidants and beneficial minerals including both iron and zinc. If you are drinking organic juices, you are going to find that they are filled with many more nutrients than their more conventional counterparts on the market. Because the fruits and veggies are grown in soil that is rich in minerals and only with natural fertilizers, you are able enjoy organic foods that are only going to give you the good stuff.

If you happen to be someone who enjoys eating eggs, dairy products and meats, you want to be able to look for only organic options. Take the time to find items that come from animals who have been pastured and only given natural feed that is free from any sort of processing. You will find that the result can be a higher level of the good fats that your body needs and much lower levels of the bad fats that you should already be staying away from. As a matter of fact, many of the organic products that come from naturally farm raised animals will have no hormones, no antibiotics and the results are foods that are higher in vitamins and minerals.

When you are thinking of switching over to natural or organic products, you may find yourself wondering if you will be able to find everything that you need. What you should know is that there are plenty of organic items outside of fresh produce that you can get that are great to add to your daily routine. These items will include, but are not limited to, cleaning products, condiments, sanitary napkins, supplements and vitamins, baking mixes, soups, baby food, clothing, skin care items, pet foods and even makeup. The more you look, the more you will see that you can truly go organic and never miss using anything synthetic ever again.

While it may be hard to live a completely organic lifestyle, there is no reason why you cannot add a little bit to your routine each and every day. The more organic foods you eat, you will start to notice that you will have more energy and your health may improve overall. Not only that, but you will feel as though you are doing your part for a much better environment that is free from chemicals and mass produced foods that are not good for our bodies.

Organic rice recipes are a delicious way to add nutrition and fiber to any meal. Rice provides fast energy and is easily digested. It is good for bowel health, is an important source of vitamin B1 and encourages stable blood sugar levels.

Choose brown rice over white rice, as the nutrient-rich outer layers of the rice is stripped in the refining process. Look for Fair Trade rice which ensures the workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage for their labour.

The sales of rice produced by these farmers provide them with much needed income just for basic survival in poor countries. Rice can be grown in the poorest of land conditions and is an important staple in many cultures. Recipes for rice are a low-cost, affordable way to feed an entire family!

Some delicious organic rice varieties are Basmati, Sweet rice, Arborio, and Jasmine rice.

Organic Wild Rice and Pecan Casserole

• 1/2 cup organic butter
• 1 cup organic mushrooms, sliced
• 1 organic onion, chopped
• 2 tbs organic green pepper, chopped
• 1 organic garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup organic wild rice
• 1 cup organic pecans, chopped
• 3 cups organic chicken broth
• sea salt and organic black pepper to taste

Preheat Oven 350*

Heat butter in large pan, add mushrooms, onions, green pepper, and garlic. Cook 5 mins. Add rice and pecans to pan and mix well. Add broth, and sea salt and pepper. Turn into greased casserole, cover and bake 1 hour. Serves 8

Get creative! Organic rice recipes are easy to add your favorite tidbits to.

Organic Rice Pilaf

• 1 cup organic long grain rice
• 4 tbs organic butter or cold pressed organic olive oil
• 1 sm organic onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp organic black pepper
• 1 tsp organic thyme
• 2 1/2 cups steamed distilled water, boiling
• melted organic butter to taste
• organic parsley, chopped to taste

Preheat Oven 350*

Heat butter and saute onions until soft. Add rice and saute for 5 mins over med heat. Add salt, pepper, and thyme.

Add boiling water, stir. Transfer to casserole dish, cover, and bake for 20 mins, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Add melted butter and a sprinkling of parsley if desired. Serves 4-6

Organic Curried Rice

• 1/4 cup organic onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup organic celery, thinly sliced
• 2-3 tsp organic curry powder
• 2 tbs organic butter
• 1 cup organic long grain rice
• 2 cups organic beef broth
• 1/4 cups organic raisins
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup organic cashews, chopped

Melt butter in sauce pan, cook onion, celery, and curry powder till celery is tender. Add rice. Stir in broth, raisins, and salt. Cover, and bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 15 mins or until rice is tender. Let stand, covered, for 10 mins. Stir in cashews. Serves 6

Wondering what to do with leftover veggies? Add them to some rice and sauce and create your own organic rice recipe for stir fry!

Organic Confetti Rice

• 5 cups steamed distilled water
• 2 cups basmati rice, cooked
• 4 tbs cold pressed olive oil
• 1 1/3 cups organic onion, chopped
• 2/3 cup organic yellow summer squash, sliced
• 2/3 cup organic zucchini, sliced
• 1/4 cup organic green pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup organic red pepper, chopped
• 2 organic garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp organic basil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 lg organic tomato, diced
• 4 tsp organic parsley, chopped

Heat oil in skillet, saute onion, for 1 min, stirring constantly. Stir in sqash, zucchini, peppers, garlic, basil, and salt. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender, about ten mins. Stir in tomato and rice. Cook, covered, 10 mins longer, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4

Your only limitation when it comes to organic rice recipes is your imagination. Rice recipes are easy to expand on, adding flavor, texture and more nutrition with your own favorites.