Simple way to identify organic vegetables
(Baonghean.vn) - Organic vegetables are naturally grown vegetables, ensuring absolute safety. However, there are many types of vegetables on the market labeled organic, but you cannot know exactly whether they are clean vegetables or not. Below are the simplest ways to identify organic vegetables, 'pocket' them for yourself.
1. Vegetables with PGS certification stamp
Each country uses different organic certification stamps. In Vietnam, the PGS certification stamp is currently used; only vegetable products that meet the conditions of organic production standards can carry the PGS label and be recognized as organic vegetables. These are vegetables grown according to clean processes and developed naturally.
During the growing process, no chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides, growth stimulants, mutant genes or preservatives are used.
- 2. About color
- This is how to identify organic vegetables that you should remember because it helps a lot when buying vegetables. Organic vegetables have a very true green color; most organic vegetables are slightly yellowish green. With vegetables with a lot of chemical fertilizers, the vegetables will have a dark green color due to excess nitrogen - this green color attracts pests that harm plants and is harmful to the health of users (nitrate residue).
3. Shape of stem and leaves
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Organic vegetable leaves are always thick, the leaf blades are short and balanced. You can feel the hardness of the leaves by touching them. If you look closely, you will see that the parts develop very evenly, with no signs of a fat stem.
4. Crisp body, heavy weight, solid
Organic vegetables are often very crisp (but have little or no fiber), they are not limp like vegetables grown with chemical fertilizers or growth stimulants, their stems are firm but not shiny (because shiny is a sign of too much water retention in the plant).
5. Slow to wilt, easy to preserve
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Organic vegetables can be stored at room temperature for several days without fear of spoilage, and do not need to be refrigerated. When the plants wilt, a light spray of water can restore them to their original state. Unlike “chemical vegetables” that will spoil if water is sprayed on them.
6. Very crispy and delicious (retains natural flavor)
In terms of taste, when eaten, the difference is very clear. Organic vegetables have a stronger, more natural smell due to the ability to accumulate nutrients over a long enough period of time. The quality of organic vegetables is shown in their deliciousness, crispiness and natural aroma; eaten raw or lightly stir-fried with oil is also very delicious, the less spices are used when stir-frying, the more delicious they are.
When organic vegetables are boiled, the water is clear and has no film. As for dirty vegetables, the water will be cloudy and have a film on the surface.
How to grow organic vegetables at home
*Prepare tools:Plastic trays, foam trays for planting; choose plastic trays because they are more convenient, easy to drain, and durable.
Substrate: You can use coconut fiber or rice husk, because these types of substrates have the ability to retain moisture and drain well.
- Vegetable seeds: You should buy at a reputable place to own good, quality vegetable seeds.
* Soak seeds:First, wash the seeds, remove the bad seeds, then soak them in warm water. You can wrap the seeds in a towel.
When the seeds are plump and start to crack, remove the seeds from the towel. Mix the seeds with the growing medium to prevent them from clumping together.
* Planting:Mix the treated coconut fiber mixture with nutritious soil, or you can use completely nutritious soil. Put the mixed soil mixture into the tray, with enough thickness (1-2 cm from the tray surface). Use additional organic fertilizer to fertilize the surface layer.
Spray the soil tray evenly to moisten it (spray a small stream of water); Spread the vegetable seeds evenly on the nursery tray, cover the seed surface with a thin layer of soil.- Place the seed tray in a cool place, water 2-3 times/day, cover with black net. When the seeds start to grow leaves, move the plant to a place with lots of light for photosynthesis, growth and development.
* Take care of:Place the plant in a sunny place for it to grow well; Water the plant regularly. On hot summer days, water twice a day, early in the morning and cool in the afternoon.
Prune damaged, wilted, and stunted plants to create open space for vegetables to grow evenly.
- Provide extra nutrients for vegetables to grow evenly, green well, and be harvested quickly.
