Do Additives and Preservatives Make Foods Last Longer?
Commercial foods use a variety of preservatives and other chemical additives to make them stay fresh longer, while organic foods are free of these unnatural ingredients. Preservatives can keep food from spoiling, but it can also cause foods to break down even faster under certain conditions like hot weather. An organic apple stored in a cool dry place may actually last longer than an apple with preservatives that is kept in a warm, humid environment. Organic produce typically contains less water than its commercially farmed counterparts. A lower water content can protect food from spoiling in the same way as preservatives, often meaning your organic produce will stay fresh just as long as foods with additives and chemicals that prolong freshness without the risk of harmful chemical residues. What About Organic Meats and Dairy Products? Just like produce, organic sausage, chicken, and other foods that require chilled storage lack the additives and preservatives that help the same commer