Certified Organic Cheese must be processed according to standards set forth and verified by organizations accredited by the USDA. The USDA sets very high standards for dairy farmers to be able to label their products as Organic Cheese. The process begins with the requirement of farming the land organically for three years prior to certification. All animal feed must be certified organic, meaning that it must be all-natural, cannot be genetically modified, cannot be grown with chemical fertilizers, and must come from a certified organic farm. Of course, although it creates significant limitations, pasture grazing on land that is not sprayed with insecticide is acceptable. Milk producing animals may not be given antibiotics and their diets must be sourced from organic pastures. Inside the production plant, all ingredients in addition to the milk must be certified organic, including rennet, cultures, and any preservatives that may be added. Organic cheese contains no artificial coloring or flavoring, and the enzyme rennet is usually not genetically engineered or animal based. Once a farm achieves all of these standards, it can apply for certification through a licensed third-party agency.
Organic Cheese Makers must have their farms and facilities inspected annually to confirm that organic practices are being employed. These practices range from soil management and pest control methods, to ingredient storage and recordkeeping techniques. Once a cheese is given the USDA Organic seal, it is certified organic having 95 percent or more organic content.
Organic Cheese is considered by some to be superior in quality, health and taste. Organic Cheese contains the calcium and protein of regular cheese plus additional health benefits. Organic Cheese is made entirely from organic milk, which has been shown to contain more Omega-3 fatty acids than regular milk. Omega-3 fatty acids promote a healthy heart, joints and bones. Organic milk also has up to fifty percent more Vitamin E, and up to seventy-five percent more beta-carotene than regular milk. Organic dairies also support the humane treatment of their cattle, and use non-toxic farming techniques that do not harm the environment. Certified Organic Cheese is a natural choice for both its health and environmental benefits. Our selection includes Organic Gouda from Holland, Organic Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy.
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