Organic vs. Conventional: What’s Really Different in Your Food?

G’day everyone,

Hope you’ve been enjoying the fine weather like we have. This week I wanted to share with you some important information that often gets overlooked in the age old argument between Organic vs Non-Organic. I often tell people that Organic is so much more than just being chemical free, that part is really just the tip of the iceberg. Science is unveiling incredible findings for our health when they start to compare food grown in healthy rich soil vs food grown mostly with fertilisers.

When people hear “organic,” they often think of food that’s cleaner—grown without pesticides, antibiotics, or synthetic fertilisers. And that’s true. But there’s another layer that doesn’t always get talked about: the actual nutrient and compound profile inside the food itself.

Specifically, we’re talking about phenolic compounds and phytonutrients. These are natural chemicals that plants produce—not for us, but for their own survival. And interestingly, how a plant is grown changes how much of these compounds end up in your food.

Phenolic Compounds: The Plant’s Natural Armor

Phenolic compounds are like a plant’s built-in defence system. They protect against pests, diseases, UV light, and environmental stress.

In conventional farming, plants are often protected by external chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides). Because of that, the plant doesn’t have to “fight” as hard, so it produces fewer phenolic compounds.

In organic farming, plants don’t have that external shield. They’re more exposed to insects and stress, which pushes them to make more of their own protective compounds.

For us, that matters. These compounds are antioxidants, which help protect our cells from damage. In other words, when a plant defends itself, it’s also giving us a defence boost.

Phytonutrients: The Hidden Good Stuff

Phytonutrients are the colourful, flavourful, and often bitter compounds that make fruits and vegetables so powerful for our health. Think of the deep red in tomatoes (lycopene) or the strong taste of kale (glucosinolates).

Conventional crops sometimes show lower levels of phytonutrients because fast growth and chemical support mean the plant doesn’t invest as much energy in building them.

Organic crops tend to have higher concentrations. Slower growth, richer soil biology, and more natural stress all stimulate plants to produce these nutrients.

Research has shown this can mean more vitamins, stronger flavours, and potentially greater health benefits in organic produce.

Why This Matters for You

When you choose organic, you’re not just avoiding chemical residues—you’re often getting food that’s more alive and nutrient dense. More antioxidants. More natural defences. More of the compounds that make plants powerful allies for our health.

It’s less about “organic is perfect” and more about recognising that the way we grow food shapes what ends up inside it. The plant’s struggle becomes our strength.

Next time you bite into an organic apple or tomato, know this: it’s not just pesticide-free. It’s carrying the story of a plant that had to tough it out—and you get to benefit from that resilience.

Thank YOU for joining us on this epic journey & supporting Your Organic farmers!