So you have received those organic peanuts you had ordered directly from the farmer through Farmizen, but what is this, some of the nuts have holes in them!
This is not something you expect after paying a premium for organic produce, but to be honest this is actually something you should expect from time to time.
The Truth About Bugs in Organic Food
Here's the counterintuitive truth: bugs in your organic food can actually be a good sign!
Why? Because it means:
- No harmful pesticides were used
- The food is truly organic
- The environment is healthy enough to support insect life
Why Conventional Food Looks "Perfect"
Conventional produce looks perfect because:
- Strong pesticides kill all insects
- Fumigation during storage
- Chemical treatments post-harvest
- Genetic modification for pest resistance
These treatments keep bugs away but leave residues that you end up consuming.
Common Bugs in Organic Staples
Weevils in Rice and Flour
Tiny beetles that lay eggs in grains. Harmless if accidentally consumed.
Moths in Pulses
Common in organic dals and legumes. The larvae are what you might see.
Fruit Flies
Attracted to ripe organic fruits. A sign of natural ripeness.
Prevention and Solutions
At Home
- Bay leaves - Add to containers to repel bugs
- Neem leaves - Traditional Indian method
- Freeze - 48 hours in freezer kills eggs and larvae
- Sun drying - Traditional method that works well
- Airtight containers - Prevents infestation
Proper Storage
- Cool, dry places
- Away from direct sunlight
- Don't mix old and new stock
- Use within recommended time
The Bottom Line
A few bugs don't make organic food bad – they make it real. At Farmizen, we believe in transparency about organic produce, including its minor imperfections.
Those occasional bugs are proof that your food is genuinely chemical-free!
