What is Biodynamic Farming? Eating Biodynamic Foods
What is Biodynamic Farming?
Biodynamic farming, food and eating came about in 1924 when an Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner wrote a series of lectures coining the term “biodynamic”. The basis of the idea is that for food to provide the best nourishment possible where the food comes from and how it is grown must be treated as a whole dynamic. This means that the soil, animals, people, plant life and any other forms of life that are in the growing area are all interconnected and should be treated as such to yield the best nourishment for everything involved.
Planting, growing and harvesting is done in accordance with the celestial calendar and the natural rhythms of the seasons. It’s an old school way of producing food in an organic way. No artificial fertilizers or pesticides are ever used in the farming process. The basis of growing organically ties into the inter-connected ideal, in that if a chemical pesticide is used that is toxic to humans, animals or the soil then it can damage the nutritional value of the food produced.
For more information on living a biodynamic lifestyle, see Biodynamic Eating on a Budget and Top 5 Biodynamic Teas & Where to Get Them.
Eating Biodynamic Foods
Biodynamic farming, food and eating came about in 1924 when an Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner wrote a series of lectures coining the term “biodynamic”. The basis of the idea is that for food to provide the best nourishment possible where the food comes from and how it is grown must be treated as a whole dynamic. This means that the soil, animals, people, plant life and any other forms of life that are in the growing area are all interconnected and should be treated as such to yield the best nourishment for everything involved.
Planting, growing and harvesting is done in accordance with the celestial calendar and the natural rhythms of the seasons. It’s an old school way of producing food in an organic way. No artificial fertilizers or pesticides are ever used in the farming process. The basis of growing organically ties into the inter-connected ideal, in that if a chemical pesticide is used that is toxic to humans, animals or the soil then it can damage the nutritional value of the food produced.
That being said, then how does one begin to eat in a biodynamic way? The first step would be moving toward an organic diet to get the body used to eating in a healthier and non-chemically processed way. Once the body has become accustomed to the organic food, the next step would be to visit your local Whole Foods Market or other local organic food store and inquire about the biodynamic food that they carry. You can also become a regular at your local farmer’s markets and inquire about the growing practices of the local organic farmers.
The Steiner Storehouse, which is an organization named for Rudolf Steiner, who are committed in helping farmers and consumers develop a more biodynamic lifestyle is an excellent resource. The group offers links and information on how to obtain biodynamic foods such as coffees, teas, grains and even snacks. The storehouse is located in Portland, Oregon where they help to support several local biodynamic farmers and products. For more information visit their main web site at: www.steinerstorehouse.com
Demeter is another great source for biodynamic information, farming and where to find organic companies that are biodynamic. The organization is the only international, ecological biodynamic certification group in the world. You can visit their main web site at www.demeter.org
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This post is part of the series: Biodynamics
Learn about biodynamics and how moving to this organic way can enhance your overall health.