Background and methodology:
Do organic fruits and vegetables taste better than conventional fruits and vegetables? Consumers of organic food give “better taste” as the major reason for purchasing organic fruits and vegetables. Second, the levels of some phenolic compounds are known to be higher in organic fruits and vegetables and third, many sellers, distributors and promoters of organic food claim that organic foods taste better. As the organic industry moves towards more direct claims regarding comparative taste in advertising and product labeling, it is essential to support such claims with a strong body of evidence from carefully designed and controlled experiments.
Findings:
Most studies report no consistent or significant differences in taste and organoleptic quality. It is extremely rare that the taste of organically grown fruits and vegetables is found to be poorer than that of fruits and vegetables grown conventionally or with integrated techniques. Several studies have reported that organic produce stores better and has longer shelf life than conventional produce due to the lower nitrate levels in organic produce. Organic apples are generally firmer and have superior storage properties. Organic potatoes contain more vitamin C. Many studies have found that lower yields, better taste, more vitamin C and higher antioxidant levels in organic fruits and vegetables are correlated with lower levels of readily available nitrogen.
Reference:
Theuer, R. C. (2006). Do organic fruits and vegetables taste better than conventional fruits and vegetables? State of the Science Review: Taste of organic food. The Organic Center. www.organic-center.org