301-779-1978. 4005 34th Street, Mt. Rainier, Md. 20722
Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday 9am-7pm,
Tuesday through Friday: 9am-8pm

You hear terms like these all the time, but what is the difference between Organic and Conventional, or Vegetarian and Vegan? And why should you care? Here are a few tidbits and resources that have helped us understand what it all means, and helped determined what products we are proud to provide to our valued customers, and which ones we opt not to carry. We've also included links to some WikiPedia definitions that you may find helpful in determining what you do or don't want to eat, and why.

Glut tries to provide quality nutritious foods at a reasonable price. We try to avoid over processed chemically tainted foods. We support local and/or organic enterprises of conglomerates and agribusiness whenever possible. While we sell quality local eggs, and a wide selection of dairy products, we do not carry mea or any foods containing meat (this includes fish oil).

Natural Foods: Although there is no legal definition of "natural" we have a general feeling for what it means. We mean foods that are less processed and closer to their natural state. For example:
~Whole grains are more natural than refined
~Fresh fruits are more natural than fruit juice
~Foods without artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives are more natural than foods with these additives

But because there is no legal definition the word natural on a label has virtually no meaning. We must educate ourselves and others and learn to read the fine print on labels. Just because something is sold in a "health food store" does not mean it is healthy. And that includes Glut!

Organic Foods: In 2002 the Federal Government put into place a national program of defining and certifying organic products. Here is a brief summary of these rules:

~Methods of controlling insect pests, diseases and weeds must be approved as organic. This eliminates most of the"conventional" produce, dairy products and meats.
~Methods of fertilizing and feeding plants and animals must be approved as organic
~Farmers and food manufacturers must keep records that will be periodically inspected by state appointed inspectors

Conventional: Produce, dried nuts and fruits, and other products that are not labeled organic, are considered Conventional. This means there is no over site as to what types of fertilizers, pesticides, or other additives are used in the production. However, because the certification process for being certified organic is very expensive and takes a minimum of seven years to complete, many of our products are grown organically, but not certified. If you have questions about specific products, please ask a staff member to explain.

Integrated Pest Management: Some of our produce is grown using Integrated Pest Management, which means it is not necessarily organic, but that they resort to non-organic means as a last resort, and use the least harmful options available to them.

Transitional: Occasionally we will have produce or other products labeled Transitional. This means they are grown on a farm using 100% organic methods, but have not been doing so for the 7 years required for certification. It means the farm is in the process of becoming certified, but has not yet completed the process.

Vegitarian vs Vegan: We define what is vegitarian and what is not based primarily on whether or not an animal has to be killed. Clearly all meat products are not vegetatian, but neither are fish oils, or products containing chicken broth. Vegan products do not contain any animal products at all, including: milk or milk derived protein, eggs, or even honey.