Homemakers and cooks have relied on herbs for centuries because of their flavor, scent and healing qualities. Simple meals with herbs turn into a gourmet meal. Medicinal herbs give comfort and healing for many ailments. Most of the times herbs are added to candles and soaps, used to scent linens, and for many other purposes. If you’re fond of using herbs, you probably need to find a good organic herb supplier.

USDA Organic Certification

When looking for an organic herb supplier, the first thing you should remember is to make sure that the supplier holds a USDA Organic Certificate. An organic supplier could get that certificate and use the term “organic” upon the completion of the organic certification process. He or she must grow the herbs in accordance with the USDA standards, must keep extensive records, must undergo a regular inspection and pay a certification fee. If the organic herb supplier of your choice displays the USDA Organic symbol, you can be assured that the herbs are really organic.

Many of the organic herbs suppliers however choose not to go through the lengthy process of having a USDA certification. They may have some other certification such as “Certified Naturally Grown” or they may not have any certification at all. They called their organic supplies as “natural” since they cannot use the term “organic”.

Still want to know more? Well, you could talk to the organic herb supplier or grower grower and ask about the farming practices they use. You might even want to visit the farm and have a view for yourself. If you take the time, you will find out which “natural” herb growers are actually uncertified organic herb suppliers.

Farmer’s Markets

The best way to find an organic herb supplier is to check out your local Farmer’s

Market. A Farmer’s Market is a place where a farmer could sell his produce directly to the public. Direct purchasing of food from the farmer is lesser compared to the one you buy in supermarkets. It eliminates middle-men and gives a farmer a better price fro his products.

Another good thing of going to a Farmer’s Market is that you can talk directly with organic herb suppliers and have queries on how they grow the herbs. You can also learn new ideas on how to use the herbs that they sell. Farmers have a lot of idea on that matter. You could learn how to make a medicinal lavender tea to soothe your nerves, or how to make thyme jelly to serve with an organic pork roast.

CSA’s

Another way to find an organic herb supplier is to check out local CSA’s. CSA stands for

Community Supported Agriculture which is a local small farm that sells “shares” of its produce. A CSA share often provides enough vegetables for a family of four. You usually buy a “share” and pick up whatever vegetables, herbs and other products the farm produces at specific intervals.  

If you are specifically interested in the CSA as an organic herb supplier, check out the CSA’s in your area carefully. Visit the farms ask what kinds of produce you can expect to receive and how much they usually supply.

Although you can find an organic herb supplier that ships dried herbs over long distances, going to the Farmer’s Market or buying a CSA share helps support the farmers in your area.