The simple fact is that eating organic is not only healthier for you; it\u2019s healthier for the planet. Aside from contributing to a number of childhood diseases and ADD, artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides seep into ground water. These chemicals eventually pollute and destroy wetlands and rivers. Even our off shore coral reefs are dying in part as a result of nitrogen and pesticides.
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\nOrganic soil has beneficial microbes that feed us ample supplies of essential nutrients that are not available in any synthetic fertilizer compound. These miniscule, helpful bacteria; algae; protozoa; & funguses break down and transform organic compost chemicals into forms that are readily assimilated by plant roots. We are then able to obtain more vitamins and minerals from this pre-digested food than with the agribusiness synthetic method. \u201cConventional\u201d mass-marketed vegetables and fruits are cheaper, but lack optimal nutrition.<\/p>\n
Organic vs. Local \u2013 What\u2019s more sustainable and yet still healthy for you?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve found that produce found at your local Farmer\u2019s Market usually does not come from an industrial agriculture farm, but a smaller, family run farm and it may have been fertilized with a little love too. While sometimes not 100% organic, this could be a better choice, especially if washed thoroughly (see soaking formula below).<\/p>\n
Organic fruits and vegetables actually taste better, as we\u2019d expect Mother Nature to have it. Those enormous pink strawberries in their plastic box, shipped from miles away, are flavorless when compared to the sweetness of a freshly red-ripe plucked one. Speaking of strawberries, they are in season now, and at the top of the \u201cdo not eat unless organic\u201d list.<\/p>\n
The \u201conly eat when organic \u201d list<\/p>\n
according to the www.EnvironmentalWorkingGroup.com, is as follows, diminishing in toxicity towards the bottom. These are the \u201cDirty Dozen\u201d:<\/p>\n
Strawberries 7. Celery
\nBell Peppers 8. Apples
\nSpinach 9. Apricots
\nCherries (USA) 10. Green Beans
\nPeaches 11. Grapes (Chile)
\nCantaloupe (Mexico) 12. Cucumbers<\/p>\n
Other sources also included:<\/p>\n
Plums, nectarines, raspberries, blueberries, domestic grapes, and pears.<\/p>\n
The lowest amount of pesticides are found in:<\/p>\n
Onions Avocado<\/p>\n
Cabbage Broccoli<\/p>\n
Papaya Cauliflower<\/p>\n
Winter squash Watermelon<\/p>\n
Sweet potatoes Tomatoes<\/p>\n
Sweet corn (frozen Pineapples<\/p>\n
Sweet peas (frozen) Mango<\/p>\n
Asparagus Kiwi<\/p>\n
Bananas Arugula<\/p>\n
Watercress Your windowsill Herb Garden<\/p>\n
There are times however, when organic choices are simply not available. Here are two home concoctions to wash your non-organic fruits and veggies.<\/p>\n
Produce Wash (option 1)<\/p>\n
– 20 drops grapefruit seed extract, available at health food stores<\/p>\n
– 1 Tablespoon baking soda<\/p>\n
– 1 cup white vinegar<\/p>\n
– 1 cup water<\/p>\n
– New spray bottle<\/p>\n
Produce Wash (option 2)<\/p>\n
– 1 Tablespoon lemon juice<\/p>\n
– 1 Tablespoon white vinegar<\/p>\n
– 1 cup water<\/p>\n
– New spray bottle<\/p>\n
Spray produce. Let sit 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly to wash away residue.<\/p>\n
NOTE: The baking soda and vinegar will foam when mixed together. Make sure you use a deep pitcher and pour slowly.<\/p>\n
Life is short and sweet, so enjoy those organic strawberry or blueberry in-season whole-wheat shortcakes while they last.<\/p>\n
Coming soon at a local farmer near you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The simple fact is that eating organic is not only healthier for you; it\u2019s healthier for the planet. Aside from contributing to a number of childhood diseases and ADD, artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides seep into ground water. These chemicals … Continue reading