Organic Fruits and Vegetables
Written by admin on July 4th, 2009Organic foods, especially fruits and vegetables, seem to be all the rage these days. Unlike many fads, however, organic foods are deserving of the good press they receive. The meteoric rise in popularity of organic foods has entirely changed the landscape of eating in this country – and all for the better.
Why should you buy organic fruits and vegetables? The number one reason to buy organic produce is that it is not treated with chemical pesticides which not only remain on the fruit we eat but also find their way into the soil of the fields in which the produce is grown and thus, into the groundwater.
The second reason is that they taste better. Organic farmers are growing a wide variety of naturally-occurring, non-genetically modified fruits and vegetables. While factory farming has decimated our choices in the supermarket to the one or two varieties of any type of produce that can best stand up to long distance shipping, organic farmers are bringing back delicate, heirloom varieties that are richer in taste, color and nutrients.
Organic foods are also healthier for you. The USDA’s own research shows that most non-organic produce contain residual pesticides even after washing. Organic certification typically requires that farmers avoid most synthetic chemical inputs (i.e.; pesticides, and antibiotics), genetically modified organisms, irradiation and the use of sewage sludge. Their farmland must be free of chemicals for three or more years and they must maintain a strict physical separation of organic products from non-certified products.
If you’re looking for somewhere to purchase organic fruits and vegetables you will find them almost anywhere you can buy food today including local grocery stores (even mega-retailer, WalMart), fruit stands, farmers markets and online stores with door to door delivery services in many major cities
If there is a downside to organic fruits and vegetables it is cost. Since organic produce tends to be more expensive than non-organic, for some grocery budgets, this can be a hardship. A good way to offset the cost is to become educated and then prioritize.
The following are foods that are exposed to multiple pesticides and therefore have the highest concentrations remaining on them even after washing and peeling. They are listed in the order of the amount of pesticides they retain, with number one being the highest. Consider these priority foods to buy organic:
1. Peaches 4. Celery 7. Cherries
2. Apples 5. Nectarines 8. Pears
3. Sweet Bell Peppers 6. Strawberries 9. Grapes (imported)
10. Spinach
By contrast, here is a list of fruits and vegetables that have been found to contain and retain the least amount of pesticides after washing and peeling. These are much safer to buy in non-organic varieties:
Asparagus Cauliflower Papaya
Avocados Kiwi Pineapples
Bananas Mangoes Sweet Peas
Broccoli Onions
Your health, and that of your family, is of paramount importance. One way you can help to preserve it is through the purchase and consumption of organic fruits and vegetables. With the delicious varieties being grown and the wealth of availability, eating organic is easier now that ever before.
Author: Pablo Maiorino
Tags: cooking tips, fruit, Organic, Organic food, Vegetable
