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Part 1 of a 3 part series
The words “organic” and “all-natural” conjure up memories of a ‘70s childhood when my mother grew alfalfa sprouts in our kitchen, baked whole wheat bread from scratch and fed us wholesome carob desserts and homemade yogurt. But now in the 21st century, eating organic no longer implies hippie, just healthful and environmentally conscientious.
We’re seeing it more and more often in the produce aisle at the grocery store: signs and labels proclaiming “USDA Certified Organic.” So what does the term “organic” mean when applied to fruits and vegetables? It goes back to how these foods are grown: without chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are typically used in conventional farming. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides and determines which levels are considered safe for consumption. But pesticides such as DDT that were once thought safe were later, after the damage was already done, found to cause birth defects and cancer in both humans and animals, and have since been banned in the U.S. Yet DDT and other pesticides have lingered in the soil, continuing to contaminate crops, our drinking water and the air that we breathe.
Study after study finds that organic foods are higher in vitamins and minerals. It has been suggested that organic plants make healthy compounds as a sort of defense mechanism to help combat insects, whereas plants that are treated with insecticides aren’t forced to fend for themselves. Most people agree that organically farmed produce has better texture and is more flavorful than their conventional counterparts.
Some foods are treated with more pesticides than others. According to the non profit research organization Environmental Working Group, the following foods retain more pesticides and are best to eat organically:
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Pears
- Peaches
- Mexican Cantaloupe
- Apricots
- Celery
- Bell Peppers
- Spinach
- Green Beans
Produce with the least amount of pesticide residue include:
- Avocados
- Corn
- Onions & Green Onions
- Sweet Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Plums
- Watermelon
These lists are general guidelines. Pesticide residue varies among country of origin. Your best bet is to buy produce from your local farmers’ market, asking the farmers questions about their agricultural practices. If you’re on a budget, you can still eat organically by joining a food coop or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Both of the following sites will guide you in the right direction:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/campaigns.htm
http://www.localharvest.org
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