Another Excuse for Me to Crow About Organic Foods

Labor Day typically signals the end of summer, the timing of which means for many people, less locally grown produce. If you buy produce at a farm stand, you have the opportunity to ask the farmer how he treats his crops and soil. You can ask if he uses pesticides or chemical fertilizers. As the growing seasons wind down and you are forced to buy produce at the MegaSuperGroceryStore, consider buying organic produce where possible. Also take a look at the country of origin for each item. Regular readers know that I am an advocate for organic foods and feel strongly that we should reduce the level of pesticides we ingest in our bodies. The benefits of eating organic foods are well documented. I won't make this post a lecture, but organic foods do not contain pesticides, synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, growth hormones, artificial colors, additives or preservatives, irradiation, or use sewage or sludge in farming techniques. You really don't want any of that stuff in your food do you? My great grandparents always had a huge garden, so we had veggies from their own yard. Very few people have time for that anymore, so we are more dependent on stores for everything. Things are different from 50-60 years ago- when a lot of the chemicals and pesticides weren't as prevalent in our food supply chain. We've also become more educated about the role these things play in diseases and cancer rates. I have made a lifestyle choice to buy as much organic product as possible, in an attempt to reduce the amount of bad stuff I consume. I figure the old adage "less is more" applies well here.

Since not everyone has a Whole Foods store nearby, or the major grocery store doesn't carry much in the way of organic produce there may not be many choices. If that's you, ask the grocery clerk or store manager to start carrying some organic produce for you. The challenge for most people will be that organic foods tend to be more expensive. So, if you can't afford to buy a lot of organic products, there is a short list of things that you can concentrate on to minimize your exposure to pesticides and all that other bad stuff I mentioned. At the very least, focus on seeking organic as an alternative for these foods listed below- they tend to have the highest amounts of pesticides, chemicals, additives and hormones:

Meat & Poultry- Even if it's not organic, look for "no antibiotics or growth hormones".

Milk- The fat in dairy products often has pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones.

Peaches-There are 45 different kinds of pesticides regularly applied to peaches, which have very delicate skin.

Bell Peppers- This vegetable has thin skin that does not serve as a barrier to pesticides

Celery- Has no protective skin, so the 29 different kinds of chemicals used to grow conventional celery go right into you with every bite

Strawberries- Nearly 500 pounds of pesticides are used per acre of strawberries. Be especially leery of strawberries imported from countries that do not have similar regulations for pesticide use.

Lettuce- Often contaminated with the strongest pesticides used on crops.

Potatoes- Amazingly have the highest levels of pesticide residue. Since they are grown in the soil, they can pick up any chemicals applied above ground that contaminate the soil and are absorbed by the potato while growing.

Tomatoes- Another delicate skin that is easily punctured, allowing the entire tomato to be contaminated.

So as Labor Day passes and the local farmstands close up shop in the next month or so, be on the lookout for organic produce, milk and meats. It may just contribute to a healthier life for you down the road.
-Rick Rockhill