I am all about organic art, but I also eat organic too, that is why my art is 'double organic' you might say. My works are produced with produce, flowers and fruits and herbs that come either from my own backyard or the organic CSA we belong to for half the year. Many say that they can't eat better, or afford organic food, and yes it usually is more expensive, but you are getting health for what you are paying for and not all kinds of other things that come with commercially grown un-organic foods. Things such as pesticides which can cause all kinds of aliments which you do end up paying for in pain, loss of work and doctor visits, medications, etc. Then there are the hormones, vaccinations, genetically engineered seeds, and more. All things to make you unhealthy, so why not try to make some changes today?
I found this great list to get you started. Even if you can't afford to buy (or can't find) all your foods organic, this is a good start. It is a list of the 12 most contaminated produce and the 12 least contaminated. Try to print this out and put it in your wallet so when shopping you can make healthier choices for you and your family.
12 MOST Contaminated Produce Items
Apples
Bell Peppers ( all kinds, green, red, yellow, orange)
Celery
Cherries
Imported Grapes
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries
( it is interesting and assuring too that my organic farm has all the above except for the grapes and cherries, plus much more of course, but they are careful to know these are highly contaminated in regular produce).
12 LEAST Contaminated Produce items
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn (Sweet)
Kiwi Fruit
Mangos
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Peas (sweet)
You may have noticed there is a commonality in the first list among the items, and then there is a commonality in the second group among those 12. Do you see what it is? I'll give you a chance to go back and read each item in the two groups. Try picturing the fruit or veggie as you do.
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Did you figure out what it is? Look at the first group, All these items have very thin skins, and all are usually eaten with these skins (some do peel their potatoes, but others leave the skins on because there is much nutrition in the skins, but not if it's counteracted with unhealthy pesticides and more! ).
Now look at the second group. Many of these items you have to peel to eat, such as the Avocados, Bananas, Corn, Kiwi, Mangos, onions, Papayas Pineapples and peas need to be shelled, notice oriental pea pods are not included. I am not sure why Asparagus, Broccoli and Cauliflower are on this list which do not have to be peeled, but from experience in growing myself and also getting from the farm I know that these three are pretty much disease and insect resistant and may not require as much spraying as other crops so that may be the reason.
As far as judging other produce and what to buy organic and what is fairly safe to get un-organic, use that rule of thumb about the thickness of the skin and if the item is usually peeled before eating or cooking.
Bon Apetite!
Hey, have you seen Julie and Julia yet? If not I recommend it's worth to buy a ticket and see it on the big screen. You may even find yourself renting or buying the video when it comes out but now, during the summer harvest season when there is so much available fresh, it really is a great movie to inspire some great cooking. I went to see it only a few days after losing Jazz to get me out of the house basically and still was able to enjoy it enough to recommend, so I know that I will be looking to either see it again in the theatre (it is still playing near me) or getting the DVD when it comes out. It's even inspired my non cooking husband to want to try to learn how to cook and that can't be bad! :)
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