2009 lettuce/peas/carrots/chard garden bedAs careful as I am with what I purchase at the grocers, there are choices I make that are NOT good for us.
THAT has got to change.
And I am not talking about...
THESE!(THIS is what I find in the cupboard right after Farmboy goes to the grocers for me!)
YIKES!
I have GOT to get back to doin' all of the shopping!
What I AM talking about are those so called "healthy" choices that are not as healthy as they may appear.
The top 12 fruits/vegetables with the HIGHEST levels of pesticides(EVEN after washing) are, in order of severity:
1. peaches (one of my favorites)
2. apples
3. bell peppers
4. celery
5. nectarines
6. strawberries (I thought they would be 1st)
7. cherries
8. pears
9. imported grapes
10. spinach (remember the scary recall a couple years ago???)
11. lettuce
12. potatoes
This list totally changes the way I will be looking at produce from now on.
A lot of these items can be found at fairly reasonable prices in the organics section of my grocers.
And, obviously, some can't.
So...what can I do?
1st off...I belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) where, beginning in early June right thru October, I will be picking up whatever was reaped that week.
It starts out real slow, with beautiful bags of baby greens and perhaps some spring onions.
Then, as the weeks progress, I need my granny cart to haul it all to my van!
My next option, is, of course to grow what I can in my own, pesticide free gardens!
Last year, for the 1st time, I planted potatoes, albeit, a bit late in the season...
But we were eating potatoes from our gardens right thru the new year!
Unfortunately, out of the dirty dozen list, the only other things I grow myself are the bell peppers and lettuce.
So...my next alternative will be to shop locally, at our Farmers Market, when said fruits and veggies are in season. There are many farmers who bring their produce to market, and tho most are NOT organic, there are some that are and that is where I make a bee-line towards.
And, I found that there are several that are not "certified" organic, but practice organic farming nonetheless. For smaller farms, getting certified is not an option as it is quite a pricey road to travel.
The last option, which will likely be the road most often taken when it comes to things like the grapes and nectarines....go without.
I KNOW!
How crazy does THAT sound?
How about you?
Have you made changes in the way you shop?
Are you looking for healthier options at the grocers?
Coming tomorrow...
The top 12 with the LEAST amount of pesticides!
xoxo,
Cindy
A lot of these items can be found at fairly reasonable prices in the organics section of my grocers.
And, obviously, some can't.
So...what can I do?
1st off...I belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) where, beginning in early June right thru October, I will be picking up whatever was reaped that week.
It starts out real slow, with beautiful bags of baby greens and perhaps some spring onions.
Then, as the weeks progress, I need my granny cart to haul it all to my van!
My next option, is, of course to grow what I can in my own, pesticide free gardens!
Last year, for the 1st time, I planted potatoes, albeit, a bit late in the season...
But we were eating potatoes from our gardens right thru the new year!
Unfortunately, out of the dirty dozen list, the only other things I grow myself are the bell peppers and lettuce.
So...my next alternative will be to shop locally, at our Farmers Market, when said fruits and veggies are in season. There are many farmers who bring their produce to market, and tho most are NOT organic, there are some that are and that is where I make a bee-line towards.
And, I found that there are several that are not "certified" organic, but practice organic farming nonetheless. For smaller farms, getting certified is not an option as it is quite a pricey road to travel.
The last option, which will likely be the road most often taken when it comes to things like the grapes and nectarines....go without.
I KNOW!
How crazy does THAT sound?
How about you?
Have you made changes in the way you shop?
Are you looking for healthier options at the grocers?
Coming tomorrow...
The top 12 with the LEAST amount of pesticides!
xoxo,
Cindy
15 comments:
Yep, I've been eyeballing those organics and trying to compare price. They are more expensive, and they don't look quite as beautiful. I will have my own garden again of course, but I'll probably be checking out the farmer's market, too.
I keep my eyes peeled for the organic label ... and the CLOSE my eyes at the price ...
LOVE LOVE LOVE your new dress ...
This post was an eye-opener. I knew that celery just soaks up pesticides, but some of the others were a surprise. We have a supermarket near us that offers a lot of organic produce. I've bought some, but not on a regular basis. I'll have to consult with my husband and see if he's willing to go all the way with organics.
Of course, I will grow some things in my small garden, but the year I grew celery some pest got into it and all of the stalks were hollowed out :-(. I looked online and found a CSA farm about 20 minutes from us, so I will check them out. This post was inspiring, thanks. (Love your new header pic!)
Love the new look of the blog. I am sooo ready for spring! I have been unsuccessful at gardening the past few years, and so I will be following along to pick up pointers!
Oh no - my favourites are on that list :(
I agree that a lot of the small farmers do use organic methods - we use all natural products on our crops, but aren't certified organic because its too expensive.
That CSA sounds like a wonderful thing to be a part of.
Hope you're having a great weekend
Renata :)
Thank you for posting this! I really like your blog!!
Common Cents
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com
ps. Link Exchange?
Pick your own,
http://www.pickyourown.org/
and Local harvest
http://www.localharvest.org/
Are a great way to find local foods! Of course we are trying to grow our own and eat seasonal,but we are not all the way there yet!
Yaay Cindy! Great post ~ always good to have this "list" on hand when making those choices while shopping. LOL ~ my hubby likes to bring home "treats" too...they can do it without all the guilt! :)
Blessings,
Camille
I didn't know all that! Glad you posted it.
My husband planted potatoes last year and we harvested them and ate them well into this year. Plus, our last apples are still in the pantry, so along with the beans and berries i preserved/froze/processed, we had quite a lot of home grown and preserved fruit and veggies.If we resume raising and harvesting our own poultry and lamb, plus the garden produce we should do even better next year. For all those who are unable to raise and grow your own though, I do heartily recommend perusing your local Farmer's Markets for your family. It should be well worth it to get to know them and they are usually more than willing to help you find local sources for your family needs.
Great post FarmGirl!
I really enjoy your blog. I think we have so much in common. I read Animal Mir. Veg. last year and love NOURISHING TRADITIONS, have you read that? I am already planning on growing potatoes again this year in the garden, love growing butt. squash..I could on on and on. I second your entire blog and will blog it myself so I can say more. I try to feed my family and especially my son healthy food as we try to cure him of his cancer.
Take care...
Tonya
love LOVE your new header!
i suppose its time for this deadbeat friend of yours to get that little get well package in the mail...
xoxo
Why is it that all the stuff my kids WILL eat is on THIS list? I bet I can tell you what's on the least sprayed list, based solely on what my kids hate...squash, sweet potatoes, cabbage... And probably peas, asparagus, and onions... Am I close?
I watched Food, Inc and it totally changed my thoughts about food. I even have trouble going into a grocery store now. Thanks for posting the list!!!
Post a Comment