Of Produce and Pesticide.

[hippywife]

A while back I posted a link to a story in the WaPo called "Five Easy Ways to Go Organic." It had a link to the Environmental Working Groups rating of the pesticide load carried in produce, even after washed, peeled, cooked.

Here is the full data set. Since we don't have a whole lot of discretionary income, I've been using this to decide which items I can buy conventionally with reasonable safety and which I need to buy organic. Helps get the biggest bang for your organic dollar.

Maybe someone else will find this useful:

http://www.foodnews.org/fulldataset.php

And an explanation of their criteria and methodology in compiling the list:
http://www.foodnews.org/methodology.php

Edited to add: Big Win for Monsanto, Big Loss for the Pesticide-Conscious Consumer:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/pesticide-data-program-cut-44052108

[Warpy]

1. I didn't see in the methodology section

where they either washed or peeled any of it.

It's more than a little problematic that they didn't specify this.

[hippywife]

2. Check out the section

below the chart on this page:

http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php

[Warpy]

3. I see. They were NOT peeled.

[hippywife]

4. ...

While washing and rinsing fresh produce may reduce levels of some pesticides, it does not eliminate them. Peeling also reduces exposures, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the peel.


I take that to mean that peeling does not completely eliminate exposure.

I tend not to be very trusting of most conventional farming and big agribusiness, so if I'm erring, it will be on the side of caution.

[Warpy]

5. That's why I peel commercially grown fruits

and veggies. Yes, some of the good stuff might be lost. However, I use a serrated peeler that takes off the thinnest layer possible. Most of the nutrients just under the skin are still there when I'm done.

[hippywife]

6. But you can't peel everything.

I usually make peach, strawberry, and blueberry jam every spring. Yesterday, I bought a flat of blueberries because they are lower on the list and have a safer rating. I may buy some organic strawberries for a batch of jam later.

[wildeyed]

7. Good info.

I won't bother with the organic avocados anymore.

[hippywife]

8. At least it lets you

make some informed choices when your food budget isn't limitless. :hi:

[wildeyed]

11. Especially these days.

Plus we have two little ones. The pesticide levels are higher in kids eating conventional produce than in adults. :scared:

Love my garden :loveya: Getting all that organic produce for pennies on the dollar is another way we are stretching the food budget these days while continuing to eat mostly organic.

How is your garden recovering after the big storm?

[hippywife]

12. If I had kids,

I'd definitely be even more conscious of this stuff. I always wonder how much all of this and the crap they put the meat through isn't at least one of the sources for so much of the ADD, ADHD, autism, etc. We'll probably never know, at least in our lifetimes. You're a good mom. :hug:

The garden is definitely going to be a big help with prices the way they are in the grocery. I find it very hard to find much there anyway with the change in the way we eat. Still get my staples at Aldi's which is a real budget saver for us.

The garden is making a comeback. I still have to replant the tomatoes and peppers. There were a couple that survived, tho. The squash, melon, cukes, and pumpkin plants that were so small and some not even sprouted when the storm hit are doing really well. Herbs are coming along fine, too, and three of the strawberry plants survived. I have five more coming from the co-op this week. Thanx for asking.



:hi: :hug:

[pinto]

9. Thanks for the info. Agree, with Warpy, as well, about the peeling.

Good stuff though. :thumbsup:

[hippywife]

10. You're welcome.

Like I said, you can't peel everything, and besides, all of those chemicals sprayed on the foliage have to be taken up into the fruit, so peeling still won't eliminate the entire threat. At least the list gives you something to work from in assessing the risk.

:hi: