The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, veggies, grains, dairy and meat. It is true that organic foods are better for you and for the environment- there are no pesticides which means healthier soil, water and wildlife. While research is inconclusive, consuming foods that have fewer pesticides and fewer food additives has to be better for you. Unfortunately, buying organic is expensive (although, prices are coming down) and not always available.
But, when shopping, here is a list (based on information by the USDA) of some fruits and veggies that you should purchase organically because they contain pesticides: Nectarines, celery, pears, peaches, apples, cherries, strawberries, grapes, spinach, potatoes, bell peppers, raspberries.
Here is a list of fruits and veggies that you don't have to buy organically (notice that some have a thick inedible skin which protect the fruit): Avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, corn, kiwi, mangoes, onions, papaya, pineapples.
With regard to milk, eggs, poultry, meat and fish- it can't hurt to buy organic. Do you really want unknown pesticides in your body? Treat your body right by eating healthy and living well.
A great healthy organic recipe to try yourself is from Earhbound Farm Organic Cookbook:
Kathy's Rosemary-Roasted Chicken:
1 small roasting chicken
olive oil
3 cloves of minced garlic
2 lemons
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves (plus 8 sprigs)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coarse kosher salt
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375F
Rinse and remove excess fat of the chicken and pat dry
Place chicken in a roasting pan. Rub with some olive oil and garlic. Squeeze the juice of the lemons over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and salt and pepper. Place the sprigs of rosemary under the skin and under each wing. Place the juiced lemon halves and remaining sprigs in the chicken cavity.
Bake the chicken breast side up basting it with the pan juices. It should take 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. When it's done, let it rest outside of the oven with loosely covered foil, for about 20 minutes before carving and serving.
To learn more, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com
