Friday, June 27, 2008

Safe Fruits and Vegetables



Pineapple

Eat fresh pineapple to your heart's content; the tough skin protects the fruit from any pesticide residue. Give the pineapple a good rinse before cutting; otherwise, residue can follow the knife into the fruit.

Although it's tempting, this is one fruit you won't want to choose with a strong, sweet smell. This usually means it's overripe and fermenting. Avoid any soft spots or damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables



Papaya

Pesticide residue does stay on papaya skin, but with a good wash, this fruit is great for eating.

Look for fruit that is slightly soft and shows no signs of bruising or shriveling. If they're not fully ripened, a brown paper bag for a few days does the trick. Once ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables


Onions

Onions don't face as many threats to pests as other vegetables, so therefore, they require less spraying.

When choosing onions, look for fruit that is firm and has that distinctive "oniony" smell, but isn't too overpowering. Make sure there are no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or the refridgerator.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables


Mango

Mango is protected by its thick skin from any pesticides that are sprayed on the fruit, though rinse before cutting open.

When choosing mango, look for fruit that is bright in color and has a sweet, fruity smell; if it doesn’t have that smell, steer clear. Mangos should be slightly firm, but yield to the touch. Generally speaking, the softer the mango, the sweeter the fruit, but if it's too soft, it may be rotten inside. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Kiwi

The peel of the kiwi provides a barrier from any pesticides used in the production.

Look for fruit that smells good. Kiwi should be plump and yield to a squeeze. Avoid fruit that has moist areas or any bruising on the skin. If unripe is all that is available, take them home and place them in a paper bag.

Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Cabbage

Cabbage doesn't require much in the way of spraying to grow it, so it doesn't contain as many pesticides.

Look for cabbage heads with tight leaves (the exception is savoy; its leaves are loose and crinkly naturally), and the head is heavy and firm. The outer leaves should be shiny and crisp and avoid leaves that show signs of yellowing.

Discard the outer leaves before use and store in your refrigerator crisper.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Broccoli

Conventionally grown broccoli doesn’t retain as much pesticides because the crop faces fewer threats, which means less pesticides are used.

When choosing broccoli, look for tightly bunched flower buds that haven't yet opened. The broccoli should be a deep green in color and the stalks firm and not rubbery.

Wash in a cool water bath before use. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables


Bananas

All pesticides remain on the peel of the fruit, which isn't eaten.

Choosing: A pale yellow peel with green tips is tart and great for frying or pie.
When mostly yellow, the pulp will be firmer and still good for pies and tarts.
The last stage is a deep yellow with brown spots; this is the sweetest for eating.

Store at room temperature or ripen in a brown bag.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Avocados

Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.
Look for fruit that's still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely in a few days sitting on the kitchen counter. Store at room temperature and give them a rinse before cutting them open.

Friday, June 06, 2008

Safe Fruits & Vegetables


Worried that all those organic foods will break the bank?
Here are some you don’t have to worry about.

Asparagus

Asparagus face fewer threats from pests and insects or disease, so fewer pesticides are needed to grow them.

Look for firm spears with bright green or purplish compact tips.
Store them in your crisper or upright in a shallow bowl of water.

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Organic Tomatoes


Our last choice to always buy organic? The tomato.

It's delicate, easily punctured skin is no match for the average 30 different pesticides used in its conventional growth, all of which will eventually permeate the whole fruit.

If you can't find organic, opt for green peas, broccoli and asparagus.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Organic Potatoes


America's most popular side dish, the spud, ranks highest for pesticide residue and may also contain fungicides that are added to the soil for growing; that all too paper-thin skin does nothing to protect the vegetable.

If you can't find organic, some safer alternatives are eggplant, cabbage and earthy mushrooms.