LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

Where The World Meets™

by Jackie Pikula

I honestly never had a big interest in buying organic fruits or vegetables before my child started eating solids. When I saw that many of my health conscious friends were giving their young children organic produce, I began to question if ‘organic’ was worth buying, considering the higher cost.

According to one American scientific study done in 2002, organic produce contains 1/3 less overall than conventional produce with fruit having higher pesticide levels than vegetables. Although there are regulations in place to limit our pesticide consumption, there is little known on the accumulation of different pesticides interact in the body over time. As stated in an article in Prima magazine (France), recent studies have shown an increase in certain cancers, imbalanced hormones and nervous systems. These effects have a possible link to consuming the pesticides found in produce. Young children are even more at risk of related health problems since they have low body weight, immature immune systems and tend to rid their bodies of toxins more slowly.

According to a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle, organically grown fruits and vegetables are proving to have higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals than those of conventional ones. The article made reference to a number of recent comparative studies that have confirmed this. The industrialization of farming methods (the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) would account for the lower nutritional value of conventional crops.

If you can’t avoid buying fruits or vegetables of the higher level pesticide list, it would be best to wash them thoroughly with cold water and scrub vegetables that are hearty. Contrary to what some people believe, I have read that using dish soap should be avoided since a residue can remain. Cooking or peeling fruits and vegetables can lower the level of chemical residue -- keep in mind that many of the nutrients are unfortunately lost this way. The author of ‘What to Expect the Toddler Years’, shares some good advice for reducing the risks of pesticide exposure by buying produce that is in season (less likely to be coated with wax or post-harvest fungicides or pesticides) and by buying local produce which is less likely to be post-harvest sprayed for protection during shipping. Keep in mind that certain developing countries that export produce are very lax on the use of pesticides. Another tip they give is to buy imperfect produce that have blemishes, meaning that they were probably grown and shipped with a minimum of chemicals.

“THE GROCER”

by Elyahou Lallouz

The farming method used to grow organic crops differs from that of conventional produce in a big way. Organic farmers use natural fertilizers and pesticides whereas conventional farmers use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, organic farmers use crop rotations and other forms of husbandry to maintain soil fertility and weed control, whereas conventional farming methods use synthetic herbicides. The result; conventional produce leave harmful chemical residue while organic has very little. Organic produce with pesticides have nothing to do with the farming production, but rather from the environmental contamination, such as long-lived residue of banned organochlorine pesticides, or from ‘drift’ of adjacent non-organic farms.

We obviously can’t buy everything organic. Produce is not only limited, but expensive as well, sometimes up to 30 percent higher. When you can't buy organic foods, you can always try to buy fruits and vegetables which are consistently lower in pesticides, while at the same time avoiding the purchase of those that are high in pesticides. Root vegetables; carrots, turnips and potatoes tend to have higher pesticides. Produce with thick removable peels; bananas, oranges, melons (except from Mexico) have some protection against chemicals.

Fortunately, in many western countries, organic food is gaining popularity. Many of the supermarket chains have dedicated sections to organic products. Certain chains even have their own label on many everyday products such as cereals, jams, cheeses, juices and frozen fruit and vegetables, allowing them to be more affordable. Farmer’s markets are a great way to get fresh local organic produce at reasonable prices. It’s also a good idea to buy in bulk and freeze whatever you won’t be using right away. If you live in the US or England, it’s possible to buy a share in a community supported organic farm and get a weekly supply of produce from the Spring until Fall for a very low cost. No matter where you live, it’s always possible to buy your in-season produce directly from an organic farm without going through an intermediary.

Overall, it makes sense to selectively buy organic fruits and vegetables when the conventional equivalent is high in pesticides, but there are several things to consider beforehand. Is the product going to be freshly eaten? It probably won’t matter if I’m going to be making a soup. Is the product available? I’m certainly not going to drive out of my way looking for organic carrots if my local supermarket does not have them on a given day. Is the product too costly? Prices vary from time to time depending on what the store gets in, and from where. If the product is 30 percent higher, than I opt for conventional produce originating from France instead. Fortunately organic baby food or frozen vegetables can always be found in the same place without much fluctuation in price. At least by following the above guidelines, I am limiting my or my family’s ingestion of harmful chemicals while at the same time benefiting from some extra nutritional value.

Originally from San Francisco, Jackie Pikula has been living in France for the past 8 years. Her articles are geared toward Anglophone moms and focus mainly on Health and Well-Being. She can be reached via email: jgishkin@hotmail.com