Can You Justify the Cost of Organic Produce?

Maybe, maybe not. Buying organic produce selectively makes perfect sense to some people. Take the banana, for instance, which has a peel that is thick and is thrown away. It absorbs fewer pesticides than thin-skinned fruit, like the strawberry, which is a veritable sponge for pesticides.

Laboratory tests performed by the United States Department of Agriculture have proven that certain fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of pesticides, even after being washed.

Vegetables and fruits that retain the highest levels of pesticides are among the following: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries. For these items, it would be very beneficial to go to the extra expense of buying organic. The ones with the lowest concentration are: asparagus, avocado, banana, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mango, onion, papaya, pineapple, and sweet peas.

Whenever you buy organic produce, you're supporting a reduction in the use of pesticides and herbicides, as well as any other chemicals that can be released into the environment, particularly the ground water. But that may not always be sufficient cause for a family to spend the extra money in these difficult economic times. Some people believe organic foods to be healthier, and this is their justification for the extra expense of buying organic.

People can be overwhelmed by the data on the harmful effects of different chemicals, particularly because it will often contradicts itself. We know that over time, some potentially carcinogenic pesticides and chemicals accumulate in our bodies as we ingest them, but practically no studies exist that examine the long term consequences of this. Be that as it may, in 1996 a new federal law was passed, making it a requirement for pesticides to adhere to safety standards for children. Since that time, more than twelve pesticides that had been in broad use have been banned, restricted, or withdrawn voluntarily by the manufacturers.

The developing immune, central-nervous, and hormonal systems of children are particularly susceptible to damage from chemical toxins. Although the scientific community previously believed otherwise, a 2005 study found that if a woman has pesticides in her bloodstream they can be passed to a fetus in utero. When the umbilical-cord blood of fetuses was tested for pollutants by the Red Cross, 21 pesticides were discovered. It seems to be a good idea for children and pregnant women to eat organic, thereby controlling their chemical intake.

Right now in America, there are continuous drawn out fights over banning additional pesticides that are known to be harmful and that have been banned by the European Union. But there are several other countries, like Mexico, that are far worse. Chemicals banned in America, and water from the sewage, are frequently used to irrigate and treat crops in Mexico. It would be wise to buy locally-grown fruits and vegetables when purchasing produce that is non-organic. For both conventional and organic products, locally grown produce will be fresher and better tasting. Going to a farmer's market to shop for vegetables is a terrific means of supporting your local produce farmers and saving big bucks on organic produce. In-season produce, which is fresher and more flavorful, is the only kind sold at farmers markets.

Aside from their reduced amount of exposure to chemicals, it has recently been discovered that organic produce is higher in nutrients and antioxidants. In the largest study of its kind in the European Union, organically grown produce was shown to be 40% higher in antioxidants than regular produce -- another clear benefit to buying organic produce. Scientists think this may be due to the fact that plants grown organically experience more stress and, lacking the chemicals that help to reduce this stress, they produce antioxidants as a means of defense.

The decision of whether or not to buy organic produce, or how much to buy, is entirely up to the individual. Evidence indicates that the switch to organic produce would be especially beneficial for children and for pregnant women. Another reason for buying organic is to support local farmer's markets. You should seek the organic alternatives for the types of produce that are the most easily contaminated and retain the most pesticides even after washing. Finally, it can be a good idea when you do purchase conventional produce, to avoid things from third world countries that have lax regulations regarding the use of pesticides and chemicals.

About the Author
Ethan Mantle is an accomplished chef who uses organic produce and fresh, seasonal ingredients both at home with his family and at work. He currently owns Componere Fine Catering, a gourmet San Francisco catering business for those looking for spectacular Napa wedding caterers or San Francisco corporate caterers.

Using Crushed Limestone in Agriculture

Let us talk about organic fertilizers. They have been used by farmers for too many years; however, not a lot of people get to realize their negative effects on the soil. When they are overused, they can be extremely dangerous to plants and even in microorganisms that tend to add more nourishment. Fortunately, a new method of agriculture is being introduced, and it is with the use of crushed limestone. What's more, agricultural lime seems to hold more benefits than organic fertilizers.

The Benefits of Crushed Limestone
An agricultural lime is commonly called pellet. From a huge stone, it has been pulverized to resemble more like a powder. For those who do not know yet the many possible benefits of crushed limestone, it is time for you to get a very good idea of its many blessings:

1. Their size makes it easier to use by farmers. Crushed limestone is very convenient to spread into the soul, and you can even mix it together with some dust. Moreover, the pellets, when combined with water, become so fine that their minerals are easily absorbed by plants.

2. You can use it anywhere. Just when you thought that an agricultural lime is only useful when you have such huge hectares of agricultural products, think again. It can still be perfect even if you are only maintaining a plant box. If you want to make sure that you can minimize the use of fertilizers right into your own garden and food crops, you better make sure that you can get hold of this limestone.

3. It contains calcium. Calcium is not only excellent for human beings, but this mineral is also highly needed by the soil, though indirectly. When there is no calcium, the pH level of the soil will decrease, which will then not be ideal for your crops. A crushed lime contains high level of calcium, which can help in increasing the pH level of the soil. It will also prevent the development of surface crusting and soil erosion, as well as improve the retention of water for the plants. Moreover, this limestone can make any kind of soil more suitable for planting, and the plants will be more tolerable to extremely hot or wet conditions.

4. It can reduce the level of toxicity in the soil. This limestone can minimize the level of aluminum, iron, and manganese in the soil. These trace minerals can have negative impact to the soil and to the crops. For example, iron and manganese can bring down the pH level of the soil. Aluminum, on the other hand, can hinder the complete and effective development of the plants and the roots.

There are a lot of sources you have for crushed limestone, but not all of them are trustworthy. You have to make sure that you can make the proper research before you decide to buy something from them, such as agricultural lime. You do not want to damage your crops with substandard materials.

About the Author
Barker Lime has been in the business of selling crushed limestone for so many years. Thus, you are assured of high-quality products for your agricultural business. They are also products of intensive research and scientific innovation, which then allows them to bring out the real benefits of agricultural lime.