The Produce to Always Buy Organic—and Why 2022

If you still trust that the FDA has our best interests at heart, know that Dacthal, a classified potential carcinogen that has been consistently found on kale, continues to be legal. 

The Environmental Working Group recently announced that nearly 60 percent of kale samples sold in the US were contaminated with this herbicide. This news follows reports over the years that confirm the presence of Dacthal on various crops, including beans, cucumbers, and artichokes, even after the EPA classified its carcinogenic potential in the mid-1990s. The European Union prohibited any use of this dangerous chemical more than a decade ago.

Where does that leave us? Fending for ourselves. We need to vet what we put on our plates and in our bodies. One excellent resource to help us stay informed is the EWG’s Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen: two annual lists that corral the fruits and vegetables with the lowest and highest amounts of residue from potentially harmful pesticides. On the 2022 lists, you'll find that non-organic kale—as well as non-organic collard and leafy greens—are some of the biggest culprits of having toxic residue. 

The others are also consistent. Strawberries always land in the top spot as one of the most contaminated crops. Department of Agriculture findings have shown conventional strawberries to have an average of more than seven different types of pesticides, with some samples showing twenty-plus pesticides. (For the full 2022 list, read on.)

It's criminal that chemicals linked to health issues continue to be sprayed—legally!—on our foods. The US lags behind other nations when it comes to healthy agricultural practices. Thankfully advocacy organizations like the EWG exist to help us parse through the rhetoric. 

It's imperative that we continue to advocate for a food supply system by supporting small, sustainable farmers and buying organic produce. We can also take action at the grassroots, state, and national levels for the eradication of harmful chemicals—once and for all.

The 2022 ‘Dirty Dozen’

This is a smart resource to help determine which fruits and vegetables are most impacted by pesticides and other chemicals. However, there are dozens of fruits and vegetables left off this list, which is why at PrimaFoodie we suggest opting for organic produce to minimize your exposure and consumption of potentially toxic chemicals. When buying organic presents a hurdle, aim to always go organic for these twelve.

1.) Strawberries
2.) Spinach
3.) Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
4.) Nectarines
5.) Apples
6.) Grapes
7.) Bell and Hot Peppers
8.) Cherries
9.) Peaches
10.) Pears
11.) Celery
12.) Tomatoes

The 2022 ‘Clean Fifteen’

When buying organic is an obstacle, the following list of conventional fruits and vegetables shows the options that are least impacted by pesticides and herbicides. But still take note: A minimal amount of residue still tends to show up on the skins or in the fruits—so if possible, still opt for organic if you can.

1.) Avocado
2.) Sweet Corn
3.) Pineapple
4.) Onions
5.) Papaya
6.) Frozen sweet peas
7.) Asparagus
8.) Honeydew Melon
9.) Kiwi
10.) Cabbage
11.) Mushrooms
12.) Cantaloupe
13.) Mangoes
14.) Watermelon
15.) Sweet Potatoes

 For full downloadable versions, visit theEnvironmental Working Group.

3 Ways to Fight for a Healthier Food System

First, the dark truth: We know the food system in the U.S. is broken. Copious food is left wasted each year while millions face food insecurity. People are sick from diet-related issues. Animals in factory farms suffer abuse. There is a lack of access to fresh foods. These examples, as well as the others we’ve written about, are unsettling.

What is even more disturbing is the fact that these issues are not natural occurrences. They’re entirely human-caused. You can’t look at any of these problems without seeing the direct line to the giant corporations set on one goal: profit. As dark as this is, acknowledging this fact opens the gate for the light: We can fight back.

We don’t say this lightly. Fighting the massive corrupt food system is a gigantic battle. Policies need to change, as do allowances for systemic corruption and moneyed lobbyists. But pushing back and fighting for a world in which the way we grow, source, and distribute our food is equitable and humane is a feat we cannot avoid—and it takes every one of us.

Considering all time and financial budgets, here are three ways to start.

1.)   Shop the farmers’ market. It’s more nutritious. It’s tastier. It’s even more fun. But that’s not the only reason we always tout shopping at your farmers’ market. Getting your produce, meats, and other goods from local farmers and purveyors means you’re putting dollars in their pockets rather than in the bank accounts of Walmart and Tyson. It comes down to supply and demand. Take the power out of the giants’ hands and back into those who care.

2.)   Shop small. It’s common and disheartening: You pick up an “organic” food item thinking you’re making the healthier choice. Then you look closely and see the name ‘ConAgra’ on the label. A handful of corrupt food giants have a monopoly on the foods available in markets, including those labeled as organic, natural, and the like. It can be hard to avoid these companies all together, but sourcing some staples from small, local, independently owned brands can help to take some wind out of the giants’ sails. It’s also a way to connect with your community. (Note: If you’re looking for tips on small brands to shop in your city, send us a note and we’ll sleuth some finds for our next Conscious Small Brands Guide.)

3.)   Support the organizations doing the legwork. A varied mix of non-profits and other organizations are working to fight corporate control and food injustice. The Institute for Local Self Reliance, which focuses on empowering local business, and The Human League, which fights for humane and just food practices, are two endeavors doing noble work. Supporting their efforts can come in many forms, such as signing up for their newsletters, following them on social media, making a donation, or signing a petition.

Curious to learn more about sustainable food systems? Join Nichole and ethnoecologist Robin Currey for their conversation on food resilience, local sourcing, and more at our upcoming HEAL with PrimaFoodie Summer Health Summit. Learn more and get your tickets HERE.

A Short Guide to PrimaFoodie-Approved Alternative Sweeteners

Reducing sugar is one of the hardest nutritional feats. For starters, we’re chemically wired to crave it. Continued research shows that sugar is as addictive—if not more addictive—than cocaine. Added to this is the hard fact that sugar is everywhere. Literally everywhere. It’s added to processed foods like sauces, condiments, packaged snacks, and drinks, and it’s naturally found in whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, and grains.

This all may sound overwhelming. In many ways, sugar is the substance that haunts us. But we can have agency over it—and this starts with rethinking how we sweeten our foods. A healthy start is to stop using any processed sugars, which include refined table sugars and sweeteners. These have a higher glycemic index that can cause our blood sugars to spike. (Processed sugars are also linked to inflammation and decreased immunity.)

On the contrary, there are some natural substances that lend a sweetness to foods and offer a healthier alternative to the ubiquitous white crystals. (Some also offer small amounts of beneficial nutrients.) Here are our seven PrimaFoodie favorite alternatives to conventional processed sugar.

Date Syrup

Date syrup is made by boiling down dates and straining them. The result is a thick, sweet syrup that’s perfect for desserts, drizzled on fruit, or even added to sauces. Dates provide a substantial amount of essential potassium, as well as vitamin B6, magnesium, and iron. 

PrimaFoodie Pick: Joolie’s Organic Medjool Date Syrup

Maple Syrup

It seems that maple syrup is finally getting the culinary attention it deserves. This mineral-rich liquid, which is made from concentrating the sap from the Sugar Maple Tree, is as excellent weaved into dressings and sauces as it is drizzled on pancakes and into desserts. When purchasing maple syrup make sure it is pure (there are many fake options on the shelves).

PrimaFoodie Pick: Butternut Mountain Farm Organic Maple Syrup and Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup

Coconut Nectar

The coconut palm tree flower releases a sweet sap via its flowers, which is then boiled down and turned into a thicker syrup that is rich in potassium, zinc, iron, and B vitamins. 

PrimaFoodie Pick: Coconut Secret Coconut Nectar

Coconut Sugar (also called Coconut Palm Sugar)

The next iteration of coconut nectar, coconut sugar comes from the coconut palm tree flowers. The sweet sap is boiled down, made into a syrup, and then dried and crystallized to form granules.  

PrimaFoodie Pick: Madhava Foods Coconut Sugar

Stevia

Native to Brazil and Paraguay, the stevia plant grows green leaves that are naturally sweet. Cultivators harvest and dry the leaves and then steep them in hot water to extract the steviol glycosides, which are the sweetest components. This is then usually made into a liquid or powder. Stevia does not impact the body’s blood sugar levels like sugar does. Because it is substantially sweeter than sugar, it can be cloying for some. We find Stevia best used for baking. It can fall victim to high amounts of processing, so always look for one that is pure and labeled organic and fair-trade certified.

PrimaFoodie Pick: Pyure Organic All-Purpose Stevia

Monk Fruit

Derived from the Asian siraitia grosvenorii plant, monk fruit is a versatile sweetener for baking or adding sweetness to sauces and dressings. It can be compared to stevia, mainly because it is naturally much sweeter than sugar and also doesn’t impact the body’s natural blood sugar levels. Monk fruit sweeteners haven’t been studied as much as other sweeteners, therefore it is important to treat them as alternatives to real, whole food and to use them occasionally in small amounts. Look for one that is processed in the purest way, without dextrose and other additives.

PrimaFoodie Pick: Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener

Honey

There's a good reason why honey is like liquid gold. This natural substance made from hardworking honeybees boasts numerous health properties including antioxidants and minerals (such as calcium, copper, iron, zinc, and more). It’s also varied in flavor depending on the type of nectar the bees extract. When choosing a honey, always look for raw and unfiltered varieties that ideally come from a local beekeeper. 

PrimaFoodie Pick: Check out all our favorites here.

PrimaFoodie Editor’s Note: While these seven alternative sweeteners do provide better options over conventional processed sugar, it is still important to consume these in moderation.

 

How to Make the Most of the Farmers Market

Shopping at your local farmers market is a wonderful way to increase the nutritional value of your food, reduce your environmental impact, and connect with your community. It can also be intimidating if you don’t know where to start. That’s where some planning ahead and strategy go a long way. 

Before You Go:

Plan your meals for the week. This doesn’t have to be thorough. Even mapping out three to five meals (including plans on how to repurpose leftovers) will help you structure your trip and reduce food waste. If this seems intimidating, take a look at my meal planning basics.)

Take stock of what you have. The day before you shop (this is usually Friday for me) take a look in your refrigerator and find creative ways to use up your remaining produce and leftovers. Some of my favorite quick and easy ways to reduce food waste include chopping up leftover veggies for a pizza topping, or baking them into a quiche. 

Make room. Toss any wilted or rotten produce, and any spoiled leftovers from the week. Give your produce bins a quick clean with a 10:1 water and alcohol mixture, or a 1:1 white vinegar and water mixture. (For more information on how to set up and maintain an orderly refrigerator, take a look at my guide.) 

Create a list (and leave room for inspiration). Beginning with a plan helps you use discretion when buying impulse items. This can be a rough idea on a sticky note or a three-tab spreadsheet. Stick to what works for you. Perusing the farmer’s market is a wonderful way to discover new things, so allow yourself room to make one or two unplanned purchases each week. If something is unfamiliar, talk to the farmer or vendor about how to eat it. They are usually happy to share ways to prepare, cook and pair their food.

While You’re There:

Bring a carrying system. I always take a small pushcart. It doesn’t take up too much space and saves my back, neck, and shoulders. If you bring canvas bags, save your heavier items for last, and be sure you make your way through your list before adding your weekly impulses and inspirations. Keep your storage space in mind, as this will help to keep impulse purchases in check.

Walk the market. This way, you can see what the vendors have on offer that week. Stop to look at the produce. Farming can be variable, and crops can be different week to week. Once you’ve seen what is available, make your purchases on your walk back. Our farmers market stretches four street blocks. This process keeps me from getting overwhelmed and making the smartest choices.

Talk to the vendors. Not every farmer and purveyor will be certified organic, and that is okay. There are some non-organic designated farmers who still use organic practices. They may be too small to afford the lengthy and costly certification. For many small or newer farms, this process can be prohibitive. Always ask the vendor (who is often the farmer, a direct source of valuable information) about their practices. 

Enjoy the experience. Approach it with a positive mindset. Plan it as a fun event with yourself, your partner, or your family. (I like to carve out an hour to really enjoy it.) Involve the kids in the process. Often, they enjoy contributing meal ideas for the week or thinking of creative ways to use leftovers.

Remember to always celebrate the small wins. Don't put pressure on yourself to do all your shopping at the farmers market. If you’re new to it, start with buying items for one meal. If you enjoy it, you’ll most likely continue this practice. Food is a pleasure, and your body and mind will appreciate the weekly dose of nutrient rich, local goods. 

 

With Love,
PrimaFoodie