Food Facts & Cooks Challenge I
First a disclaimer: This post may be a bit like discussing religion or politics. So if you are a firm believer in returning to our roots and eating like it, then skip these posts.
A return to the “golden days” would not make us live longer or healthier lives like so many people seem to believe. If we ate like our ancestors we would get sick more often and die younger. That’s history. How many people do you know who have a vitamin A deficiency, rickets, scurvy? None? Really? No one?
I get sick and tired of people talking about the way “WE” used to do things and how it was so much better for us. Yep, no cancer (or fill in the blank of your choosing) back in the day – cause guess what – everybody DIED before they could get it.
I am all about home-grown, get to the roots, fresh food, and using the best possible ingredients (of course) for very simple food (think bread), BUT that being said…aren’t we getting a tad ridiculous?
Organic – Is it Truly Better?
I think growing your own food is wonderful. I don’t think any store bought veggie can measure up to ANYTHING you grow yourself. But organic milk – for $4-6 per gallon? Eggs? Bananas – come on, you don’t even eat the peel!
Reasons not to choose organic products:
1) It’s a cash cow of the large farms – It does not support small/local farms.
2) Less safe on a microbial level, and although these farms can use natural (organic) pesticides, they are still toxins – and they can use higher amounts than commercial fertilizers/pesticides. It is less healthy in many ways. (Same idea as “natural” medicines – natural does not equal safe)
3) It takes more room (less room for habitat) and it’s more costly for both the farmers and consumers. Organic foods are not better for the environment/economy.
And sometimes it is just utterly ridiculous. For example, sometimes a portion of the milk used to make organic yogurt may be taken from a chemical-free cow in New Zealand, powdered, and then shipped to the U.S.
Buying from local farms and farmers would be arguably better but buying organic is not a good choice all of the time. The only reason I can see why organic would be so much better is if you really feel the taste is superior. Then by all means, pay the price for organic. Just don’t complain when you wind up in the hospital with a massive E.coli infestation.
Some websites with information about organics.
http://www.skragglies.com/article2.html
http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4019?popular=true
http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/headline/2334
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_42/b4005001.htm
http://www.reason.com/blog/show/126276.html
Challenge for Cooks
Compare the addresses of organic eggs, milk, fruits, veggies, etc. to the store brand and see how far the organic products are shipped. Buy both organic and non organic and compare the freshness, taste/flavor, color, and texture. What do these differences tell you about each?
Filed under Cooking | Comments (4)garden@home
My garden postings have moved….
garden@home sprouted up recently (2009) as a companion to life@home.
It’s my way to track what’s growing, blooming, and thriving in Oregon’s Willamette valley. This blog is meant to serve as a running (mostly photographic) journal of what I am growing, what’s blooming, and what I do with the bounty of my gardens. Hope this blog inspires you to grow, create, and enjoy the goodness from the garden.
Filed under Garden | Comment (0)There Might be Some Pee in our Pool
Thanks to G’pa and G’ma D the baby not only didn’t have to use her legs for a full 3 days, but she also got a pool. Yep, grandparents ARE exceptionally good at spoiling their grandchildren.
She was a little concerned at first but her dad helped her warm up to it.
This is GREAT!
Hooray!
Splish!
Splash!
Peeking!
I think she coulda stayed in there all night.
She LOVES the dogs.
Clap!
G’ma showed her how to blow bubbles.
She had no fear of sticking her face right in there and tried herself.
Finally, it was time to get out…
It was a lot of fun watching her. Each new thing she does, each skill she picks up, each moment of wonder, for each I am thankful and amazed. Sometimes, I look at her and my breath just catches…she is so precious to me. And she is so loved, thank you to all who love her.
Filed under Home life | Comment (1)