Choosing organic foods is important because many fruits and vegetables retain a high amount of chemical residue from pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are never GMO either – which has become more of a concern for health conscious people.
But there are some fruits and vegetables that are ok if they are raised in conventional ways. Here are 2 types of produce that are ok if they are not grown organically. Plus, there’s a tip how to ensure any remaining chemicals have been removed.
Papaya – Its unique peel keeps chemicals from passing through to the vibrant insides, which is wonderful because just one cup gives you 80% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. Plus the antioxidants lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin help prevent age-related macular degeneration. As an added benefit, papain – the potent enzyme in papaya – aids in digestion.
Tip – Just to be safe that there are no residual chemicals, spray a mild fruit cleaner on the skin and rinse under warm water. After cutting into the flesh, scoop out the seeds, peel the fruit and cut into cubes or slices. You can also save the peel to use as a facial treatment.
Mushrooms – Since mushrooms are actually a fungus, chemically-based pesticides and fertilizers are almost never used to grow them. With more than 140,000 species growing around the world, they’re used in recipes in almost every culture. Teeming with B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and fiber, they’re nature’s powerhouse. Mushrooms are also the only plant source of Vitamin D – a nutrient that helps build healthy bones.
Tip – Although they don’t retain pesticide residues, use a soft brush to lightly remove any remaining soil or dust. Make sure you don’t rinse them with water, as they will quickly absorb the moisture – causing them to become soggy. An interesting tidbit – the darker the mushroom, the more intense, earthy flavor it has.
Next week, we’ll discover how to help ensure that non-organic pineapple and avocado are ok to eat.