The Week of May 21, 2007
We apologize to those of you who looked on the website and are expecting some grapes this week. We were not able to get them in time for you this week. We will try very hard to have them for you in next week’s bin. Last week the Strawberries were a hit so we hope they are a suitable replacement.
What’s in the Bin This Week:
*Granny Smith Apples
Valencia Oranges
Ruby Grapefruit
Strawberries
Bunch carrots
Grape Tomatoes
*Green Leaf Lettuce
Peaches
Bananas
Jumbo Onion
Zucchini
Yukon Gold Potatoes
*Locally grown
News
Proof at last that organic apples can be better for you
From The Daily Mail April 2, 2007
Evidence that organic crops contain higher levels of important nutrients has been published by scientists.
They said analysis of organic tomatoes, apples and peaches revealed greater concentrations of vitamin C, polyphenols, betacarotene and flavonoids.
The nutrients are said to protect the body against heart attacks and cancer-causing chemicals.
The studies from Britain, France and Poland follow US research - published in the Daily Mail on Monday - suggesting organic kiwi fruit has higher levels of nutrients than conventional crops grown in the same conditions.
The latest research challenges Government skepticism about the health benefits of organic food.
Agriculture Secretary David Miliband has publicly questioned its health benefits, suggesting buying organic food is merely a “lifestyle choice”. The Food Standards
Agency has long held a skeptical line, while the Advertising Standards Authority has banned organic producers from making health claims.
The latest studies were part of an EU research program led by the University of Newcastle and involving academics from across Europe.
Researchers at Warsaw Agriculture University found organic tomatoes contained more vitamin C, beta-carotene and flavonoids than conventional ones. They were lower, however, in lycopene, which is another beneficial nutrient.
The same team found organic apple puree contained more phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C than conventional versions. Apple puree is a popular food choice for babies.
Peter Melchet, of the Soil Association, welcomed the research, saying: “It is very encouraging when science catches up with common sense.
“These studies show that as more science is conducted, more evidence emerges showing beneficial nutritional differences associated with organic food.”
Debate has raged as to whether organic food, which is produced with fewer chemicals, is any healthier or tastier than conventional produce.
The French part of the study looked at organic peaches and backed up both claims.
It found they had “a higher polyphenol content at harvest” and concluded that organic production had “positive effects…on nutritional quality and taste”.
The results of the research were presented at a food and farming conference held at the University of Hohenheim in Germany last week. Advocates of organic food are eager to demonstrate its health benefits.
They thought they had done so with British university research showing that organic milk contained higher levels of short-chain omega 3 fatty acids which are considered helpful to young brains.
In September, however, the Food Standards Agency refused pleas to issue official guidance highlighting these benefits. The watchdog said that while it accepted higher levels might exist they were of less value than long-chain fatty acids.
Granny Smith Apples are the apple of choice for pies because the flesh holds its shape when cooked. They have a tart, full-bodied flavor and crisp texture.
Valencia Oranges have a nice thin skin that makes them great for juicing!
Strawberries are high in Potassium and have many uses. Great in smoothies!
Grapefruit like all citrus fruit are very high in vitamin C and many other nutrients. The best way to eat a grapefruit is to cut it in half, then scoop out fruit with a spoon.
Carrots are high in vitamin A and are great for snacking and cooking.
Green Leaf lettuce makes a more nutritious salad than iceberg lettuce. A good rule of thumb when it comes to lettuce is the darker it is, the more nutrients it contains
Peaches are high in potassium and a source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
Bananas have no fat, no cholesterol, or sodium and are a great source of potassium. Also great in smoothies!
Grape Tomatoes are actually baby Roma Tomatoes. Their sweet flavor makes them great to eat right out your hand, in salads, or as a sweet substitute for cherry tomatoes.
Yukon Gold Potatoes have a creamy texture that makes great mashed potatoes.
Zucchini are a summer squash. High in vitamin C and potassium. Try sautéing in olive oil.
Recipe of the Week
Eden’s Apple Pie Filling
You will need:
4 peeled apples
1 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of flour
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ stick/cup of butter
Step 1
Slice the peeled apple and soak in water.
Add 1/4 lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2
Mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon
and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3
Add the apples to the mix with and stir until all
the apple slices are coated with the mix.
Place apples evenly in pie crust. Pour excess
mix (if there is any) over the apples with a ¼ stick of butter
melted over the apples.
Bake your pie! (Usually for 50 minutes @400 degrees)
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