The Week of June 18th, 2007

The Week of June 18th, 2007

In the next few weeks some of you may have your delivery day changed.  You will be notified in advance if there are any changes.  If your delivery day does change and it will not work for you, please let us know and we will work with you to figure something out.

Many of you seemed to enjoy the bins that were heavy on the fruit, so during the summer while the fruit is plentiful, we will try to keep more fruit in the bins (tomatoes and avocados count as veggies!).

News

EarthTalk: What’s the Connection Between Breast Cancer and Chemicals in the Environment?
E Magazine. Posted June 18, 2007.

Groundbreaking research found that synthetic chemicals have likely played a large role in the rising incidence of breast cancer throughout the world over the last half-century.

A groundbreaking research study coordinated by the non-profit Silent Spring Institute and recently published by the American Cancer Society found that synthetic chemicals have likely played a large role in the rising incidence of breast cancer throughout the world over the last half-century. The study identified 216 man-made chemicals-including those found in everyday products like pesticides, cosmetics, dyes, drugs and gasoline (and diesel exhaust)-that have been shown to cause breast cancer in animals. Researchers believe these substances, many of which “mimic” naturally occurring hormones once inside the body, are also to blame for the increasing prevalence of human breast cancer.

Another telling clue is the fact that the breast cancer risk of adopted children parallels the risk of the family they grew up in, not that of their biological family, as proven by analyzing medical records from Scandinavian countries that keep detailed registries following people from birth to death. “What we understand is that if cancer runs in your family it could be because your family had similar eating patterns, similar lifestyle patterns as well as lived in the same area,” says Davis. “It’s really important that we take another look at…the kinds of chemicals that we are using everyday,” she adds. “We think that there are alternatives that can be used.”

In the meantime, consumers can help prevent cancer by buying and eating organic foods, avoiding pesticides and other synthetic chemicals whenever possible, using non-plastic containers to reheat and store foods (some plastics are thoughts to leach cancer-causing chemicals into food when heated), and supporting government regulation and more research on synthetic chemicals and their effects.

What’s in the Bin This Week:

Bananas
Red Butter Lettuce
Black Plums
Broccoli
Strawberries
Cucumbers
Cherries
Carrots
Nectarines
Green Onions
Grapes
Tomatoes
Kiwi

Grapes are high in phytochemicals such as quercetin, catechin, and anthocyanin.  According to preliminary studies, these phytochemicals may help protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Plums are best stored in refrigeration.  They make a great juicy snack.

Nectarines are similar to peaches but are a separate and distinct fruit.  They have a smooth skin.

Bananas have no fat, no cholesterol, or sodium and are a great source of potassium.

Strawberries are high in Potassium and have many uses. Great in smoothies!

Kiwi fruit has lots of vitamin C.  They also supply magnesium, fiber and potassium.  Ripe kiwi can be refrigerated for a couple weeks.

Cherries should be stored unwashed in the refrigerator.  Eat them quickly because they have a short shelf life of about 3 days.

Red Butter Leaf Lettuce is similar to regular leaf lettuce but also has a “buttery” taste.  Provides lots of flavor and color for a delicious salad.

Cucumbers are a great addition to any salad, or served sliced with some vinegar, salt and pepper.

Carrots are high in vitamin A and are great for snacking and cooking.

Green Onions are almost identical to scallions.  They can be used interchangeably in recipes.  Chopped green onions are great on salads, in soups and many other dishes.

Broccoli is believed to contain a natural compound that helps prevent some cancers.  They are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, calcium and iron.

Eden’s Tzatziki Sauce

1 cucumber
½ tsp. salt
8 oz plain yogurt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped scallions or green onions

Chop cucumber finely and drain in a strainer.
Sprinkle salt let stand for 10 minutes.  Place cumber
in bowl with the rest of ingredients and mix.
Refrigerate and serve.

This sauce is great with Gyros and salads.

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