Choose Your Produce Wisely with This Handy Infographic

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Gerrick Dee, who was kind enough to pass along an infographic  he created, which goes more in depth on the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen, which I've talked about on this blog before.

It can be frustrating to buy produce, and if you're anything like me, you often feel the pressure to buy everything organic. The problem is, organic produce can be very pricey. Certainly, this depends on where you do your shopping, but for many people, the cost of buying all organic produce just becomes too much of a burden.

But don't worry! Garrick's handy infographic outlines the items that are categorized as the Dirty Dozen--or the most likely to be contaminated with pesticides--and those that are considered a part of the Clean Fifteen--or the least likely to be contaminated. Plus, it's got some great basic information on pesticides, GMOs, and where to look for organic produce when you need it.

So, take a look - and let me know what you think. Do you buy into the blanket organic and GMO-free model? Or do you shop for produce with a more discerning and price-conscious eye?

Thanks again to Gerrick Dee at Juicing with G for the infographic! ;)

5 Fall Foods to Add to Your Shopping List

Time for fall foods like apples and pumpkin!
Image: Shutterstock

As I’ve gotten older (and, I hope, a bit wiser), I’ve come to a disheartening conclusion: just like the weather, foods have seasons. While I wish with all my heart that perfectly ripe strawberries were available year round, I now know that they’re not. Growing up, most of my vegetables came from the freezer or a can—not fresh off the produce stand. We’d get some things fresh—lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, apples, oranges—but most of the time the season meant little to what produce we consumed.

My dad’s battle with Meniere’s disease brought to light the insane amounts of sodium and other preservatives often added to canned and prepared food. Since I started cooking for myself, I’ve felt the same battle I’m sure plagued my mother: convenience versus freshness.

Because I’m now trying to buy most of my produce fresh, it means I have to pay more attention to seasons. There’s a reason tomatoes look so wonderful in the summer and so pathetic in January—they’re not in season. Oh, you can find them, but they will likely lack flavor and seem lackluster. Instead of buying wimpy produce when it’s out of season, I adjust my weekly menus to include in-season foods instead.

Eat more kale! It's delicious!
Image: Shutterstock

This time of year has so many foods that just feel good for the soul, don’t you think? Here are some foods that are currently in-season that you can center your autumn meals around:

1. Apples—Make overnight oats with apple, cinnamon, and a dash of brown sugar.
2. Broccoli—Tis the season for soup! Try something new, like a broccoli apple soup; or a broccoli, lemon, and Parmesan soup.
3. Kale—I love making kale chips for a healthy snack. Just spread on a baking sheet, spritz with olive oil, and add a bit of salt and pepper. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.
4. Pumpkin—Last week, I made a pumpkin curry soup similar to this one. Try roasting and pureeing your own pumpkin for an extra-fresh meal!
5. Sweet Potatoes—try these maple sweet potato pecan burgers—they are DIVINE!

If you absolutely need an ingredient that’s not in season, look for canned or frozen varieties that don’t add a bunch of extras in. I find that Trader Joe’s is a wonderful option for canned tomatoes in the off-season—just get the “no salt added” or “low sodium” varieties. They do add a tiny bit of salt, but not nearly as much as some other brands.

Happy fall, everyone!