Earth Week

 I few weeks back I was contacted by H-E-B/Central Market about sampling The Central Market brand offered by H-E-B.  They expressed to me that CM 'represents a passion for food and a commitment to buying organic. By choosing organics, you?re helping to reduce the chemical runoff in our ground water sources and to reduce the use of environmentally harmful artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides commonly used on conventional crops.' In celebration of the upcoming Earth Day, they provided me with a sample of some of their food items offerred- in quite the beautiful arranged display! I was oober excited when I finally recieved that package in the mail with all sorts of fun goodies for me to try. 





By definition of the USDA National Organic Program (NOP):

"Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled ?organic,? a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."



So what does that mean?

NO pesticides

NO synthetic fertilizers

NO sewage sludge

NO genetically modified organism (GMOs)

NO ionizing radiation

NO antibiotics or growth hormones



So- while I'm not completely pushing your purchase of organic foods- financially it isn't always feasible for me, and I'm sure for you, too;  The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified 15 fruits and vegetables that are least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues.



1. Onions

2. Avocado

3. Sweet Corn

4. Pineapple

5. Mango

6. Sweet Peas

7. Asparagus

8. Kiwi

9. Cabbage

10. Eggplant

11. Cantaloupe

12. Watermelon

13. Grapefruit

14. Sweet Potato

15. Honeydew Melon



EWG also identified 12 fruits and vegetables that are most likely to have higher trace amounts of pesticides.

1. Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Bell Peppers

8. Spinach

9. Kale

10. Cherries

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes (imported)



Previously on the list of produce lowest in pesticides, but no longer, are broccoli, papaya and tomatoes?so, again, if your budget allows, consider buying them organic too. While I do not always buy organic produce/meats, I select the organic varitey enough to say that I think I like organic meats better.  Totally your personal opinion on this, but try these organic Turkey Parmesan-like Burgers and see for yourself!



INGREDIENTS:

4 (3-ounce) square foccacia rolls

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound ground turkey breast (organic)

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup plus 4 tablespoons lower-sodium marinara sauce, divided

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

12-16 fresh basil leaves



DIRECTIONS:

Combine turkey, oats, 1/2 cup marinara, rosemary, parsely, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Divide into 4 portions, shaping each into a 1/4-inch-thick patty. Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat grill/pan with cooking spray. Add patties; cook for 3 minutes. Turn patties, and continue to cook through. Top each patty with 2 tablespoons cheese; heat 1 minute, or until cheese is melted.



Layer bottom half of each roll with 2 basil leaves, 1 patty, 1 tablespoon marinara, 2 basil leaves, and roll top.