Jim Zoppo - Food Facts

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Applications of lime can be made at this time if a soil test indicates that it is a necessity. Optimum pH level is 6.5
Houseplants should be moved indoors before the first frost. Although most can tolerate some cool nights, tender varieties like African Violet and Spathiphyllum will not.

In addition to being a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and calcium, rhubarb also helps to lower cholesterol by inhibiting certain enzymes.

NUTRITION GLOSSARY

Antioxidants: Molecules that are capable of slowing and preventing the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation produces free radicals which can damage cells.

Polyphenols: A group of chemical substances found in plants. Once known as Vitamin P, polyphenols have antioxidant characteristics.

Omega 3: Family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These may increase circulation and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Phytochemicals: Chemical compounds that are derived from plants. There is a generous amount of evidence showing that phytochemicals considerably reduce the risk of some cancers.

Flavanoids: Known for their anti-oxidant activity, flavanoids are broadly distributed in plants. They produce pigment and provide protection from insect and microbe damage. In experiments, flavanoids show the ability to modify the body’s reaction to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens.

For food to be "Certified Organic" means that these crops must be grown without the aid of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the land the crops are grown on must be free of synthetics for at least three years. Soil is instead fertilized with composted plant and animal waste, kelp, and green manure. Green manures are crops that are planted in alternation with the primary crop to hold and add nitrogen in the soil.

What you may see on food labels:

100% ORGANIC This means that by law, no synthetic materials are allowed, production processes must meet federal standards, and be verified by inspectors.

ORGANIC This means that 5% of the ingredients can be non-organic or synthetic.

MADE WITH ORGANIC INGREDIENTS At least 70% of the ingredients are organic, and the rest must be from the USDA's approved list.

These foods consistently contain the highest amounts of pesticides and should be purchased organically whenever possible:
apples           cherries            grapes              nectarines
peaches              pears                raspberries      strawberries
bell peppers       celery               potatoes           spinach

These foods consistently contain the least amount of pesticides.
It's OK if you decide not to go organic:
bananas          kiwi                    mangoes        papaya
pineapples      asparagus       avacados       broccoli
cauliflower       corn                  onions             peas