http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992?format=rss Tribe.net. Local Connections http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#ccca1bc1-a588-4e7b-a857-c6456340887c Hey y'all. Until a few weeks ago I had no idea there were fair trade bananas. At the grocery stores I've been to even the bananas labeled organic were from the evil Chiquita. But then I found out about Oke bananas. Here's the link: http://www.okeusa.com/ I was so thrilled! Happy to have the chance to pass the info on. Sun, 12 Aug 2007 03:58:50 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#ccca1bc1-a588-4e7b-a857-c6456340887c ~p~ 2007-08-12T03:58:50Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#aac21c93-ae68-4173-b7b2-cfe7a3569e4c community gardens are where the community gets together and creates a garden in their neighborhood for everyone to use. Here's a site for more info: http://www.communitygarden.org/starting.php Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:46:34 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#aac21c93-ae68-4173-b7b2-cfe7a3569e4c ~Ms. Purity~ 2007-08-06T15:46:34Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#f20b6f22-6311-46ee-9f24-7c4fafb03b84 Ms. P; Community Garden???? What is that?? It sounds wonderful! Please share! WW Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:23:09 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#f20b6f22-6311-46ee-9f24-7c4fafb03b84 ωiChi ωoman 2007-08-06T05:23:09Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#738e9fd3-72af-48d7-8a39-bcf62f22c845 Agghhh, you can't leave me hanging like that! ;-) What are they? Why are they better than Fit? Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:12:12 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#738e9fd3-72af-48d7-8a39-bcf62f22c845 $item.owner.firstName 2007-08-06T03:12:12Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#0a649e5a-a7a4-4b86-bf5a-f8d13f2806ed Could be the wax they put on the fruit to make it pritty Mon, 06 Aug 2007 01:11:46 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#0a649e5a-a7a4-4b86-bf5a-f8d13f2806ed Catherine 2007-08-06T01:11:46Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#94bc8c68-7ed0-4e1a-bdcf-857ead1fce1d I use a veggie wash - brand name Enviroinne or something - rinses clean But the milky film is wax - harmless Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:56:03 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#94bc8c68-7ed0-4e1a-bdcf-857ead1fce1d My Body is a Temple 2007-08-06T00:56:03Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#41a4d700-132f-47a0-8e2d-7459b29e61a3 The only real way around the yuck factor is to just grow your own food as much as possible. If you don't have a yard, grow stuff in pots, or start/join a community garden. Sun, 05 Aug 2007 23:37:41 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#41a4d700-132f-47a0-8e2d-7459b29e61a3 ~Ms. Purity~ 2007-08-05T23:37:41Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#847b321e-0e18-4685-b80f-e26adf188a77 um, yuck. i am already a little freakish because i've taken a lot of microbiology. but eeww. too bad starving isn't an option. i was so looking forward to picking up some more organic fresh raspberries for breakfast, too. Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:27:47 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#847b321e-0e18-4685-b80f-e26adf188a77 Sarah 2007-08-05T12:27:47Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#62cbd043-c82b-4692-a6f7-684b0c915c5c Pluot is a hybrid between an apricot and a hybird plum. http://www.moscowfood.coop/archive/pluot.html They are good. Sun, 05 Aug 2007 05:55:33 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#62cbd043-c82b-4692-a6f7-684b0c915c5c Elaine~ 2007-08-05T05:55:33Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#a3b95fb9-2f45-4e29-ab9e-f663e92a8180 whats a pluot? Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:58:42 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#a3b95fb9-2f45-4e29-ab9e-f663e92a8180 jackie 2007-08-05T00:58:42Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#369191ec-afe5-4d81-a4ea-90a528abfef8 Well, on a side note, Baking soda is good for cleaning the bathroom and kitchen too. Sat, 04 Aug 2007 09:22:00 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#369191ec-afe5-4d81-a4ea-90a528abfef8 Elaine~ 2007-08-04T09:22:00Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#a83e16ac-4f61-47b0-bbec-e5cc05ddde57 The best way i've found to wash a veggie is to make a baking soda paste. just a little water and baking soda and scrub away! surprisingly its also good for getting road grime off your car without damaging the paint. vinegar works well for lettuce, it also helps to make it a little crisper if its been in the fridge for a few days. Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:56:17 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#a83e16ac-4f61-47b0-bbec-e5cc05ddde57 Tara 2007-08-03T12:56:17Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#7b584a51-35f8-44fb-80db-4ce0f472780c geez, elaine, poor froggie!<< Yah, well, I won't go into what I find in the boxes coming from South America sometimes. Or the grapes from California. Just wash them fruits and veggies, at least a little bit. Fri, 03 Aug 2007 07:34:02 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#7b584a51-35f8-44fb-80db-4ce0f472780c Elaine~ 2007-08-03T07:34:02Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#6f02aa02-870d-4446-9414-4b49952d8e68 i rinse or wash my produce (well, you can't really scrub a lettuce leaf, can you?) under filtered tap water. in the case of lettuces, i also do a once over for little buggies. geez, elaine, poor froggie! Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:29:56 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#6f02aa02-870d-4446-9414-4b49952d8e68 isabeau 2007-08-03T01:29:56Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#17dbafb7-783e-40c6-be59-33293e0e9701 wow. i never would've thought. when i get a little more settled somewhere i just may have to try this Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:48:46 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#17dbafb7-783e-40c6-be59-33293e0e9701 Mammut 2007-08-02T20:48:46Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#e903c666-ba0a-4072-a51b-d9b0889b5604 Fit is okay, but there are a lot of veggie washes that are way better and cheaper. Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:00:49 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#e903c666-ba0a-4072-a51b-d9b0889b5604 Elaine~ 2007-08-02T20:00:49Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#f6b76c89-bec2-4990-86f2-d9bd51edb3fb If you have a green house or live in a frost free area, grow your own bananas. I have grown them sucsessfully as far north as Washington St. . I get a crop from shoot to fruit in Arizona in 10-14 months and it took 18 months in Washington 15 months in California. start a new plant every 6 months and have bananas twice a year till your sick of them. Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:52:33 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#f6b76c89-bec2-4990-86f2-d9bd51edb3fb $item.owner.firstName 2007-08-02T18:52:33Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#b6b78ad8-5507-46b4-86ef-e894a196ecb7 I joined this tribe to answer this post, even tho I've been looking at it before. This site was on my mobile list on my cell phone I had no idea about it. I know some people use Arm and Hammer, rub the fruits and rince.. some use vinegar mixed with water.. (same way you wash your window) and one of my friend told me about Amway and Shaklee selling organic cleansers that can be used for fruits and veggies. I used Fit before but, they stopped selling it here in Canada. Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:16:44 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#b6b78ad8-5507-46b4-86ef-e894a196ecb7 Ana 2007-08-02T18:16:44Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#c04992ab-42f7-4ab8-b639-183eebc3fa2d Meh. I guess I kinda feel like, once you start freakin out about germs and stuff, where does that ever end? Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:09:47 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#c04992ab-42f7-4ab8-b639-183eebc3fa2d HunnyDu 2007-08-01T22:09:47Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#ec27274a-3180-4f24-8df7-f8d373f5982c Does anyone here use Fit? I've seen commercials for it, and found it in stores, but I'm always hesitant to buy it. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:43:12 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#ec27274a-3180-4f24-8df7-f8d373f5982c $item.owner.firstName 2007-08-01T21:43:12Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#db915693-ab32-46e6-87da-8afb1f1fb320 i definitely agree that local outweighs organic, since my reasons for eating organic are primarily centered around the "true cost" (environmental cost). as far as bananas, it's funny that it's come up today since within the past few months i've been wondering why the hell everyone in the world seems to eat bananas all the time. bananas are not grown here in the US! I've actually cut them almost completely out of my diet (unless they're in a baked good or something), as i've been doing most of my shopping at farmer's markets lately. seasonal, local fruit and veg tastes so much better to me than the stuff i used to think was food! right now there are fairly local plums, pluots, peaches, and some blueberries (not certified organic but pesticide free) waiting for me. fruit for lunch! Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:59:17 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#db915693-ab32-46e6-87da-8afb1f1fb320 Mammut 2007-08-01T20:59:17Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#2beaf024-b984-4184-9b70-f303f3d4a2ec I suggest buying organic whenever you can. Prices are going down as more farmers are transitioning into organic farming these days. I think some things just taste better as organic. Apples, oranges ect. That is just my personal opinion though. I do buy conventional fruits and veggies often too.. Sometimes, the quality is just as good and if its local then it is good to support the local farmers. There are pros and cons to everything. People expect organic apples all year round these days, so we get organic apples from New Zealand and South America during the summer months her now. YAY fo fresh organic apples, but BOO on the carbon footprint that leaves in the getting to us. Everyone weighs their conscience differently in these sitchs.. Just do educate yourselves as much as you can and make your choices accordingly. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:36:47 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#2beaf024-b984-4184-9b70-f303f3d4a2ec Elaine~ 2007-08-01T20:36:47Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#61789176-924b-4b87-b15c-2f7a1f211d4b I agree with Mammoth, when we think about the whole, and interconnectedness, organic is never a waste of money, it is an obligation, and the right choice to make for ourselves, families, communities, and the whole of creation! Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:29:31 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#61789176-924b-4b87-b15c-2f7a1f211d4b Aura 2007-08-01T20:29:31Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#f22c021d-051b-4993-8be0-01c326fedc67 I know we're talking about individual health here, but as far as the political implications of buying organic bananas, well, I just can't seem to resist bringing it up. "Conventional" banana farmers are exposed to pesticides all day, then drag those pesticides home with them to their families. Not to mention, I've never head of a fair-trade yet "conventionally" grown banana, so you can be pretty sure that you are also supporting slave wages and likely shitty job conditions every single time you buy a conventionally grown banana. Sure, it may be "healthy" enough for an individual to consume to conventionally grown bananas, but how about the health of the people who toil to make sure those bananas get to you? (Wasting a ridiculous amount of fossil fuels to get them here, I might add, but that's a whole other topic) OK, off my soapbox now. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:23:13 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#f22c021d-051b-4993-8be0-01c326fedc67 Mammut 2007-08-01T19:23:13Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#473b5308-a751-49fe-b646-5d452400fe9b It also depends on what fruits you're buying. Bananas, IMO, are a waste of money to buy organic. Unless you eat the peel. But if you're like most people, you don't, and the pesticides on a 'naner aren't going to deliver pesticides to your system nearly as easily as something like an apple would. The whole apple is sprayed with pesticides and most of us eat the whole apple. But most pesticides are very water soluble, so washing the fruit off does a lot of good. Melons are one of very few exceptions. Sure, most of us don't eat the rind, but since they take up a TON of water in the first few weeks of their life, they're likely to take up whatever is floating around in that water or around in the dirt. So melons are good to buy organic as well (if you're concerned about the matter). To me, buying organic isn't necessary, but this is a very personal decision. I've done a lot of research on the matter, done some field reports, worked for the CalEPA (Dept of Pesticide Regulation), and I've come to the very personal conclusion that most organic produce is a waste of money for me. But if it makes you feel better, buy organic! Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:40:39 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#473b5308-a751-49fe-b646-5d452400fe9b SummerSaharSupastar! 2007-08-01T18:40:39Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#ce0c58e5-2b4a-42e4-81af-7aa3f227a3ed Ok, I work in a produce department. i get asked this question all the time. Heres the deal. WASH EVERYTHING YOU ARE GOING TO EAT. At the very very least rinse it off really well. Washing should consist of water, some scrubbing either by hand, brush, or in a collander, sometimes a vegetable wash ( many stores carry somethin g like that)or very light bio soap of some sort. Google it, you can probably even make your own veggie wash. I open those boxes we get from the field. Believe me, those farm workers aren't dainty or clean about what they are doing. I have found frogs, half eaten lunches, questionable dirt, a half dead scorpion, a wing off a bird, part of a snake, and various rocks, sticks, and god knows what else. As for organics? WASH THEM. You have no idea what their run off is coming from-- the cattle ranch down the way, or that really pesticidy farm upriver that isn't organic? YOU don't know. Ecoli and salmonella do not care if the produce is organic or not. Remember that spinach scare where the ecoli made many people sick? They traced it down to run off from cattle getting into the spinach fields. Most farmers care about their product and take great pride in being good farmers. However the chain of custody from the farm to when I get that box of romaine to wash and trim or the box of apples to put out on display is long and complex. There are many steps in the process and many people touching that stuff. And I am a very hygenic produce girl, I don't want to get you sick. But all you have is my word for it. I could have a cold or pick up germs I got from touching some cantaloupe someone sneezed on and then transfer it to that organic fuji you just bought. i do my best not to do that, but still-- it happens. Also the wax on the apples is food grade wax, you can eat it. The wax keeps the apples from rotting quickly by keeping the moisture inside of it. Same with oranges and many other fruits and veggies. So- WASH ALL FRUITS AND VEGGIES EVEN IF IT IS ORGANIC. Okay, done now. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:31:15 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#ce0c58e5-2b4a-42e4-81af-7aa3f227a3ed Elaine~ 2007-08-01T06:31:15Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#aac93b11-b7bb-4bbb-a39e-16bdf92cf8d5 Even organic can cause you to be sick. I grow vegetables for 20 families organically and use manure for fertilizing, which can be a bit tricky for the digestive system. Not that it's raw sewage, mind you, but it's always safer to wash before you eat. There are organically accepted pest control substances (a polite way to say pesticide). For example, for the brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, I use rotenone, which is pretty potent. It's acceptable to use it one full week before consuming the vegetables. I'd wash that stuff off, for sure. This may or may not be acceptable by the standards in your area. Unless you want to check for that kind of thing, I'd wash. I was told that washing with vinegar is a good practice for fruits. Splash some in a sink of cold water and soak, but not for too long. Anything longer than an hour or so will leach the good stuff outa the produce. For bacteria, nothing beats good ol' scrubbing. It's what surgeons do before surgery. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:25:45 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#aac93b11-b7bb-4bbb-a39e-16bdf92cf8d5 maggiemae 2007-08-01T06:25:45Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#0b05f863-6ca0-462c-9362-d9d65ba6f9c1 I eat organic, and rarely wash my produce. Ive never been sick yet. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 03:59:01 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#0b05f863-6ca0-462c-9362-d9d65ba6f9c1 HunnyDu 2007-08-01T03:59:01Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#6a38ed69-321c-485f-8d09-53bcfe9be402 That milky film is probably wax, which is often lightly sprayed on to reduce bruising and discoloration. It's edible, if a bit, umm, waxy. However, if you eat the peel, you may want to wash it under hot water to melt off that wax. For me, it depends on the usage and peeling choices. If I'm going to peel something, then I'll likely just give it a quick scrub under cold running water. If it's to be eaten whole and raw, like an apple, then a much more thorough scrubbing, though rarely with soap. Mostly, I'm just trying to get off the surface germies and dirt. A little pesticide isn't going to kill you. A *lot* of pesticide might, or might harm you, but buying certified organic can help with that. Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:50:12 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#6a38ed69-321c-485f-8d09-53bcfe9be402 Dragon 2007-08-01T02:50:12Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#bd808ea9-bac5-4354-83dd-486d649c3b55 Yeah, but sometimes it is still better to wash it to wash off the bacteria Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:33:33 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#bd808ea9-bac5-4354-83dd-486d649c3b55 Tedster 2007-08-01T02:33:33Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#d7fdebf4-6f9a-4141-b1fb-e7a1809c14bf buy organic Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:27:17 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#d7fdebf4-6f9a-4141-b1fb-e7a1809c14bf Mammut 2007-08-01T02:27:17Z http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#244cbf7b-ebd9-41fb-a774-d9dd35a55d94 The concern here is pesticide residue. How well do you wash your fruits and vegetables and in any unique way? Every time I wash an apple there's a milky film that develops on the skin & doesn't come off easily. This bothers me, & perhaps my sperm count Wed, 01 Aug 2007 02:23:53 GMT http://healthylazy.tribe.net/thread/fb0a15c4-4631-473c-8122-b2fc93009992#244cbf7b-ebd9-41fb-a774-d9dd35a55d94 Novan 2007-08-01T02:23:53Z