Farm and Garden

Just at the east of Napa County, Yolo County has been silently fueling and supplying the food revolution of the San Francisco Bay Area since 1970s, when its local pioneer organic farmers and growers started planting and growing local produce and fresh market crops to be delivered to the restaurants in the Bay Area as well as to sell seasonal produce to emerging farmers' markets. Today, Yolo County has started claiming its very own distinct place in the stratosphere of wine, food, and good life in the Northern California! Yolo County has been long popular for its range of commodity crops such as processing alfalfa, tomatoes, and seed crops; however these days, almonds, wine grapes, and walnuts are...

Almost every book you'll read on growing vegetables, fruits and herbs will talk about composting and compost as an absolutely necessary requirement for growing healthy organic produce. In fact, most ANY gardening book, regardless of the exact topic, will recommend using it instead of purchasing commercial fertilizers. But how exactly do you make compost when you don't have a yard and are growing vegetables in containers on your deck, patio or balcony? The answer is a little odd, but intriguing: you do it with the help of some very small, very squirmy friends - red wriggler worms. Now before you get completely grossed out, know that these are the cleanest little critters you'll ever meet - not your...

The word "organic" may appear on packages of meat, cartons of milk or eggs, cheese and other single-ingredient foods. Certified organic requires the rejection of synthetic agrochemicals, irradiation and genetically engineered foods or ingredients. Literally, of course, the term is a redundancy: all food is composed of organic chemicals (complex chemicals containing carbon). Any materials used in the production or processing of organic food must be proven safe. Awareness is growing about the value of organic foods. But, whether organic chicken or pesticide-free lettuce represents "healthier" alternatives has long been a subject for debate. Organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of the...

Some environmentalists decry the genetic manipulation and modification of crops and at least one organic grower has gone on record as stating that the problems in the actual industry are due to basic, interconnected issues in the ag business. Of course it would be hard not to agree that there are so many issues around our nation for what we grow and although GM Crops can solve some problems there are still other issues to consider. Considering these things in advance and genetically modifying our food to take care of these issues makes sense. Think for a moment if you will about other nations where things are grown and shipped here and the issues that need to be dealt with such as; sewage water...

If you have an ache in your lower back, the neck, the back of the head and the shoulders, you may have an ill called Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that affects these as mentioned before. There is no known primary cause of fibromyalgia, although inflammation and poor circulation are the principle causes of the excruciating muscular pain experienced by those with the condition. Many consider herbal remedies to be a viable way to treat fibromyalgia's symptoms. Herbs like dandelion, cayenne, echinacea and astragalus could help fibromyalgia sufferers. To make your herbal remedies for the fibromyalagia you should prepare herbs include Burdock root, Dandelion, Astragalus, Wintergreen oil...

Strawberries are amongst the most popular fruits in the world. They have been eaten for centuries and have been known for their health benefits. Strawberries are very nutritious containing many valuable nutrients. They are a rich source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Strawberries are high in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. They also contain protein. Strawberries are a viable source of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, iodine and Folate. The Strawberry is from the rose family, Rosaceae. Its Botanical name is Fragaria ananassa. Various cross breeding between strawberry species has developed the strawberry commonly known today. The strawberry is unique in that the seeds are born...

This is a long debated and much publicised topic. Is Organically grown food more nutritious than conventionally grown food? Whether organic or synthetic fertilizers are added to soil plants do respond with brilliant green growth. Much of this transfers through to the edible portion of a plant making the plant more nutritious. But which is more nutritious? Much research has pointed in the direction of synthetically grown produce being more nutritious. Other research points in the direction of Organically grown produce being better for us. One thing research rarely takes into consideration is the additional pesticides and herbicides the synthetically grown plant is exposed do in its growth cycle...

Garlic is a cash crop that you can even grow in containers. In fields you separate plantings to rows one foot apart to allow you to walk between them. But in containers you just walk round the outside of the planting, so cloves can have only four inches between them in every direction. If you try to buy garlic you will see what I mean about high prices. Considering that each clove should produce between ten and fifteen cloves it should be quite profitable on a small scale for clients who want organic produce. How to grow garlic 1. Where do you grow them? Push cloves into the ground all over your garden, and let them survive as they will. This will help your other plants. To grow them as crops you...

Can Ball home canning recipes be contaminated by bisphenol A (BPA)? Let me first say the short answer is NO, absolutely not. Then let me say that bisphenol A will be the next in a long line of food scares created by mass production of plastics. I understand your concern regarding recent reports from Canada about BPA found in some plastic food contact products. Bisphenol-A is a synthetic chemical compound primarily used to make polycarbonate plastic containers. Please be assured that Ball home canning food storage containers (freezer containers/freezer jars) and plastic food contact articles (cutlery, straws, serving/canning utensils and canning storage caps) do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA). What...

Raw food is in vogue from celebrities to restaurant owners and the raw food movement continues to grow. People change to a raw food lifestyle for reasons such as: they want to feel better, eliminate health issues, loose weight, get into shape, and even impact our carbon footprint. Raw food provides the whole goodness of food with nutrients in their natural state, complete with enzymes your body needs to process food to its fullest. So, what are appropriate foods to use on this dietary change? It is not people eating raw meat! While doing the research for this article I came across information about people eating raw meat. A raw food lifestyle is about fresh, organic fruit, vegetables, greens...

If you have done your homework then you already know that organic foods don't contain harmful chemicals. They don't have pesticides, herbicides, or very other chemicals used in the fertilizer. That is all very important information because those are the driving points behind organic food. Knowing you aren't consuming residue from these chemicals is something that you should be very happy about. The other benefit is that the soil, air, and land aren't being harmed from the growth of them either. With conventional farming methods there are many chemicals used and the do end up on the final product as well as in our environment. However, you may be very curious to find out what chemical organic product...

By eating certain foods, you can create a natural cleansing diet. Cleansing your body has many benefits including better health, more energy, possible weight loss, better sleep at night, happier moods, and a clearer mind, which is a less stressed mind. Eating junk and processed foods, and too much food inhibits digestion. Digestion affects metabolism - if your digestion is poor, so is your metabolism. This creates an environment in which waste can build up. By eating a naturally cleansing diet, you keep your body's processes strong and create an environment that will digest food, assimilate nutrients and efficiently eliminate waste. Start your morning with a slightly warm glass of water with fresh...

Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, up to 2.7 million lives could be saved if only the world would consume fruits and vegetables regularly? Fruits and vegetables are not on top of the food pyramid for no good reason. Experts recommend that it should be part of one’s diet, specifically at least five servings a day because of its natural health benefits. Studies have shown over and over again that these farm grown foods lower the risks of dreaded health conditions like stroke, heart and digestive problems, high blood pressure and cancer. Other wonders Many fruits and vegetables are also found to be beneficial to pregnant women because of its folic acid content, according to...

With it's many benefits, organic baby food is becoming more accessible to busy moms. Organic food is free from harmful additives and pesticides that can harm your baby. It provides added nutrition and reduces the risk of developing food allergies. Regardless of your lifestyle and cooking style, you can find an organic option to serve your baby. Organic baby food is easy to find - just look in the refrigerated section of your favorite grocery store. HomeMade Baby, sells freshly pureed organic fruits and vegetables in stores nationwide. You can also check your local yellow pages to find companies that will deliver fresh baby food directly to your front door. Purchasing frozen organic baby food is...

A heaping of organic coffee powder being tossed into your steaming hot milk in the mornings is an experience in itself. That’s not knocking traditional coffee, which also turns tired bodies to life in a matter of minutes. Today, many consumers have switched to organic fruits and vegetables in an attempt to fend off pesticides, live healthier, and to stay environmentally conscious. As a result, the more serious coffee enthusiasts have been forced to pay premium prices for organic coffee as a result of Fair Trade and the complexity of its production. Just how is organic coffee produced that justifies this expense? To begin, organic coffee production differs from traditional company in that organic...

When you travel to the grocery store, shopping for things like eggs, meat, fish, milk, and produce can be very tricky. Signs are posted everywhere labeling food as natural, organic, and a number of other things--but what is the difference, really? Learning what these specific names mean can help you decide if you should spend the extra dough on a product if they are just using "natural" as a marketing ploy. Natural is a term associated with a number of fruit and vegetable products. Typically, this is simple a marketing device to convince you to buy it. After all, all fruits and vegetables are natural, right? Unless it's a new kind of food that has been developed and processed, the product is natural...

What's Crackin? Organic fruits and vegetables have been standing the test of time and coming out of the woodwork on grocery store shelves. In the past year I've finally seen local grocery stores giving some miniscule respect to Organic fruits and vegetables and it's about time. But they are still ages away from embracing it. Non-Organic grocery stores are in the Stone Age. The reason I'm writing this is because I find myself constantly having to tell the employees of the big chain grocery stores the significance of Organic vs. regular fruits and vegetables. Here's a simple taste and sight test to try out Organic. Taste test #1: Stop buying regular bananas and purchase for one month Organic bananas...

If you have been considering an organic garden, then you really should look into the advantages an aquaponic garden provides. Aquaponics is essentially a hydroponic garden done organically with the addition of a fish pond. It is a complete ecosystem that utilizes fish waste as organic food for the plants and adversely, the plants clean the water providing a safe environment for the fish. There are many advantages to planting an aquaponic garden which I'm sure organic gardeners will find encouraging. 1. Like the hydroponic garden the aquaponic garden uses no soil. The plants are planted in trays and grow their roots into a bed of garden rocks. The trays are typically set on tables or stands so that...

We live in an age when doctors' fees, hospital costs, and many medical treatments are incredibly expensive and disease statistics are off the charts. It makes pretty good sense to take preventative measures and protect yourself as much as you can from debilitating disease and premature death. While building a head turning physique is great, maintaining good health should be priority number one. In fact, it is practically impossible to lose body fat and get in better shape if you health is poor. The hard part is that good health, just like a better body, must be earned. And that means you will be required to put in a bit of hard work. But it is hard work that must be done, and everyday is an...

One common question that may arise in your mind before purchasing acai berry products is, does it actually matter where you have purchased the products or supplements of acai. The answer is as simple as the question itself and comes up every time you go out to purchase acai products. It is actually very important that you purchase these products from a company that has a good reputation. This is because every product is not created in the same way. There are several steps to be followed while processing acai products and thus, it is very important for the customers to know everything about the products and its usage. Popularity of the acai berry has grown during the past 6 or 7 years and as a result...

Growing organic fruits and vegetables in your own garden is certainly a rewarding experience. You insure the produce you grow is chemical-free and as healthy as possible. The alternative is to purchase produce from a market or farm along with the unknowns of what chemicals were used to treat and grow the produce. Maintaining the delicate balance of your organic garden's ecosystem is the best way to keep your plants healthy and insect-free. When that balance is upset and insects become a problem, the need for a pesticide may arise. Choosing between a homemade remedy and a commercial pesticide is a hard choice for an organic gardener. It goes against every belief you had about your organic garden. It...

Hello once again, in this - my 4th article in this series about organic gardening. In the first article, I spelled out WHAT "organic" means according to the Wikipedia definition. Now I would like to cover WHY plant, nurture, grow and/or consume organic fruits and vegetables. 'Why organic'? The main reason is that chemical fertilizers, insecticides, weed killers etc., are neither friendly nor useful to our physical bodies. They are usually man-made or man-assembled chemicals that have harmful effects in varying degrees, some of which are long term. These harmful effects are exactly why these products are also able to kill insects and weeds. The idea is that after having killed off competing insects...

Organic health food store produce was recently compared to standard produce in a major university study, and the results were surprising to say the least. The research focused on organically-grown tomatoes versus standard tomatoes, and it was determined that the organics contained almost twice the levels of heart-healthy antioxidants, especially flavonoids. Studies have shown that flavonoids can reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of many types of heart disease and even strokes. Researches theorize that high levels of nitrogen in the organic soil could cause these benefits to organically grown produce. The study, carried out at the University of California, measured amounts of two...

p>Fruits follow the blooming of the healthy plants like trees, shrubs and vines. They carry the seeds from which new generation of fruit-bearing plants will grow in favorable conditions. One of the best ways to enjoy these nature's perfect gifts is - to eat them fresh and alone (without combining them with other foods or even eating them on top of other foods) since they are digested and utilized more rapidly than other foods. The only exemption seems to be citrus fruits, combined with nuts. Citrus' high level of acid assists the digestion of fats in nuts. The most important positive qualities and roles of fruits are listed below: - fruits have a very valuable natural nutrient content (most of them...

Skin care products are becoming a trend at the moment and is growing. Many supermarkets are increasing its offerings of organic food by 50% and as people are becoming more environmentally conscious, their interest in organic skin care and organic products has increased. Realizing the fact that what you put in your body is just as essential as what you put into your body, people are buying more organic skin care products which are without chemicals and pose less health harm in long-term. Similar to organic products, skin care products come from natural products and contain no harmful chemicals. Organic products are regulated by US Department of Agriculture and has released guidelines to label organic...

The short answer is yes, they do. The more complex answer is just that; more complex. A recent investigation by Integrated Pest Management shows that about 40 percent of the farmers in Thailand are using pesticides in the growing of their crops. A staggering 14 percent have admitted to using illegal pesticides in the growing of their crops. By illegal, it refers to chemicals which are considered to the environment or to humans. Is there prevention? Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you eat them or cook them, is one way to help remove the chemical residues, but it should be a habit from childhood to wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Organic minded friends suggest...

Known as the Dirty Dozen, conventionally grown peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes contain the highest levels of pesticides, according to the Environmental Work Group (EWG), a nonprofit research organization in Washington, D.C. Up to 20 different pesticides are used in the traditional production of the Dirty Dozen and contrary to popular belief, simply washing or peeling your fruits and vegetables doesn't guarantee elimination. The pesticides used are often absorbed into the plants, which allows them to bind to the fruits and vegetables, making it impossible to eliminate their presence. The chemicals...

The popularity of organic food and gardening has certainly increased over the last few years. Not only does it give you a sense of well being but people love the beauty of wonderful colored flowers and the taste of vegetables they helped create. Organic gardening tips on how to successfully start and care for an organic garden are becoming easier to find as this type of gardening continues to become more popular. Along with being relaxing, it is a very interesting hobby. Anyone can organically produce wonderful fruits, herbs and vegetables and know that they are healthy to eat and pesticide, herbicide and chemical free. There will always be garden pests but instead of using chemicals to deal...

I will never forget the day my mom told me to wash strawberries. As a typical inquisitive 4 year old, I asked, 'Why?' Because fruit pickers pick their nose was her response. I then washed them - sometimes. Now as a 31 year old, I buy organic produce which must mean it is free from boogers and by all means, it best be free from pesticides. But as a med student with a wife, two kids and a mortgage, the wallet feels stress when buying organic produce. Demand has gone up for organic products, especially in Seattle, which has lowered the cost some; but not enough during the rough financial times. So I find myself wondering which of the non-organic veggies and fruits are the safest to eat? A watermelon...

Heal your body taking steps to improve your diet. Fresh, preferably raw and organic fruits and vegetables could help you achieve the level of health you desire. In fact, eating a wide variety of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables helps displace calories from less healthy food items and could even help reverse or prevent serious health conditions. Research indicates that consuming a large portion of your calories from fresh fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of many diseases and adverse health conditions including many cancers. Get in the habit of eating at least five fruit and vegetable servings up to eight or ten a day. This may not be as hard as it sounds if you get some of those...

Food prices have risen faster in recent years than ever before. As many of us are feeling the pinch, it is time to reevaluate some of our food purchases. The term “organic” has been thrown around in the shopping aisles like sprinkles on the jelly donut you’re trying to avoid. It seems like hundreds of new “organic” products have emerged, all with a price tag about 30% higher than the regular option. Is it really worth the extra money, or are we all being duped with a clever marketing campaign to get us to buy essentially the same thing for a lot more? It is true that organic growing practices are a lot better for the environment. So if you’re swayed by that fact alone...

Everyone wants to eat nutritious foods and most people can tell you exactly what they are. People are divided into two camps: conventionally grown (cg) versus organic foods. By far, most of the cg foods that are available to us are processed. The seeds for plant products have been genetically engineered and some have been irradiated. The plants are grown using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Once harvested, the plants are refined and vitamins and minerals added to them. During processing, the food is further enhanced with vitamins, minerals, preservatives and colourings. Finally, the product is canned, boxed or frozen before it reaches the consumer. Today, over $2.1 trillion of foods...

It is time to rethink organic. For example, a non-organic celery stick could contain 67 pesticides, according to a new report from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, reports CNN. Concerned with public health, the group scrutinized 100,000 produce pesticide reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ascertain which fruits and vegetables have the highest and lowest amounts of chemical residue. Called the "Dirty Dozen," these fruits and vegetables contain 47 to 67 pesticides per serving, probably because they have soft skins that absorb more pesticides. The group suggests purchasing organic instead. "It's critical people know what they are...

robably feel good about your purchase when you go to your local farmer's market to get organically grown fresh fruits and vegetables. It's a nice feeling to know that the foods you are eating are as nutritious as possible, but there's another reason why you can get a great deal of satisfaction from your pledge to go organic. Whenever you go to your local outlet to buy produce, did you know that you are supporting your local farmers as well as the environment? Fresher food and a cleaner planet are just two of the reasons for you and your family to enjoy only organic foods. Organic farming is usually a family affair, with all family members pitching in to help run the business. There are far fewer...

When you think "organic foods," what comes to mind? The majority of us think of foods that are farmed more carefully, in accordance with nature, and typically have less potentially harmful pesticide residues. We also think of the slightly increased price on organic foods. But what else do we really know about organic farming and the produce they bring to our supermarkets? What are other benefits of eating organic? Not surprisingly, there are lots. Read on to find out. Organic farms help to preserve our environment. With "going green" being the latest environmental trend, it has never been a better time to hop on the bandwagon. Organic farms make sure to conserve water, help build soil, respect the...

My mother gave up saying this a very long time ago. Much to her despair I grew up on a diet largely dominated by pizza and chocolate (don't try this at home). When I elected to turn vegetarian at age 13, vegetarians were not as common as nowadays, and many people assumed I ate only vegetables. Nothing could be further from the truth. Until quite recently you'd be hard pushed to find a fresh fruit or vegetable in my kitchen. They would be bought sometimes with good intentions but would end up providing only visual satisfaction. A friend suggested I get a juicer. Fresh vegetable juice is popularly considered very beneficial - as a balm for many complaints and as a general aid to wellbeing. Nowadays at...

What's with all the different type of Juices? You only have to walk down the supermarket aisles to see the numerous brands and types of fruit juice that are available. And, confusingly, they all claim to provide you with unparalleled benefits: 100% fruit juice, added Vitamin C, preservative free, etc. To find out how the juices are different, let's take a look at the types of juices available. Juice Drinks These drinks, normally found with other soft-drink beverages on shelves away from the refrigerated dairy section, are not 100% fruit juice and sometimes struggle to be 5% fruit juice! They contain water and lots of sugar, additives and flavoring, and have very few nutritional benefits. They often...

Fresh fruit dangers exist when you eat conventionally grown fruit. The danger actually comes from the growing methods used. Heavy pesticide use and the use of chemical fertilizers may make the perfect looking fruit. But, they also leave the toxins behind. Washing the fruit is a must. The only thing is, it just may not be enough. Let me explain... Depending on when the plants were sprayed with pesticides makes a difference. If the fruit trees were sprayed when flowering, pesticides can then be in the pulp. These chemicals can be washed into the soil and water and then be absorbed by the tree or plant. This would then result in a pesticide presence in the fruit. In addition, the waxing of fruit would...

Some people decide to put themselves on a fruit only diet for either a short period of time or part of a long-term plan. This is usually as part of a cleansing program in order to help maintain health and well-being. However, when embarking on such a diet there are ways to consume the fruit and types of fruit to eat to make the experience better. I have met people who have decided to follow such a plan and go out and consume a vast quantity of fruit all at once. All this achieves is to make you feel very bloated. The best way to consume fruit is to do what animals do and graze on it throughout the day. This means picking and eating small quantities regularly and will prevent any insulin surges which...

There has been a drastic rise in the production of organic foods in the past few years. This is due to an increasing focus on personal health and the demands for a greener world, and organic food fits these desires perfectly. Organic food is defined by the way it is grown, and on an industrial scale, farmers must comply with special production standards in order to label their food organic. It is more expensive to produce organic food on a large scale because it requires more care, and the resources available to make the crops grow are more limited. Also, studies show that yields from organic farms are lower than conventional ones, although the former is more energy efficient and better on the soil...