2014-03-01

Bountiful Basket 3: Conventional vs. Organic Produce

I hope everyone's Saturday is going well.  I just wanted to stop in real quick and show you the Bountiful Basket that I picked up this morning.  This is the first time my mom and I opted to pay $25 for an organic basket instead of $15 for a conventional basket.  Here is what we got:
  • 1 large bag of Brussels sprouts
  • 1 turnip (What the heck are we going to do with that?!)
  • 1 carton of beautifully red strawberries
  • 1 bunch rainbow chard
  • 1 bunch green onions
  • 1 english cucumber
  • 3 large beets with greens
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • 5 apples
  • 5 oranges
  • 4 limes
All in all, I thought it was a pretty good basket.  I could tell that the quality of the produce was a big step up from the conventional basket.  It felt like we got relatively the same amount of food volume-wise as the conventional basket.  The only perk with getting conventional is that they distribute any extra produce after the baskets have been sorted, whereas the organic boxes are a pre-packaged, closed box.  On the other hand, the organic box had some things I have never seen in the conventional box, such as beets with their greens still attached, actually ripe strawberries, and rainbow chard.  

Ok, I'll admit it... my name is Amy and I am addicted to food porn.  I mean, seriously, the rainbow chard and strawberries are georgous!  I have, over the last hour in between doing laundry and cleaning, went to the fridge to admire the strawberries more than a few times.  I have gone so far as to make the above picture my phone's lock screen wallpaper....hey, it is a great way to remember during the week what delicious and nutritious food I have to eat at home.  Life Hack!

What are your opinions on paying extra for organic over conventional?  Obviously food with less chemicals will be healthier for your body, but can you see or taste the difference?

5 comments:

  1. Barefoot Contessa has a roast vegetable recipe that uses turnips, and it's awesome! Chop them up with another root vegetable, like carrots, and roast them in the oven… use whatever seasonings you like. Hope that helps!

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    1. Thanks, Alyson! I will probably end up doing some roasted potatoes, carrots, and turnips.

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  2. We say, "Go for locally grown organics every chance you get!" At the local market, through a CSA, or at the grocery, more organic goods can make their way to your table. Some whine about the price, but it's less expensive than paying medical bills. When you get them, eat them raw, with a few exceptions. MMMMM Good!

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    1. I agree Steve! I have been trying to incorporate some more organic produce into my normal groceries each week. So far, I consistently always get organic spinach, carrots, and apples. I'm working on trying to find a reliable source source for organic potatoes and yams as well (that doesn't break the bank). Thanks so much for your input!

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  3. This is such a excellent idea!!! Will definitely do something like this in the future!Such a amazing present. Also, very necessary to consist of a little details piece. Really like it!such a charming present idea!Basket

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