You may have heard of the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” – complied by the Environmental Working Group, they list the produce that has the most pesticide residue (“Dirty Dozen”) and the least (“Clean 15”) when conventionally grown.

Chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are often used in conventional farming. Fertilizers and sprays that contain harmful chemicals can place individuals at a higher risk for serious health conditions, such as cancer, leukemia, and liver damage. In addition, the toxins present in many chemically based fertilizers and sprays may add to the risk of birth defects in unborn children. The pesticides penetrate right into the plants’ cells, so no amount of washing will get those chemicals off. The ingestion of these chemicals can lead to serious health complications.

At SunTrio farm we grow certified organic versions of crops that are on the ‘Dirty Dozen’.For the health-conscious and budgeting consumer, purchasing these organic counterparts gives you the most bang for your buck. But even produce on the “Clean 15″ – like eggplants – still contain pesticide residue when they are conventionally grown. Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides can’t just be washed off the skin of produce, they grow into the fruit itself. The “Clean 15” is a list of produce with the least pesticide residue – not zero. 

 

It is well known that organic fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants, however, the cause of this is not always discussed. The truth is, the very thing conventional (non-organic) farmers do to avoid disease in plants may be lowering the plants natural production of antioxidant. This is because the plant doesn’t need to use its innate survival mechanisms due to the assistance of pesticides, thereby often resulting in lower antioxidant levels. The reason a fruit or vegetable might have a high level of antioxidants is because it has fended off pests and disease by itself – or with help from organic remedies. 

In general, organic food consumers, manufactures and farmers strongly believe in organic food having following benefits over non organic food:

  • Better health: Since organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals. In some instances, the difference was 58.5% higher antioxidant levels. 
  • Better taste: Taste also improves or intensifies – sprayed or over-sprayed fruits and vegetables often taste bland.
  • Environment safety: As harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution. When you purchase organically grown produce, it’s not simply for your health, but to send the message that you don’t support the conventional produce industry that contaminates our food and our earth.

Our produce is grown using only organic methods. Beneficial insects and other natural methods are employed to control pests and disease. Sea soil and other natural inputs nourish the soil. Our organic methods and dedicated care for our plants ensures high-quality produce for our customers. Come by our retail shop to taste the organic difference for yourself