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Let's Talk Organic With the Founder of Earthbound Organic
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- Emily 0 comments
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We are thrilled that Myra Goodman will be here live on Wednesday at 1 pm ET. Post any questions, thoughts or messages you have for her here and she'll dive right in when the Talk kicks off!
over 2 years ago
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- Bobbi-Sue 4 comments
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My family is on a budget and we can't afford to eat lots of organic foods. Which ones do you recommend we put at the top of the list? And which ones don't matter so much.
over 2 years ago
TheSmartMama
Easy tip for buying organic re pesticide residue - if you have a difficult time washing, and you eat the skin, buy it organic. Think peaches, strawberries, raspberries and also lettuce.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
You could look at the pocket guide we posted of the twelve items that tend to have the most pesticide residues. Starting from the top of the list: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, imported grapes, carrots, and pears. But, sometimes organic produce isn't much more expensive and on occasions like that, I encourage you to buy organic because not only does it help protect you from pesticide residues, organic farming helps protect the environment. Just our company alone, because we farm organically, we avoid the use of more than 10.5 million pounds of synthetic agricultural chemicals annually -- that's chemicals that would otherwise end up in food and in the environment.
over 2 years ago
Clarice
I wonder about that too. I would love to have "MUST BUY" organic list. With fish too.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Dr. Greene was here last week chatting and he has a great "organic prescription" for what foods you should focus on: http://www.drgreene.com/555560.html Here are tips for eating organic on a budget: http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/the_ultimate_guide_to_deals_and_discounts_on_organic_healthy_food/ http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/eat-healthy/articles/budget/
over 2 years ago
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- Momofseven 4 comments
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I wish I could be here at 1 today. I'll come back and read the Talk afterwards.
Here's my question. How did you ever get the idea to start the company? And WHEN did you start it? Did you family think you were crazy? Now everyone knows how important organic foods are, but it wasn't always that way!
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
That's really inspiring!
over 2 years ago
Emily
Two and a half acres!!! Incredible!!! And how inspired to do bagged salads first!!! So innovative!
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
Wow! You started with 2.5 acres! THat is so inspiring!!!!!!!!!!!!
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
You got it right! Everyone thought we were crazy when we started. My husband and I are both from NYC -- very unlikely farmers. We were just going to live on this farm for a year before grad school, but fell in love with the land and with farming. We only had 2 1/2 acres, so we grew a lot of small things, like baby lettuces. We were actually the first people to successfully launch packaged salads for retail sale in 1986. That's what really launched our company before people were really interested in organic.
over 2 years ago
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- Deborah 4 comments
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I LOVE a road side stand and in the back of my mind I believe their produce is better. Can they claim that their produce is organic? Legally? Am I better off for buying from road-side stands generally? ( I am hopeful, you'll say YES)
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
It's a percentage, too, right, to be able to use organic on labels or ads? Not per se 100%?
over 2 years ago
Cooper
REALLY! That seems so wrong to be able to use organic even if they aren't!
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
My company started as a little roadside stand selling heirloom raspberries. And Earthbound Farm still has a great little Farm Stand in Carmel Valley, California. I'm all for farm stands! But I personally always try to buy organic produce when possible. So I look for a farmer that is certified organic. Talk to the farmer to find out. One caveat: farmers who sell less than $5000 per year don't need to be certified to use the word organic.
over 2 years ago
Cooper
GREAT question!
over 2 years ago
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- Becki 20 comments
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Organic milk. I know it's so much better for my kids, but I swear, every week when I go to reach for it, I choke when I see it's four dollars more per gallon than conventional. How critical is it to buy organic milk?
over 2 years ago
foodietots
I buy local or organic because I want to avoid GMO feed and make sure cows are allowed to graze -- unfortunately even some (big) organic brands are not following humane practices (Horizon/some store brands) so I generally look for Organic Valley to be safe.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Kathryn1124 - Agreed on the inefficacy of the FDA right now! It's such a shame.
over 2 years ago
Kathryn1124
Janelle, that's interesting as I hadn't heard that before. However, having worked with the FDA over my career and knowing how woefully underfunded and understaffed they are...we'll stick with organic and local milk! ;)
over 2 years ago
Jo-Lynne
I'm more concerned with my milk being from grass fed cows than it being certified organic. I actually buy raw milk now. I know there is a lot of debate about the safety of raw milk, but it's carefully regulated in my state, and I know my farmer. I also have a source for grass fed organic pasteurized milk, but it's pricey.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Kathryn1124 - The FDA Milk Drug Residue program tests milk for antibiotic residue. Rarely do they find any, but when they do, the milk is disposed of. Not that we can entirely trust the FDA anymore with how understaffed they are, but just wanted to make the point that it's an issue that public health officials are aware of and antibiotics are not likely widespread in the conventional milk supply.
over 2 years ago
Kathryn1124
I think that a lot of the mainstream milk producers and now putting "No Hormones" on their packaging, but organic milk also leaves out antibiotics...an important distinction to me.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Here's a great guide to meat and dairy - http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=102203 and if you can't get all organic, it's good to know there are affordable ways to reduce your exposure to contaminants by doing things like buying low-fat. As Tracie said - just take it one step at a time! No one can do everything, but everyone can do something!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
I do too, but I have to pace myself. And I have to let my budget do the leading. Bla! I wish money grew on trees. :-)
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
Tracie, I do get overwhelmed, but you raise a good point. One at a time!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
Clairice, it's not just milk you should be worried about... cheese and meat too. Plus plastic (water bottles, food packaging). Plus some beauty supplies (parabens, phthalates, etc). Bla! But dont' get over whelmed. Start with avoiding hormones in the food first, then tackle the others.
over 2 years ago
Clarice
The milk question always freaks me out. We can't really afford the organic milk, and yet I don't want my daughter going into puberty at 7. UGHHHHHHH
over 2 years ago
thienkim
I do notice that most milk in my area says from cows w/o growth hormones. so that's ok right?
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Great Q Julie!
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Is there a difference among brands of Organic milk? We have a few choices, and Target also offers their own organic brand here. The prices do vary, with Target brand often a $1(ish) less.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
There are so many comments about organic milk...let's try to answer most of these questions. These questions show how concerned moms are about protecting their kids' health and how stressful it is to try to keep your food spending within your budget. It's really tough and stress affects your health as well as hormones and pesticides! We all need to balance what we can do and not beat ourselves up. That said...if you can afford organic milk, I encourage you to buy it. Not only will it not have antibiotics or growth hormones, but it will also have been produced with cows fed 100% organic feed or pasture, which greatly reduced pesticide residues and protects the environment. Also, organic dairy cows are raised in more humane conditions.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
The solution is a major overhaul of our food system, but that's probably not going to happen anytime soon. One reason organic is so much more expensive in general is that big ag gets big corporate welfare (our taxes are used to subsidize their products). It's messed up.
over 2 years ago
Cooper
That is interesting Janelle. What is the solution here? Any indication that prices might come down?
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
If you can find dairy from grass-fed cows, that's technically the most nutritious. But that's often more expensive than conventional, too.
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
I want to know this too. With 4 kids (boys) we buy a lot (like, A LOT) of milk and I am sick about how much it costs to by organic.
over 2 years ago
Tracie
I'm anxious to hear the answer too. But here is my .02 cents.... Many milk brands are hormone free, so that takes the "necessity" of buying organic. However, some cows are fed genetically modified corn/feed, which we personally want to avoid. GMO food hasn't been around long enough to test the long term effects.
over 2 years ago
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- Greenie 2 comments
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Myra! I LOVE your company. Thank you SO much for being here. I would love to hear your thoughts on food safety given that leafy greens are now dubbed "most dangerous" - UGH (my favorite!).
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
Food safety is definitely a concern for everyone. Leafy greens are such a nutritious part of our diets. So we understand the issues in food safety and we at Earthbound Farm have implemented an extremeley rigorous, multi-hurdle food safety program for all of our leafy greens. The program includes testing from seed, water and farm inputs to freshly harvest and packaged salads. You can learn more at http://www.ebfarm.com/Products/QualityFoodSafety.aspx
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Great questions -- this and your carrot one too!
over 2 years ago
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- Greenie 3 comments
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One more question! We had a thread here the other day talking about the fact that "baby" carrots are not baby carrots at all but carved down big, rotten carrots. Is that urban legend?
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Thanks for that explanation and tip -- I had not heard the rumor about "rotten carrots" so glad to have this all out and clarified at once. :)
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Wow, interesting. In out talk the other day it came up that "baby" carrots were soaked in some kind of horrible preservative substance as well. This is good info to have.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to address this question!! It's true -- they are NOT baby carrots. But they also are not big rotten carrots that have been cut down. They are a special variety of sweet carrots that are peeled and cut into convenient sizes. Carrots are an important item to choose organic -- they are #11 on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list -- a list of the produce items that most frequently test with pesticide residues. Here's a link to the info www.foodnews.org.
over 2 years ago
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- Emily 8 comments
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Thank you Healthy World Healthy Child for this wonderful basket!Just join the conversation and post or comment and you're entered to win. We'll announce the winner after the Talk is complete! Good luck everyone and have a wonderful talking with Myra!!!!
over 2 years ago
Momofseven
Congratulations TammyinTN!!!!!!!!
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Congrats to TammyinTN - you are the winner today! Let me know your address and we'll get the prize right out! Thanks!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
Did I miss the winner?
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
lovingbarefoot: thanks for buying organic food. We believe it's healthiest for your family and the environment. I want to assure you that the organic industry is well-regulated. Starting in October 2002, the National Organic Program (under USDA) went into effect. The regulations are 550 pages long and collected the most comments ever for USDA regs. It took 12 years to write them! We believe they are strong and ensure the integrity of organic food. While there can always be liars and cheaters out there, USDA levels a $10,000 fine per occurence on any producer that fails to meet these regulations.
over 2 years ago
hopefulmommy
I would love to win this, looks like great stuff!
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
GREAT question barefoot. I feel the same way sometimes, too.
over 2 years ago
lovingbarefoot
I do purchase organic food as much as is possible for our family on our one paycheck budget. There are some foods that I simply refuse to buy unless they are organic including rice, potatoes, milk and eggs. I was telling a friend the other day about buying organic and she scoffed at me. She asked me how I know for a fact these foods are not just regular foods with an organic label. I told her they are regulated, but here's my question....how DO we know? How regulated is the organic industry?
over 2 years ago
Cooper
I want to remind everyone we have a FANTASTIC gift basket for a lucky Talk participant today!
over 2 years ago
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- Juanita 6 comments
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Oh my goodness I can't believe I get to talk with the head of my favorite company!!!!!! Wow, Myra, thank you so much for being here. I have to ask this question, and I know it is so silly given you run the whole thing, but what the heck! I need new ideas for salads. Really, really yummy salads that could be dinner! THank you, I hope you have some ideas! I want to tell my husband that he is eating the dinner the head of Earthbound recommended! : )
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
Yum, with a little dried cranberry - Perfect!!!!!!!!!!
over 2 years ago
thienkim
Barefoot, I love salads as a meal too. Adding dried fruits and nuts are a great way to round it out. Canned beans, nuts, and cheeses add protein. I'm sure you've added chicken to your salads. Try mandarin oranges, dried cherries or cranberries with some feta and a light champagne vinagrete.
over 2 years ago
TammyinTN
I also love salads with hearts of palm, but they can be hard to find if you don't live in a big city.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
I'm so very flattered!! Being a busy working mom, I always try to kill two birds with one stone and cook extra chicken or beef when I'm cooking to have leftovers to turn a big salad into a meal. Top a bed of fresh greens with all of your favorite veggies (cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, beets, onions, etc.), any beans you like. I love olives, artichoke hearts and hearts of palm, too. Any cheese (feta, goat cheese, blue cheese), toasted nuts. When you have your salad composed of anything you like -- your imagination is your only limitation -- add your leftover meats, if you like. My favorite dressing is just some dijon mustard, fresh garlic, salt and pepper, lemon juice or a good vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. You can shake that all up in a jar. You'll find lots of great salad recipes on our website at www.ebfarm.com and my new cookbook is coming out in the Spring. It will have tons of great new salads!
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Myra's been sharing great family-friendly recipes at http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/eat-healthy/ - check it out! Super nummy!
over 2 years ago
goodygirl
You are cracking me up. I know, it is awesome Myra's here! Thank you Myra!
over 2 years ago
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- Cooper 2 comments
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Join the Talk http://www.themotherhood.com/circlechat.php?l=57863 ! Wed, Oct 7th, at 1 pm ET: Myra Goodman will talk about how our food choices make a bigger impact on the planet than the car we buy and how we can live organically within a budget. And she'll share her favorite recipes.Click http://www.themotherhood.com/circlechat.php?l=57863 to join the Talk!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
20 more minutes! WOOHOO!
over 2 years ago
Jo-Lynne
This starts at 1? So I didn't miss it?
over 2 years ago
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- Jo-Lynne 3 comments
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I have recently started eating "clean" and I have been buying organic produce and dairy. I find that often the organic produce is not as fresh as the locally grown conventional produce at my nearby farm market, so I often opt for that instead. What are your thoughts on how local and fresh and conventional compares to organic and shipped in from afar.
Also. Why are so many organic milk products "ultra pasteurized"? From what I understand, these are heated to unnecessarily high temperatures. Why not just pasteurized?
I hope to be here for the chat at 1. If I can't manage it, I'll check in afterwards. Thanks for being available for this!
over 2 years ago
Jo-Lynne
Good point on the salad greens. I'm thinking more of things like broccoli and green beans and apples and peaches and berries.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
I find that freshness and quality of local vs. shipped from afar depends on the item. It's really hard to get a good vine-ripened tomato or tree-ripened fruit in the supermarket because that stuff has to be picked green so it has enough of a shelf life. I think products like our salad greens that are washed, refrigerated and packaged within hours of harvest do usually maintain great shelf life, sometimes, more than something you buy locally.
over 2 years ago
Clarice
Great questions. I see that too sometimes.
over 2 years ago
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- MyraGoodman 4 comments
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Hi everybody! I'm Myra Goodman, co founder (with my husband Drew) of Earthbound Farm. I'm so excited to be here chatting with you. This is my first LiveChat. I'm glad there are already so many questions. Thanks to everyone who said they love our company -- it's so nice to hear that.
over 2 years ago
HealthyChild
Thank you so much for being here!
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Thanks so much for coming to talk with us!
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Welcome Myra, we are so glad you are here. We are thrilled you are Talking with us today - and we already have lots of questions! : )
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Hi Myra! Thanks so much for being here!
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 3 comments
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Kids love to dip things, and a platter of assorted vegetables served
with a tasty dip can keep them happily munching for a long time, eating
tons of vitamins, minerals and healthy fiber. Click http://http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-comments/ebf_organic_spinach_yogurt_dip/ for ingredients and instructions.
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Oh YUM!!! We've been on a spinach kick lately.
over 2 years ago
Becki
I think this would get me eating more veggies, too.
over 2 years ago
HealthyChild
This is one of our favorite recipes from Myra!
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 11 comments
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Hey Myra! Parents always ask us if you need to wash organically grown veggies and fruits. What is your thought on this?
over 2 years ago
ChristopherGav
There is a great new product out called Eat Cleaner - cleaning veggies, fruits, and even meats and fish. It's really just citric acid (from lemons) and sea salt and water. Kosher and totally pure. It removes wax well too. EatCleaner.com. I was impressed.
over 2 years ago
JanetteRizk
Sometimes I use a little EO all purpose soap to clean veggies - its a gentle vegetable based soap from Whole Foods Market - just to make sure my produce is clean... maybe I'm being paranoid, but better safe than sorry I think..
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
Interesting conversation. All brands labeld organic have to meet the strict regulations of the USDA's national organic program. So the "purity" should be the same. But I know in my household, my kids insist that different brands taste different (which is based on what the cows eat). There are certain brands my kids like more than others. Grassfed cows produce milk with more healthy omega-3 fatty acids and cows raised this way have less of impact on the environment. But, it's pretty hard to find.
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
I guess you need to be careful with the scrub brush but this does make me feel a lot better.
over 2 years ago
JanetteRizk
I've heard that organic vegetables need to be washed even more thoroughly than conventionally grown vegetables. Is this true?
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
I've read that simply washing in water is fine (and should be done with all produce - regardless if it's organic or not). It's the physical rubbing/scrubbing and rinse of water that gets rid of residues and microbials.
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Clarice, good point. We get produce from our CSA (local farm co-op) and I just rinse under water. I see sprays, cleaners, complicated systems and I wonder sometimes if they're necessary. I joke we're building up strong immune systems lol.
over 2 years ago
Tracie
I always wonder about the fancy shmancy veggie wash. Never bought it, just use water....
over 2 years ago
thienkim
good question. how should I wash my non-organic produce?
over 2 years ago
Clarice
I just rinse my produce off in water, isn't that enough?
over 2 years ago
Becki
Oh, I wondered about this too. I always wash fruit, but it would be nice to know.
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 2 comments
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Organic farmers use beneficial insects to
help keep our crops pest-free. On this Bug Walk, visitors help Earthbound Farm
release millions of ladybugs into our organic fields in Carmel Valley,
California. And it looks like SO much fun!
over 2 years ago
Becki
My daughter would be in heaven; she loves ladybugs.
over 2 years ago
Cooper
I bet kids LOVE that!!!!!!!!!
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 8 comments
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Kids love these rice paper-wrapped salads, which make a terrific
lunchbox item they can also help to make. The rice paper wrappers are
translucent, so the colorful fillings shine through, making each roll a
work of art. Click http://http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-comments/vietnamese_spring_rolls/ for ingredients and instructions.
over 2 years ago
Becki
I can't wait to make these.
over 2 years ago
Emily
My kids are going to love these!!! Me too of course!!!!
over 2 years ago
TammyinTN
I am going to make these, I already have the papers in my pantry, but sometimes I have a hard time rolling them without them rippng.
over 2 years ago
thienkim
Thanks Janelle for the heads up. I had no idea. I did wonder about the labeling issue.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
These look so nummy!!! I can't wait to make them.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Julie - all certified organic milk has to follow the same regulations. The milk should be the same, it just matters if you want your dollars supporting a small family farm or a big corporation. Thienkim - Most milk available at retailers does not have rBGH in it anymore (whether it's labelled as such or not). Consumers have made it clear they don't want it, so retailers have mostly stopped selling it. The reason there's not always a label saying it is because companies were getting sued by the makers of rBGH. Now, most milk that still has rBGH is dumped on institutions like schools and hospitals.
over 2 years ago
thienkim
I'm vietnamese-american and I grew up eat these! The great thing is that you can put whatever you want in them!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
Yum!!!! Looks delish! We make spring rolls all the time.
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 6 comments
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Organic food is, simply, the best food
possible: what we need to feed our kids, what we deserve to feed
ourselves. It’s synonymous with premium quality, the deepest and
richest taste, conscientious farming, and optimum health.In Food to Live By: The Earthbound Farm Organic Cookbook ,
Myra Goodman offers tempting recipes that combine casual style with the
best ingredients in appealing recipes such as Sweet Corn Chowder,
Merlot-Braised Short Ribs with Cipollini Onions, Ginger Lime Salmon,
Cherry Panna Cotta, and Farm Stand Carrot Cake, to name a few.
over 2 years ago
Deborah
You had me at Sweet Corn Chowder:)
over 2 years ago
Tracie
Awesome recommendation Christopher! Thanks! I definitely have to get it then! I love cookbooks.
over 2 years ago
ChristopherGav
We all know there are a ton of cookbooks out there - but I can guarantee that this will be the one used the most if it's in your kitchen. We love it's clarity, awareness of how the modern family eats, and simplicity of ingredients and approach. A must have!
over 2 years ago
Kathryn1124
We wash all produce, even bagged salad that says it's washed. Plus it crisps it up nicely if you give bagged salad a cold water rinse.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
Unless your product explicity says that it's pre-washed, you should ALWAYS wash all fresh produce, organic or not.
over 2 years ago
Clarice
Beautiful cover.
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 1 comment
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Sliders are mini burgers — easy to make and fun to eat. Here, instead
of plain burgers, we’ve created turkey meatballs in a tasty marinara
sauce. Served up on a small dinner roll or bun, these kid-sized treats
will disappear in no time. Click http://http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-comments/meatball_sliders/ for ingredients and instructions.
over 2 years ago
Momof4boyz
My kids LOVE sliders. THank you for posting this.
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 0 comments
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Take our Healthy Family Quiz to win Earthbound Farm coupons, and we’ll donate $1 to Healthy Child Healthy World to support their work to keep our families healthy!
http://ebfarm.com/AboutUs/HealthyFamilies/HealthyChildQuiz.aspx
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 1 comment
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When you can’t buy all organic produce, Earthbound Farm's pocket guide helps you choose.
http://www.ebfarm.com/Products/OrganicPocketGuide.pdf
over 2 years ago
Tracie
I LOVE your pocket guides!!! Thank you so much for them,
over 2 years ago
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- Jo-Lynne 2 comments
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Confused about how to join the chat.
over 2 years ago
Jo-Lynne
D'oh! I'm getting the hang of it now. ;-)
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Jo-Lynne, you are in - it is text based!
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 1 comment
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http://http://healthychild.org/uploads/File/PocketGuideLunches.pdf your own pocket guide.
over 2 years ago
Becki
Love this--thank you for posting.
over 2 years ago
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- TammyinTN 2 comments
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Can I ask a question to Myra?
I know that apples are one of the highest in pesticides. If I can't buy organic in my area, in your opinion, is it better to throughly wash the apples and eat with the skins, or peel and sacrifice the nutrients provided in the peels?
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
That a good question! You do hate to lose the peel -- that's where the quercitin (anti oxidant) is. That said, most of pesticides probably are on the peel -- some pesticides can be washed off and some can't. You need to trust your intuition, but I would wash them really thoroughly (I use a sponge with a little natural dish soap and then rinse it really well) and eat the whole thing.
over 2 years ago
Becki
Good question. I do buy organic apples for that reason, but if I can't get or afford them, what's the safest way to eat conventional?
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 6 comments
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If you've never made homemade granola, you’ll be surprised by the
simplicity of my delicious Maple Almond Granola - it has only seven
ingredients and is ready to go into the oven in just minutes! Click http://http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-comments/earthbound_farms_famous_maple_almond_granola/
for ingredients and instructions.
over 2 years ago
ChristopherGav
It's Sunday breakfast with Daddy and I made this a couple weeks ago - I was a hit and my 2 year old loved it. Just the right amount of sweetness.
over 2 years ago
Jo-Lynne
Becki - I make a homemade granola and just leave out the nuts and sesame seeds, as my son is allergic to both.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
Becki: I recently stopped eating nuts myself because I found out they are a migraine-trigger for me. Instead, I add pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds to join the sunflower seeds in the recipe, making it a "multi-seed" maple granola!
over 2 years ago
thienkim
That looks so yummy. I've tried several commercially available ones are always too sweet
over 2 years ago
Becki
That looks so good. Any suggestions to substitute for the almonds in a nut-free household?
over 2 years ago
hopefulmommy
Yum!!!!!
over 2 years ago
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- Tracie 8 comments
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Is it just me, or does organic fruit tend to ripen faster than non-organic?
I bought slightly green organic bananas yesterday and today they already have brown spots on them.
Besides bread and smoothies (and maybe homemade spa products), what can I do with over-ripe fruit?
over 2 years ago
Becki
Some fruits can be dried for snacks or baking in a food dehydrator, too.
over 2 years ago
ChristopherGav
Frozen banana are great for Smoothies too!
over 2 years ago
thienkim
when fruit starts to go fast, I chop it up and freeze it for smoothies or muffins later. Like bananas or strawberries
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Brilliant suggestion Myra!
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
One thing my family really likes to do is to cut over-ripe fruit into bite-size pieces and freeze them. They are a yummy, low-calorie snack that you can savor for a long time and feel good about -- especially if it's organic. We especially like to freeze bananas, all berries, grapes, plums, and peaches.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
I've never heard that before, but it could be true, especially if the organic fruit is picked closer to being ripe. Also, some conventional fruits get a wax with anti-fungal treatment that can prolong shelf life. Organic fruit may get some natural wax, but never any chemical additives.
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
hopefulmommy - That's a great idea! I hate throwing out good food (and it happens way too much in our country). But, I've never seen a good resource for using over-ripe produce.
over 2 years ago
hopefulmommy
What a good idea, not to change the subject but I bet we could do a whole talk on "ways to use over-ripe produce"
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 6 comments
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Fruit is a perfect kid food –it’s beautiful, sweet, delicious AND healthy! Click http://http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-comments/maple_yogurt_fruit_dip/ for ingredients and instructions.
over 2 years ago
Kathryn1124
That is adorable and delicious looking, my son would eat that up!
over 2 years ago
Becki
This is very kid friendly!
over 2 years ago
TammyinTN
I LOVE this idea!
over 2 years ago
thienkim
all these recipes look delish!
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Too cute and delicious looking. Myra, your recipes are amazing!!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
C-U-T-E!!!
over 2 years ago
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- Becki 9 comments
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Myra, how do you think we, as consumers, can best support organic farming in this country, aside from simply buying more organic stuff?
over 2 years ago
Tracie
My local grocer has gone down on organic prices. I'm loving it! i'm hoping it catches on to other stores.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
There are organizations that spend a lot of time making their voices heard in support of organic farming legislation that keep consumers up to date. You can stay informed by checking in on Organic Farming Research Foundation (www.ofrf.org), Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com), among others. An interesting recent thing is that WIC recently added produce to its coupons and some states were blocking their use on organic produce. We joined in with other companies and industry organizations and helped get clarification from USDA out to state WIC directors. This is a great thing to follow!
over 2 years ago
Becki
I can't help but believe that as organic farming becomes increasingly widespread, prices will come down, people will buy more, and organic farming will become more prevalent.
over 2 years ago
Tracie
Totally agree about schools Julie, but I would also like to see more organic choices in mainstream restaurants too. I'd have to go to a specialy deli to get anything organic. Bla!
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Here's one for addressing the overuse of antibiotics in conventional agriculture: http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/antibiotics_for_treating_illness_not_for_increasing_food_production/ There's a link to sign the petition at the end.
over 2 years ago
Deborah
Vote with your dollar.
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Great Q -- I'd also like healthier food in schools. I mean better quality food as well as healthier choices.
over 2 years ago
MyraGoodman
Truly, how you spend your money is one of the most powerful things you can do. So many of our growers were conventional farmers who switched to organic simply because of consumer demand and only later became converts because of how healthy their soil became and how good they felt farming without toxic inputs. Another thing to do is to support politicians who support legislation that supports organic farming and organic farming research. It's starting to change, but until just this year, a microscopic percentage of USDA research dollars were invested in support of organic ag -- definitely not in proportion to sales of organic food.
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Is there any legislation out there moms can get behind?
over 2 years ago
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- Cooper 1 comment
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I can't believe time is up - that went SO fast! Thank you so much Myra, this has been fantastic! Your insight and wisdom is so deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us today!
over 2 years ago
Deborah
So much great information to go over!!! I can see how my shopping will change. Thank you Myra!!!
over 2 years ago
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- MyraGoodman 5 comments
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Thank you all for joining our chat today!! These were great questions. I hope to do this again soon. Best wishes to everyone!
over 2 years ago
HealthyChild
Thank you Myra for joining us and for supporting Healthy Child Healthy World!
over 2 years ago
Tracie
Thank you! I can't wait to get your cookbook!
over 2 years ago
JanelleS
Thank you!!
over 2 years ago
juliepippert
Thank you!! So much good info and great ideas for recipes and healthy food.
over 2 years ago
Cooper
Thank you Myra, you are so wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
over 2 years ago
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- ChristopherGav 0 comments
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You are a true champion of the organic movement...thank you for your time and imparting your expertise. I admire the leadership Earthbound Farm showcases in the quality of your product and sustainablility pracitces. It's your dedication to our earth's health, and just as importantly, the health of our family and children - the most precious resource - that I admire most. You are one of my heros!Christopher Gavigan
over 2 years ago
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- HealthyChild 1 comment
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There are two ways to enter: 1) http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-submit (http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/recipe-submit/) to Eat Healthy.
over 2 years ago
TammyinTN
Thanks for answering our questions, and good luck with your cookbook, I'll keep an eye out for it.
over 2 years ago
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- jaysparrow 0 comments
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I feel that spending extra money now on organic and local healthy food will actually save money for my familys health care in the future. Supporting local farmers as much as I can and often is important for our local economy and buying organic is safer and better for the family and for the environment. After reading and seeing what animals go through I will only buy organic dairy. Conventional milk has far too many hormones that are not safe for people or cows and the cows are treated cruely in most cases.
over 2 years ago
Wed, Oct 7th, at 1 pm ET: Myra Goodman will talk about how our food choices make a bigger impact on the planet than the car we buy and how we can live organically within a budget. And she'll share her favorite recipes.
