Non-Toxic Dad News: August 22, 2024

At Non-Toxic Dad, we understand that navigating the world of healthy eating can be challenging, especially when making the best choices for you and your family. While buying all-organic food might only sometimes be within reach, certain foods are worth the investment whenever possible. This week, we're focusing on key fruits and veggies that should top your organic shopping list.

Whether it's the porous surfaces of berries that easily absorb pesticides or the heavily sprayed skins of apples and grapes, knowing which foods to prioritize can help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. And for those times when organic isn't an option, we've got practical tips on how to wash and soak your produce to minimize pesticide residue.

Remember, even when buying organic, washing your produce is essential. Natural pesticides or second-hand exposure can still affect your fruits and veggies, so a simple soak in baking soda can go a long way in keeping your meals cleaner and safer.

Stay informed and keep making those small, impactful changes. Here’s to another week of striving for a healthier, less toxic lifestyle, one organic fruit and veggie at a time!

When it comes to feeding your family, making the best choices can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it involves choosing organic. While it’s not always feasible to purchase all-organic food, there are certain fruits and vegetables that you should prioritize when shopping to reduce your family’s exposure to harmful pesticides.

A recent study published in Frontier Nutrition examined heavy metals in dark chocolate. This comprehensive research spanning from 2014 to 2022 analyzed 72 dark chocolate and cocoa products in the USA, focusing on contamination with heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As). The findings have significant implications for consumers who enjoy these products regularly.

Coffee is a morning ritual for millions of people worldwide; for many, it’s not complete without a splash of coffee creamer. Whether at home or in the office breakroom, that seemingly harmless bottle of flavored creamer is a staple for adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to your coffee. But have you ever stopped to look at what’s in your favorite creamer? The truth is that many popular coffee creamers, like Coffeemate, are far from a healthy addition to your morning routine. They are loaded with ingredients that can harm your health over time.

Selecting which fruits and vegetables you buy organic can make a big difference in reducing your family's exposure to harmful pesticides. Certain produce items have thin skins or porous surfaces, making them more susceptible to absorbing pesticides—no amount of washing can fully remove these chemicals.

Here are the top offenders to watch out for:

• Berries (Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries): These delicious fruits have porous surfaces that allow pesticides to penetrate easily. Opt for organic whenever possible to avoid consuming these chemicals.

• Nectarines and Peaches: With their delicate skins, these fruits readily absorb pesticides, making them the best organic choices.

• Lettuce, Celery, and Kale: These leafy greens are sprayed heavily and tend to soak up pesticides like a sponge. Choose organic to keep these staple veggies safer.

• Beans and Snap Peas: Though often overlooked, these vegetables are also prone to pesticide absorption. If organic options are available, it’s wise to choose them.

• Apples: While a baking soda wash can remove many pesticides from the skin, the price difference between organic and conventional apples is often minimal. Going organic is a safer bet for this fruit.

• Cherries and Grapes: These fruits are known to be heavily sprayed; unfortunately, no amount of washing will fully remove the toxins. To avoid high pesticide exposure, it’s best to buy organic cherries and grapes.

Takeaway: Whenever possible, prioritize buying organic fruits and vegetables. If organic isn’t an option, wash your produce thoroughly—soaking it in a baking soda solution for 15–20 minutes can help reduce some pesticide residues. By making informed choices, you can take significant steps toward reducing your family’s toxic load!

As the air turns crisp and apple orchards come to life, it’s the perfect time to embrace fall flavors. Making homemade applesauce is one of the simplest and most comforting ways to enjoy your freshly picked organic apples. This recipe is not only easy but also free from refined sugars. It uses a touch of monk fruit sweetener and a sprinkle of organic cinnamon to bring out the apples' natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 organic apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 TBSP monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp ground organic cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp pure organic vanilla extract (optional)

• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small chunks. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will cook down.

2. Cook the Apples: Place the chopped apples in a large saucepan or pot. Add the water to prevent sticking and to help the apples cook evenly. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples softened and started breaking down.

3. Mash or Blend: Once the apples are soft, mash them with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or use an immersion blender for a smoother applesauce. If you prefer a smooth consistency, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and puree it.

4. Sweeten and Spice: Stir in the monk fruit sweetener, organic cinnamon, and organic vanilla extract (if using). Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed, depending on the natural sweetness of your apples. If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

5. Simmer to Combine: Let the applesauce simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Cool and Store: Remove the pot from heat and let the applesauce cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Homemade applesauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

7. Enjoy: Serve your homemade applesauce warm or chilled. It’s also perfect for a side dish for pork or chicken.

Whether enjoying the bounty of apple season with our homemade applesauce recipe or making mindful choices about the produce you buy, remember that every small step counts!