Spring is finally here after the long, desolate, and depressing company of old man winter!
The extremes are still fighting and I want summer to win sooo bad!
I never believed in seasonal disorder until I came to this northern country. I thought winter depression is an exaggeration or another make-believe syndrome created by the deceitful mind of the medical cartel. Sure-fire, this brings colossal investments in the pockets of Big Pharma.
As you might have already noticed, my hubby and I are into organic stuff. The masses are slowly catching up on this since Walmart is already investing in the organic market. Yes, Walmart, you read it right. Usually, when I open my mouth about organics and health matters, people tend to look at me like I'm a spiritual preacher on the streets of New York, amidst a crowd of pagans during rush hour. So, I would just shut up and watch them take flu shots and later on, marvel on the pinkish glow of their runny noses.
Raw greens, specifically dark greens is indeed vital in our diet. Making a fresh, tossed salad is a no-brainer and makes a wonderful side dish. It is also very important to buy organic vegetables and fruits due to pesticide contamination. You don't have to buy everything organic because it can be costly, we don't either. We just follow this very helpful list and try to avoid those produce at the top half. I like Red Delicious apples, so we ONLY purchase organic apples because conventional ones contain high amounts of pesticide load. We break the rules at times, but make certain to wash it thoroughly to remove toxic traces. It is also good to support your local farmer who grows produce the organic way. And of course, don't forget fair trade.
This is the partial, dirty dozen list:
RANK | FRUIT OR VEGGIE | SCORE |
1 (worst) | Peaches | 100 (highest pesticide load) |
2 | Apples | 96 |
3 | Sweet Bell Peppers | 86 |
4 | Celery | 85 |
5 | Nectarines | 84 |
6 | Strawberries | 83 |
7 | Cherries | 75 |
8 | Lettuce | 69 |
9 | Grapes - Imported | 68 |
10 | Pears | 65 |
11 | Spinach | 60 |
12 | Potatoes | 58 |
Here is a list of baby greens that you can just mix up for a great salad. A dash of the classic oil dressing will do the trick, hence, you can always add other flavors and textures to zest it up.
Organic Field Greens Tossed Salad
Classic Salad Dressing:
Olive Oil or Mary's Oil Blend
Salt and Pepper
Add ons / or:
Balsamic Vinaigrette or soy sauce as substitute
lemons
grated parmesan cheese
yogurt
maple syrup
flaxseeds
hemp hearts
Fruits that add kick:
ripe Mango (the best, I swear!)
golden pineapples
grapes
oranges
Great greens you can mix and match:
baby lettuces (all kinds and colors EXCEPT the Iceberg)
arugula
beet tops
spinach
red and green chards
red mustard
chicories
bean sprouts
mizuna
tat soi
... or any edible greens in your backyard to spring clean your system.
