Supermarket Struggles

                                      Organic ∙ Local ∙ Conventional
      It seems to me that buying groceries is no longer easy when you try to lead a healthy lifestyle. While strolling through the produce section, you’re confronted with three different labels: organic, local and conventional. Making the choice can be quite mind boggling when you’re trying to shop consciously, but aren’t looking to break the bank. These are all things that as a small business, we consider when we pick and choose our products.
      In short, we believe that buying mostly local is the best route. When you buy local, not only are you reducing the size of the foods carbon footprint, but you are supporting your community. Think about purchasing locally grown grapes with a conventional label, or grapes labeled organic that are from Spain. The organic grapes have not only traveled half way around the world, but in order to remain fresh, the grapes have been sprayed with preservatives. Not quite as organic as you thought huh? Also, many local farms practice organic farming, but may not be able to afford the USDA Organic label, because it is very expensive to get certified. Get to know your farmers and how they grow their food    
      Now, here’s a little break down in picking and choosing based on what it is exactly that you’re buying. Commonly known as “the dirty dozen”, the twelve most contaminated produce products include: sweet bell peppers, celery, peaches, apples, nectarines, strawberries, pears, imported grapes, cherries, potatoes, lettuce, and spinach. These are things that should be bought organic whenever possible. Commonly known as “the clean 15”, you have leeway with: onions, avocado, asparagus, sweet corn, mango, pineapples, cabbage, sweet peas, kiwis, broccoli, eggplant, papaya, tomato, sweet potato, and watermelon.
     These are all things to keep in mind while shopping and do help make the experience easier, and more enjoyable. Food should be comforting and joyous, not stressful and confusing. Here at Fresh&Co, we plan on taking an even bigger stride by heading down the Union Square green market every Friday to look at, feel, and individually select certain produce - and the only foot prints left from that will be our very own on the side walk.