Buying Organic? Think Twice.

Union Square Farmers' Market NYC photo: wbj

Locally sourced, heirloom, heritage, grass fed, free range, cage free, wild caught, no antibiotics, hormone free, bio-dynamic, handmade (whew!) - are foodie buzz words to look for that can mean tastier, fresher food, higher quality, healthier husbandry, or environmentally friendly, as well as a lots of value added karma.

..Many people who pay the huge premium—often more than a hundred percent–for organic foods do so because they’re afraid of pesticides...

Union Square Farmers' Market NYC photo: wbj

It's good to be wary of the blaring ORGANIC labels.

Genuine organic can be a taste revelation - a wow moment with a favorite food. But often the price is a wow, really, moment too.

A recent article in Forbes had some eye opening and potentially cost saving information.

The Colossal Hoax Of Organic Agriculture

...USDA reported in 2012 that 43 percent of the 571 samples of “organic” produce tested violated the government’s organic regulations and that “the findings suggest that some of the samples in violation were mislabeled conventional products, while others were organic products that hadn’t been adequately protected from prohibited pesticides.”...

Union Square Farmers' Market NYC photo: wbj

One of the best ways to get the most choice selections and the best price is to get to know the people behind the counter. So many are super informed and want to share.

Enjoy,

Cooking Lounge

From a Brooklyn Garden

LIFESTYLE + FOOD:

arugula, basil, yellow grape tomatoes, Tuscan kale, poona keera, cucumber, sage

As August rolls into September, summer starts to fade while backyard gardens burst with homegrown pride. After a visit to a friend's garden in Clinton Hill, I left with Tuscan kale, arugula, sage, basil, yellow grape tomatoes, and an odd cucumber (poona keera...thought it was an eggplant at first). The sun kissed warmth of the fragrant herbs and just picked vegetables almost radiated from the crowded canvas sack. 

chili pepper

Headed to the nearest grocery store. Decided to cook beef sauteed with the fresh sage, onions, garlic and Union Square Farmers' Market chili peppers. In the check-out line, a woman inhaled deeply and exclaimed in a bright, melodic Caribbean lilt the basil's aroma was "wonderful." Without hesitation, I shared the basil and even some of the sage. The check-out girl smiled in disbelief. I texted my friend, the gardener. Her reply..."See gardens r for sharing."

Enjoy,

Cooking Lounge

photos:wbj

Migliorelli Farm @ Union Square NYC

FOOD:

apples + cinnamon = perfect pair

photo: wbj

 Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, Applesauce, Apple Butter, Apple Cider...

Migliorelli Farm always has a variety of seasonal produce with great prices.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge