Falling Nutrition Levels

messy - but nutritious

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Although this is not new information, Rodale’s Prevention reports that fruits and vegetables are losing their nutrition. In “Nutritional Value of Fruits, Veggies is Dwindling” by Sarah Burns we learn that “Today’s conventionally-grown produce isn’t as healthful as it was 30 years ago — and it’s only getting worse.”

What’s happening? Dr. Donald Davis, former researcher with the Biochemical Institute at the University of Texas, Austin believes “it’s due to the farming industry’s desire to grow bigger vegetables faster. The very things that speed growth — selective breeding and synthetic fertilizers — decrease produce’s ability to synthesize nutrients or absorb them from the soil.”

The author points out that the stress that organic gardening imposes on growing vegetables actually enhance their nutritional value. The article also shows “nine simple ways to put the nutrient punch back in your produce.”

Although I am enjoying the process of gardening, I find the results are healthful, interesting and tasty!

Cherry Roma tomatoes - almost ready...

Sweet Dumpling winter squash