ORGANIC FRUIT BASKETS

Fruit and Vegetables

The full extent of the toxic effects of pesticides in food is not fully known, but many studies have found that even small doses of pesticides and chemicals can have adverse effects on health.

Like nitrates, pesticide residues in vegetables and fruit have no taste or smell. Nor are there any visible signs, although large and perfect looking fruit and vegetables may perhaps be more suspect than poor-quality ones.

In biodynamic farming applications of composts or even ground horn are applied to the soil to nourish its minerals and to foster the health of the vines. A lunar calendar is followed to ensure the balance between land, sun, and solar system. This is the optimum level of organic farming currently certified.

The following UK map helps locate high quality, local vegetable box schemes for delivery of the freshest food to your home.

Buying organic makes sense for the health of the earth, farm workers and your family ... but if you're pinching pennies (and who isn't these days?), choose from this list to avoid the foods with the most pesticide residue.

There are many reasons to buy organic foods. The USDA Organic label tells you that fruits and veggies weren't raised using manmade chemical pesticides, fossil fuel- or sewage-based fertilizers or genetically modified seeds. On meat, the label indicates that the feeds provided met those same standards, and that the animals weren't administered hormones and antibiotics. Bottom line: "Organic" is more sustainable and healthier -- for the environment and farm workers, certainly, and often for you and your family.

How is organic healthier? It's healthier because some studies suggest that organic produce has more nutrients than its conventional counterparts, probably because the soil is left in better condition after repeated plantings; and healthier because you avoid ingesting any harmful pesticide residues left on conventional produce.

But, particularly as the economy sags and millions of Americans lose their jobs, it can be hard to afford the often-premium price charged for organic foods. That's why we've published this updated list, based on Environmental Working Group's latest compilation of government data about pesticide residue.

The fruits and vegetables on this list were the least likely to have pesticides detected on the parts you eat, after typical washing, whether or not they're certified organic. (Remember, though, that the farmworkers and the farm soil, will thank you for any organic purchases you can make.)

A fruit basket will brighten the day of someone in your life. Whether they are recovering from an illness or simply in need of a boost, they will really enjoy it!

Fruit gift baskets are typically made with various fruits organized with ribbons and bows to decorate them. Customizing a fruit basket can be easy! Make the gift of a fruit basket mean more by decorating it with things they like and the fruit they love!

If the person that you are going to give the fruit basket to loves strawberries and kiwi, fill it up with those two fruits and they are sure to love it. What is their favorite color? Chose ribbons in their favorite colors or pick some ornaments that fit the theme that you are going for to decorate the basket.

While other people are receiving the normal gift of flowers, you can give the gift of a fruit gift basket and really surprise them! Flowers are nice to look at but they are not as nice as a fruit basket. The fruit gift is an original gift.

As a gift for someone recovering from an illness, fruit can not only make them feel better by lifting their spirits. Fruit is full of essential vitamins that can aid them in feeling better and recovering more quickly from their illness.

As a gift to an office coworker, the fruit basket can be shared by many people. They can open the fruit basket and share it among their peers or take it home and share it with their family. They could also leave it at their desk and have a healthy snack just waiting on them whenever the need for one comes up.

Have you ever wanted to get a gift for your boss but are just not sure what to get him? He would not appreciate a flower bouquet as much as a female boss would. You are not sure if he is fond of a certain sport or team. Why not give him the gift of healthy fruit.

The fruit gift basket is a very versatile gift and will be appreciated and enjoyed by anyone who receives one. When you are considering gifts for that special someone or for that person that you do not know so well, consider the fruit basket. A gift basket designed particularly for someone is a very unique gift or just simply make it a collaboration of fruit. Either way, it is sure to be enjoyed!

Or for those who enjoy wine, you could consider a carefully chosen wine basket.

The famous 5 a day

We constantly hear the mantra 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day will give us the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy. But how much is a portion? What can we include on the list?

Is tinned OK? What about frozen?

The best way to get the daily intake of fibre, vitamins and minerals that fruit and veg can provide is eating fresh, the fresher the better and in season, they will have more flavour and be at their best. Don't be fooled into thinking fruit and veg is expensive, sure some of the exotic varieties may be but the majority are not. Visit your local market towards the end of the day you can get some real bargains and if they are in top condition they can be preserved by freezing or bottling, this is a great way of having fruit and vegetables when they are out of season or the quality is poor.

Don't buy heaps of the stuff just to go off in the fridge this will just be self defeating. A little planning can go a long way, not everyone will like the same thing, so try a different type of fruit or veg each week the choice is huge. If you have children then encouraging them to eat veg can be a real challenge. If they have always eaten fruit and veg then it can be easier, try grating carrot into their meal or finely chopped onion,

These can easily be disguised but ideally you want them to see what they are eating so it becomes the norm. Encourage young children to grow some simple veg, mustard and cress on a window sill or a tomato plant in a pot if they can see the fruits of their labour (pun intended) then your half way there. Fresh fruit salads are a great way to encourage children to eat fruit and if you mix it with a little 100% fruit juice then all the better. If you are weaning your baby then it is an ideal time to introduce puréed fruit and veg into the diet.

Scrub don't peel, if you can get away with it, this will increase fibre intake. You can enhance the look of a meal, for instance by peeling stripes on cucumber or used a mini pastry cutter to produce star shapes, or whatever, be imaginative if it looks interesting they will want to try it. Don't forget to save any raw waste to make compost for your allotment.

Tinned fruit and veg can go towards your 5 a day but do remember that they may have added salt or sugar. They are a good way to take advantage of bargains and special offers and obviously a handy way to store food. Frozen fruit and veg is fine and again a good way to store food.

100% fruit juice is good but it only counts as 1 portion regardless of how much you drink in a day, this is because of the small amount of fibre that is present. Smoothies are similar to juices unless all the pulp is present. Pulses and beans only count as one of the five a day regardless of how many you eat, although they are high in fibre they do not provide us with the same mix of vitamins and minerals as fruit or veg.

The following quantities are for adults, children would usually require smaller amounts.

A portion = 80g

For vegetables, that's equivalent to 3 heaped tablespoons of cooked carrots, sweetcorn, peas or broad beans.

For fruit that's equivalent to a 50mm wide wide slice of melon, pineapple,a banana, a handful of grapes or an apple.

Dried fruit that's 3 apricots, 3 prunes, 1 tablespoon of mixed fruit or a handful of mixed fruit chips.

Fruit juice, smoothies 150mlof 100% juice = 1 portion, regardless of how much you drink in a day.

Pulses and beans 80g = 1 portion, regardless of how much you eat in a day.

Because fruit and veg differ in their vitamin, mineral and fibre content it is important that as many different types as possible are eaten, you should really consider 5 as a minimum. They should be part of a balanced diet along with starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, bread, pasta. Oily fish provides important vitamins and minerals and moderate amounts of meat or alternatives, eggs and dairy products. You should also aim for a low salt and sugar consumption.