1. “Superfoods”

2. What are they?  “special category of foods”  “calorie sparse”  “nutrient dense”  So they pack a lot of punch for their weight!

3.  “Superior sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients”  As soil quality decreases, and food has less nutrients, we will need to rely more and more on plants with a higher nutrient density!  “Tend to be vibrant colors”  “pigments = phytochemicals; protect the plant, protect us too”

4. What’s the catch?  “No legal definition for superfood”  This means that anyone can claim that their product is a superfood in the U.S.  “European Union: company must prove benefit to use word on label”

5. “Organics vs. Conventional Crops” Part two of our lesson…

6. What’s the hype?  And what’s the difference?  And if it’s more expensive, why should we bother?  “Organic describes the crop’s method of handling and production.”  It doesn’t tell us anything about nutrition…organic bacon!

7. Use of the word on packaging  “Organic on a label is regulated by the USDA, unless the company makes $5,000/year or less.”  So small, roadside farmers are exempt from these inspections.

8. How can the USDA tell?  It’s hard to do!  “New test in development looks for higher levels of nitrogen-15 in the soil.”  This is found in soil without modern fertilizers.

9. So what does it mean?  “Organic means:”  “no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides”  Remember though, they can get contaminated!  “no GMOs”  “no feeding animals other animals or manure”  You heard that right!

10.  “No growth hormones”  Growth hormones are given to some animals to make them grow faster and get to market sooner.  BGH, for example, Bovine Growth Hormone.  Made by….Monsanto!

11.  “No food irradiation: exposed to radiation to kill bacteria”

12. What about free-range?  Free-range generally means that the animals in question (usually chickens) have been able to run around in a larger area than a pen. However….  “There is no regulation of free-range animals.”

13. “Benefits of Organic Food”  “Slightly higher levels of minerals, vitamin C, antioxidant phytonutrients”  Some studies find this, some don’t, so we’re not absolutely sure.  Why might this be?

14.  “Organics  no pesticides”  “Therefore, plants must evolve natural protections”  “Often, antioxidants”  Which we get the benefit of when we eat them!

15. Do they taste different?  Some say yes.  “Chemical fertilizers encourage water uptake”  “Less water, less flavor dilution.”  So these crops may be more flavorful.

16. Can we measure flavor?  Yes!  The same way they do in a soda factory…  “Brix score is a measure of sugar concentration.”  “organics  higher Brix scores!”