Another Reason To Choose Organic: New Study

I was interested to read this morning of a peer-reviewed study published in the journal Environmental Research reporting levels of the pesticide glyphosate in participants’ bodies dropped an average of 70% after six days on an organic diet.

You can read the report here but it certainly shines some more light on health advantages in choosing organic.

High profile court cases in 2019 linked plaintiffs' Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to use of Roundup® and an appeals court has upheld that decision. Research links glyphosate (Roundup®) to many health problems - including Parkinson's Disease, kidney disease, endocrine disruption, DNA damage, decreased sperm function, disruption of the gut microbiome (think about all the folks who complain of gluten intolerance) as well as cancer. 

Meanwhile, here on Crandall Hill, we're proud to offer you USDA Certified Organic apples - perfect for eating, cooking and preserving. The harvest is just beginning but the trees are heavy with fruit. Varieties available now include Zestar!®, Yellow Transparent, Pristine and Duchess of Oldenburg (an antique apple). Our new farm stand is open daily for self-service. You can also call (814) 274-8004 to pre-order your selections.

We also accept the FMNP checks and can make up special $6 bags of apples for you.

Learning About Food Safety

Did you know that improperly stored baked potatoes can harbor the bacteria that causes botulism? If you've inadvertently left a lonely baked potato in the oven after dinner, you could have provided the bacterium the perfect medium to grow and multiply to unsafe levels.
I learned about this and other food safety information by completing the Serv-Safe certification course offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension. I have been interested in learning about food safety so that, as farmers who grow vegetables and fruits, we are aware of potential contaminants.
I took the course through the efforts of the Potter County Education Council. If you're not familiar with the Ed Council, take a look at its website (www.pottercountyedcouncil.org) to learn about the many educational opportunities available in our locale.
Speaking of the Ed Council, the course instructor suggested that we also investigate GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) training. He would offer the four-hour course through the Ed Council if ten folks showed interest.