Beneficial antioxident and polyphenol concentrations are higher in organically produced apples than in conventionally produced fruits

This post includes a summary of a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2009 Jun 10;57(11):4598-605 and a recipe for spicy pulled pork.

Study title and authors:
Three-year comparison of the polyphenol contents and antioxidant capacities in organically and conventionally produced apples ( Malus domestica Bork. Cultivar 'Golden Delicious').

Stracke BA, Rüfer CE, Weibel FP, Bub A, Watzl B.

Books:

Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institute, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19388640

The study was performed to evaluate the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of apples (cv. ;Golden Delicious') grown under defined organic and conventional conditions. Apples were harvested at five comparable commercial farms over the course of three years (2004-2006).

The study found:
(a) In 2005 and 2006 the antioxidant capacity was 15% higher in organically produced apples than in conventionally produced fruits.
(b) In all 3 years higher polyphenol concentrations were found in the organically grown apples, been significantly higher in 2005.

To conclude: Antioxident and polyphenol concentrations are higher in organically produced apples than in conventionally produced fruits.

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Recipe of the day

Spicy Pulled Pork

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Pork Shoulder

Pulled pork ingredients

•1 pork shoulder or butt roast, about 5-6 lbs;

•3 tbsp smoked paprika;
•1 tbsp garlic powder;
•1 tbsp dry mustard;
•3 tbsp sea salt;

Spicy sauce ingredients
•1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar;
•1/2 cup homemade ketchup;
•1 cup Dijon or homemade mustard;
•2 garlic cloves, minced;
•1 tsp cayenne pepper;
•1 tsp sea salt;
•1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper;

Preparation:
1.Prepare the dry rub by combining the paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard and sea salt in a bowl.

2.Rub the pork roast all over with the spice rub and place in the refrigerator for the flavors to penetrate the meat for a minimum of 1 hour, but up to overnight. If marinating only for 1 or 2 hours, leave the roast at room temperature to marinate.

3.Preheat your oven to 300 F.

4.Place the marinated pork shoulder or butt in the oven in a baking pan for about 6 hours, until the meat is almost falling apart and is very fork tender.

5.While the pork is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining together the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, mustard, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper in a small pot or saucepan.

6.Gently bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and simmer for about 10 minutes.

7.When the pork roast is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

8.Pull the meat apart from the roast with two forks and place the meat shreds in a bowl.

9.Combine the spicy sauce with the pulled pork and serve the delicious and tender meat with your favorite side of salad.

Spicy Pulled Pork



Organically grown eggplants have more beneficial minerals and phenolic compounds than conventionally grown egglants

This post includes a synopsis of a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2010 Jun 9;58(11):6833-40 and a recipe for Garlic Studded Pork Loin.

Study title and authors:
Effects of organic and conventional cultivation methods on composition of eggplant fruits.
Raigón MD, Rodríguez-Burruezo A, Prohens J.
Departamento de Química, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera 14, CP 46022 Valencia, Spain.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20443597

Books:

The study examined the effects of organic and conventional cultivation methods on dry matter, protein, minerals, and total phenolic content over two successive years in eggplants.

In the first year organically produced eggplants had higher levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium.

In the second year, in which matched plots having a history of organic management were cultivated following organic or conventional fertilization practices, organically produced eggplants still had higher contents of potassium and magnesium as well as copper, than conventionally fertilized eggplants.

To conclude: The results show that organic management and fertilization have a positive effect on the accumulation of certain beneficial minerals and phenolic compounds in eggplants.

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Recipe of the day

Garlic Studded Pork Loin

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Pork Loin

1 3 lb pork loin

12 garlic cloves
1 cup chicken broth
2 bay leaves
sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 yellow onion, halved and sliced
5 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
4 small sweet potatoes, cut into 2 inch chunks
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:
Using a knife cut about 1/2 inch slits into your pork loin about 1 – 2 inches apart. Stuff a garlic clove into each slit. Sprinkle the pork loin with salt and pepper and rub the salt and pepper into the loin. In your pressure cooker, sear the loin in the coconut oil for 5 minutes on each side or until browned. If any garlic cloves fall out in the searing process just use tongs or a fork to put them back into place. Add the chicken stock to the pressure cooker, cover and bring to pressure. Cook for 15-18 minutes. Release the pressure and add the veggies to that pot. Cover and again, bring back to pressure and cook for another 8 minutes. Slice the pork loin and serve with the veggies. You can also make this in the slow cooker. Make sure you sear the loin before putting it in the slow cooker, add the veggies in with the meat and the chicken broth and cook all day on low for 7-8 hours.

Garlic Studded Pork Loin