Comments on: What’s Worse: Pests or Pesticides? [Poll]

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:51:09 +0000

Insect protein powder?! Sounds like a reality tv show….

By: Matt Shook

Matt Shook — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:24:50 +0000

Insects can be found in small amounts in a multitude of processed products, peanut butter being the most notable. We’ve all eaten insects without knowing it, so it’s not a big deal really. I’ve been an herbivore for over seven years now, everything from the lazy vegetarian to the raw foodist to the closet vegan, and I have no problems if I accidentally eat an insect in one of my organic fruits or vegetables. Plus, if I was in a survivalist situation I would target insects as an easily acquired form or protein.

Pesticides on the other hand…I’m afraid those will continue to plague all living organisms for centuries…nasty stuff.

By: Matt Shook

Matt Shook — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:18:26 +0000

I had some great potato soup while staying with a family in Peru (Isla Amantani), and I’m sure my protein intake was never better!

By: JC

JC — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:16:38 +0000

heh, I am about to eat a mound of potatoes as we speak! That story is absolutely disgusting, though.

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:11:14 +0000

That is one awesome story. Thanks Jessica!!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:00:42 +0000

Wonderful topic!
Overall, I think that organic is better. But I have to share a story. I worked in a soup kitchen in Peru, and they were not getting quality charity food for the cooks to make soup out of. These people were given rotten potatoes from the local mountain farmers, leftover from a winter’s frost, and they were strewn with maggots. My job was to cut the maggots out of the potatoes, cut the potatoes, and then rinse them in water (strewn with parasites). After the potatoes were cooked from scratch, the potato soup was delicious. I might have been a little too brave, but I think that pests and people get along pretty well if I do say so myself.
I can actually say I have come across more disgusting packaged food in which you see the oil separating from the contents of the package…(twinkies come to mind).

By: Allie

Allie — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:24:44 +0000

Haha, great post! I never minded the occasional bug too much but now I think I’ll mind them even less. I suppose it’s all in your perspective.

Although I will admit I’ve thrown away cauliflower once or twice in the past because of those little, tiny bugs. Next time I’m going to try your vinegar trick…

By: JC

JC — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:17:51 +0000

I don’t really have a problem with the lil’ critters. I’ve eaten plenty of apples with wormholes in them; never actually eaten a worm(that I know of). When I was younger, I used to pick apples off of my grandpa’s trees and eat them without second thought. heck I didn’t even take them in for rinsing…

Speaking of eating bugs, I once found a resource for protein powder sourced only from insects – I think it was mainly crickets. The price was great. I have come so close to ordering it, just to say I’ve used it but haven’t gotten around to it.

By: Nathalie Lussier

Nathalie Lussier — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:11:16 +0000

Great question! I found that most store bought organic produce is close to being pest free anyways. I’ve seen some apples with little worm holes, but no worms to be seen.

The tricky part is when you grow your own produce… this past summer I had so many slugs, earwigs, and caterpillars in my green leafy veggies. But it was just a matter of washing everything properly and then digging in.

By: Darya Pino

Darya Pino — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:57:23 +0000

I was just trying to think of words that start with “P” Farm workers exposed to pesticides do have higher instances of Parkinson’s. I realize it is different for consumers, but this post was meant to be fun.