Superfruits may get lots of attention. But we shouldn’t forget the everyday food that’s also good for you. Here’s my partial list:

1. Potatoes
2. Corns
3. Peas
4. Button mushrooms

These are the organic Russet potatoes. Potatoes are also packed with vitamins B6 and C, potassium and fiber. My favorite kind is theYukon variety.

I like adding chunks of it to curry. Potatoes are really simple and easy to prepare.

An alternative way to enjoy French fries is to simply slice the potatoes into strips, then marinate with olive oil, sprinkle some black pepper, and add a pinch of Himalayan salt.  Instead of frying, just bake them until it’s golden and ready to eat.

On the same note as root vegetables, I am happy to find out that sweet potatoes are unlikely to be contaminated with pesticides. They are packed with Vitamin A and beta carotene. I like to prepare them the same way as my potatoes. But they are also good as tempura. That version you just can’t eat too often as they are very fattening!

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When I found out that potatoes are loaded with pesticides, I have resorted to eating only organic potatoes now.  Because potatoes are root vegetables, they soak in more chemicals then other produce. Over 40 toxic pesticides are used on potatoes and most of these pesticides are linked to chronic side effects such as cancer, disruption in endocrine and reproductive system.

Conventional potatoes aren’t too expensive and available everywhere. But finding organic potatoes at a bargain price isn’t too easy.  So when I saw these organic potatoes at Raley’s (Nob Hill) for only $3.50 per bag, it was a bargain.  I usually get my organic potatoes and yams from Trader Joe’s at $4 or more per bag.

The best thing of all is that these potatoes taste so much better then Trader Joe’s variety.  The bag stated “russet potatoes”, but it was much smaller and the skin was lighter too.  Almost reminded me of those Yukon Gold potatoes. The skin was also very thin and not that bad to eat either.

These potatoes are almost sweet and has just the right texture. I usually steam my potatoes to make salad.  Tuna, chicken or beans is a good addition to potato salad.  I also like to add them to Thai curry, bean soups, or baked with Italian herbs. Or just steam and eat with Dijon mustard. It’s a much healthier snack then potato chips!

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Root vegetables are great, from the basic Russet potatoes to sweet potatoes. They are also a good addition to curries and soups.  The bad news about conventional potatoes is that they are covered with more pesticide than any other vegetables.

“Russet potatoes are high in starch. Russet are perfect to cook mashed potatoes and also are good for baking.” - Photo from All About Potatoes.

Since finding out about how much pesticides is used to grow potatoes, I will have to think twice before purchasing any from now on.  Or even purchasing potato chips and french fries.  Since a majority of these farmed potatoes are used for this purpose.

Because potatoes are root vegetables, they soak in more chemicals then other produce.  Potatoes also require much more pesticides from beginning to end. As well as frequent weekly sprays to prevent blight. Then herbicides are used to kill tops of plants at the end of the growing season. As this makes it easier to harvest the tubers.

Over 40 toxic pesticides are used on potatoes and most of these pesticides are linked to chronic side effects such as cancer, disruption in endocrine and reproductive system. All these chemicals can’t be good for the environment, imagine what is leaching to our ground water.

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