Quoting ... "I'm no expert on human behavior either, but I still tell my students that a large part of what drives pesticide applications in fruit and vegetables is that people shop with their eyes and lower cognitive functions. I'm convinced that at some level, humans react to blemishes, spots and rots as potentially dangerous or at least less tasty, and given a choice, will select food that's unblemished.
Could that be changed? Could consumers come to appreciate the tiny clusters of black spots and dusky smudgy skin on their apples as a positive thing, akin to getting a free truffle or portobello with their fruit? Or at least suggest that such an appearance indicates that fungicide use on those fruit was low, if that's what they want. Probably not; I believe we're hardwired to select 'non-rotten' food if available." I believe this is an excellent point. We are 'hardwired' to an extent we don't realize, because it is so fundamental to our being. It is the same reason everyone wants white healthy looking teeth. And we must realize that for most consumers, "organic" is a religion. I say that in the sense that they would be appalled at the methodology used to grow organic fruits, vegetables and meats on a large commercial scale. They have no concept of chemistry, so therefore 'natural' = good, never mind that nicotine, arsenic, mercury, and other very dangerous and long lived compounds are natural products. And because they are essentially ignorant of chemistry, and agricultural practices, they are easily influenced by people with an agenda that isn't always the healthiest product. For good or ill, these are our customers. When they go to the store they want the beautiful red meat, but in the restaurant they want the aged (rotting) beef. We are not an organic orchard. But we spray as little as possible and do accept some cosmetic damage. We overcome this cosmetic damage, by doing taste comparisons. Side by side. Which would you buy based on looks, and which based on taste? It takes a bit of time, but it is a one trial learning And is a good life lesson as well. Skip Carson Orchard At Altapass -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard <http://www.virtualorchard.net> and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon Clements <[email protected]>. Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent "official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for the content.
