What Big Agriculture Doesn't Want You to Know: The Truth about Nutrient Depletion
Contrary to popular belief, not all produce is created equal! Did you know that nutrient depletion in vegetables begins as soon as the produce is harvested? Good thing the food supply chain is quick and efficient, right? Wrong.
“In the U.S., fruits and vegetables grown in North America may spend up to 5 days in transit following harvest before arriving at a distribution center,” explains former UC Davis food science Professor Diane M. Barrett.
“At the retail store, fruits and vegetables may spend 1–3 days on display prior to being purchased by the consumer, who may store them for up to 7 days prior to consumption. This means that fresh fruits and vegetables may not be consumed for a significant length of time following harvest, during which time nutrient degradation may occur.”
When you enter the produce section at your local grocery store, it is very likely that the “fresh” vegetables on display have been picked at least a week ago! The vitamins and minerals we need from our vegetables wither away with each day after harvest, depriving you of that fresh, crispy taste that we all know comes with the freshest and juiciest vegetables.
Extended time in transit is not the only factor contributing to nutrient depletion in store-bought vegetables. Recently, UT-Austin researcher Donald Davis and his team looked into the decline of minerals and other essential nutrients in modern day produce.
“The main culprit in this disturbing nutritional trend is soil depletion,”
says Davis.
“Modern intensive agricultural methods have stripped increasing amounts of nutrients from the soil in which the food we eat grows. Sadly, each successive generation of fast-growing, pest-resistant carrot is truly less good for you than the one before.”
Davis does offer a solution to this problem, however.
“What can be done? The key to healthier produce is healthier soil.”
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Resources:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/