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Nitrates in Greens



At the Midwest Organic Farmers Conference in Wisconsin last month we heard
some disturbing information about the build-up of nitrates in greens,
including lettuce, other salad greens and cooking greens (especially Swiss
chard). Specifically, we were advised that it is inappropriate to pick
lettuce and other greens in the morning (that is when we like to pick , in
the cool of the day) as nitrates can build up to serious levels over night;
exposure to 4-6 hours of sun dissipates the nitrate concentration.
Fall-grown greens are, according to the speaker, particularly vulnerable
because of reduced sunshine and shorter days. There is also some risk of
build up of nitrates if the greens are stored above 35 degrees or so for
any length of time, we were told.

While we are certainly interested in avoiding health risks this seemed to
be  alarmist. Does anyone have specific information on this? 

Jo and Jim at Five Springs Farm


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