
Bland Strawberries? THIS is to Blame!
Even here in snowy Colorado, the crocuses are finally peeking their heads out of the ground. Soon, the daffodils will follow.
That means it’s almost time to plant my garden. I’m just a hobby gardener, so I don’t have miles of beds to tend to. But I love being able to walk out my back door and find something fresh to add to my meals.
Besides, the food you grow in your own backyard always tastes MUCH better than the produce you pick up at your local grocery store.
The freshness of local, organically-grown produce combined with good farming practices (minerals in the soil, responsible tilling, the use of compost, etc.) leads to FAR tastier fruits and veggies than those from conventional growing operations.
But, there may be something ELSE stealing the flavor from your produce.
It’s NOT your imagination. The strawberries you pick up at your local grocery store DO often taste like cardboard. And now we know why.
It turns out the chemicals that conventional commercial farms dump onto our food crops aren’t JUST bad for your health. They’re ALSO terrible for your taste buds too.
A new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that some commonly used farming chemicals rob produce of its flavor.
The researchers looked specifically at strawberries that had been treated with certain fungicides.
They found that the chemicals interfere with cellular mechanisms in the fruit, leading to…
- LESS sweetness
- LOWER overall flavor
- a DROP in nutritional value
There’s no denying that you can get some great LOOKING produce by spraying chemicals on them. But they’re ALSO less tasty and healthy than those grown organically.
Commercial farmers have been putting chemicals on our food for decades now. And the impact of those pesticides goes far beyond the farm.
A report from the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration in 2022 found that over 70 percent of non-organic fresh produce sold in the US has chemical residues that could damage your health.
It’s likely impossible to avoid these creepy compounds completely. But you CAN cut way back on your exposure.
If you have the space and time, l encourage you to plant a vegetable garden. And whenever possible, always choose organic produce at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
P.S. Researchers discovered that a common class of chemicals could be a TRIGGER for Parkinson’s. Avoiding them may slash your risk of developing this heart-breaking disease. CLICK HERE for the disturbing details.
Source:
“Insights into the Mechanism of Flavor Loss in Strawberries Induced by Two Fungicides Integrating Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis,” J. Agric. Food Chem. 2023, 71, 8, 3906–3919, doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08157

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...