$25.00 for apples?? Really??

So on Sunday JB, Katina, and I met her Dad at Fresh Market for the "drop off"..I figured it was a nice in between spot to meet, and I could also run in and buy organic apples.  I used to buy them at Publix, but their selection is pretty bad..mealy apples are the worst!  Did you know apples are one of the main produce items you should really choose organic?  Since you are eating the whole fruit, skin and all, you aren't peeling away any pesticides as you would with,say, a banana or orange.  I guess the exception would be picking your own at a local farm, but we don't have that option here...so back to Fresh Market.

Long story short...we bought 16 organic gala apples..at a total price of $25 and some change.  I can get a 5 lb. bag of apples at Sam's Club for $6.  Why is it so expensive to eat healthy?  It's no wonder so many people in this country have cupboards stocked with junk food and processed items.  You could literally spend a whole paycheck on fresh produce..if you were go the all organic route.  The exception to this is during the main growing season..Nov. to April for us down here.  During that time I can drop $20 at the farmers market on a weeks worth of locally grown, fresh, organic produce. (still no apples though) That's a huge difference.  I wish I could figure out how to grow it all myself during the summer months..the sun really beats on us though..plus it hasn't rained in weeks.  Maybe an Aerogarden?  Do those things really work?  I guess if they did, everyone would have them.  I only know one person who does, and she only grows herbs.  Which is great, but I'm interested in actual produce items..

On a different subject, we have discovered an amazing substitution for sandwich making.  Obviously, there are huge numbers of people out there with gluten allergies, as well as people trying not to eat bread (or carbs).  That's all fine and dandy, but let's face it..without bread you have no sandwich.  And without a nice sandwich, what do you eat for lunch?  Or a late night snack?  We've been using Ezekiel bread for a while now, and it's great. (try a grilled cheddar and apple sandwich with dijon mustard on Ezekiel bread)   But a step away from that?  Try making a wrap using Collard Greens instead of bread.  Seriously!  Use hummus instead of mayo, fill it with any veggies, sprouts, even chicken or tuna if you desired!  Wrap it up  and eat it..so so delicious!  I know it may sound strange, but I promise it's such a neat thing!  The leaves are solid, they hold together so well...even better than most wraps or pita bread!  What a great way to get some greens into your diet and still enjoy regular foods!  I will pick up some collards tomorrow and make a few so I can take pics and show you.  If you can grow collards in your garden, then you have to try this!