It’s too soon to tell whether it’s a fad or a trend,  but  edible “dirt” is proudly being served in many  fine restaurants including Manhattan’s Gilt, San Francisco’s Marlowe,  Copenhagen’s Noma, and Tel Aviv’s Shakuf.  The “dirt” says Time,  varies in consistency:  “Some resemble ash, others sand or soil.

Certainly, no food contamination recall is scarier to parents than one involving baby formula.  Thankfully, no illnesses have yet been reported in connection with this Sept. 22 massive Similac recall, and, according to the FDA, the contaminated product poses “no immediate health risk.” Despite these reassurances, the cause of the recall sounds “yucky” enough to make parents with powdered Similac on their shelves rush to find out if what they’ve purchased might be contaminated.

Perhaps you’re concerned about consuming pesticides along with your produce.  But perhaps you find that buying produce only if it’s labeled organic is too expensive and inconvenient.  What to do? Simple, many sources will tell you: buy organic when the produce you want is high in pesticides and save money by buying conventionally grown produce when the item is low in pesticides.  “Fine,” you reply, “but how do I know which is which?”  Easy.  Consult  “EGW’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides.”

If it has seemed to you that the most delicious edibles are the least healthy, it’s time to put  that thought aside. The health benefits of nuts, chocolate, and blueberries  have been known for awhile, but new studies add further evidence that these ever-popular snack foods can improve the circulatory system and  lengthen life.