Nitrates in homegrown baby food?

[MissQueenie]

I had been planning to make my own baby food from vegetables grown at home, but I just read in "Your Baby's First Year" that there are certain vegetables that can have dangerously high levels of nitrates in them (in certain parts of the country -- they didn't say where) and it is not recommended to make baby food from these vegetables at home (I think they included carrots, spinach, and beets). They also didn't distinguish between home-grown produce and produce purchased at the market. The baby food companies supposedly screen their produce for nitrates before processing the food, according to this book.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't even know what nitrates are! I also live literally smack on top of a gold mine (no, no mineral rights unfortunately) so I have some concern about things like arsenic and lead in the soil left over from the mining process.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has heard this, and whether you think that growing in raised beds (as recommended by my extension office) would eliminate the issues.

[RVcook]

Funny you should mention this...I just read this exact thing today while looking for a procedure to prepare carrots for freezing.

I suppose it is possible that the soil can contain high levels of just about anything nasty so if you're worried, why not have your soil tested? Contact your local university extension office, Dept. of Natural Resources or county zoning office to find out how you can have it done.

RVcook

[ChristieAcres]

If your soil is tested and doesn't meet standards, raised beds are advised for cooler climates (raises the soil temperature & requires a lot more watering). If your zone is hot, you can do dig out the bed size and replace the soil, bordering the beds to keep native soil out of them. We have mineral rights, but don't think there is anything but nice granite. While clearing an area a few months ago, we found some beautiful large boulders. They will be part of a future water feature (DH's plan & I think it is a grand idea).

[How Do I]

Here's an understandable read on nitrates in soil. It concentrates more on forages than vegetables, but there is a brief portion at the bottom of the page on vegetable plants.