When it comes to buying organic produce, many people are left scratching their heads. Organic stuff is usually (but not always) more expensive, so is it really necessary? The answer is, yes and no.
If money wasn’t an issue, I’d always buy organic because the farming practices are more responsible, and the soil and groundwater aren’t left contaminated. But, like almost everyone else, I do watch grocery spending, so I pick and choose. Some fruits and vegetables retain higher levels of pesticides than others, so you don’t always have to buy organic and it’s important to note that it’s better to eat LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies (even if they aren’t organic) than to limit your consumption to what you can find organic (not always a big selection).
Image from digitaldesktopwallpaper.com
Here is a list of the “dirty dozen”– fruits and veggies that retain the highest levels of pesticides. You should always try to buy these items organic.
- Apples
- Celery
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Nectarines (imported)
- Grapes (imported are worst)
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Blueberries
- Potatoes
** Raspberries, Green Beans, and Kale are also on the list so really its the dirty 15 but I guess people don’t think that is as catchy.
Kiwi photo from Talkdelhi.co
The “Clean Fifteen”- Produce with the least pesticide residue. It is not necessary to buy organic.
- Onions
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Avocado
- Cabbage
- Sweet Peas
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Eggplant
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
- Sweet Potatoes
- Grapefruit
- Watermelon
- Mushrooms
*Also bananas but they were left off of the EWG list.
For more information, visit the Environmental Working Group website or google “dirty dozen” or “fruit and pesticide levels.”
http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/
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