To Buy Organic, Or Not To Buy Organic....That Is The Question!

 To Buy Organic….Or Not To Buy….That Is The Question!

Some fruits and vegetables have higher amounts of pesticide residue than others.  Those that are higher may be good choices to consider going organic.  

To make your decision on whether to go organic, think about $ and think about the important anti-oxidants that you receive from the fruits and vegetables.  To some extent eating fruit and vegetables is more important than the general risk of residues because of the powerful protective antioxidants provided by the foods.

As we move toward improving our health through nutrition, we can make the decisions on whether or not to go organic in a step-wise fashion:

1.       EAT YOUR PRODUCE-- PERIOD….….
2.       PURCHASE SOME ORGANICALLY
          *Those on the "dirty dozen" list or in general those that you eat the entire fruit
3.       PURCHASE ALL ORGANICALLY 

When able, try to choose organic for the "Dirty Dozen": 
"Dirty Dozen" Fruits and Vegetables:
Starting with highest pesticide residue
Apples
Peaches
Nectarines
Strawberries
Grapes
Celery
Spinach
Sweet bell peppers
Cucumbers
Cherry tomatoes
Snap peas (imported)
Potatoes

Plus:
Hot peppers
Kale/Collard Greens

 
These foods are typically lowest in pesticide residues, so save your money:
"Clean 15" Fruits and Vegetables:
Starting with lowest pesticide residue
Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Cabbage
Sweet peas (frozen)
Onions
Asparagus
Mangoes
Papayas
Kiwi
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Cantaloupe (domestic)
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes

This list is updated yearly, so it's a good idea to revisit the Environmental Working Group's website each Spring. 

Source:  Shoppers Guide to Pesticides.  Environmental Working Group.  Accessed on-line 03/06/2015

 
Using a fruit and veggie wash can help decrease some pesticide residue and many bacteria.  A good ol' fashioned wash with water and a veggie brush helps too!

Produce Wash

• Mix 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar (3:1 ) in a spray bottle.
• Spray on fruits and veggies to get rid of pesticide residue.
• Rinse with water after spraying.

-OR-

• Fill a bowl with water and add 1/8 to 1/2 cup of vinegar, depending on the size of your bowl.
• Place your fruits and veggies in the bowl.
• Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse with water.