It’s rough out there – food prices are up, but you still want to avoid pesticides in produce as much as possible. So, what should you do? Here’s an idea – limit your organic purchases to just the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residue. That way, you’ll help both your health and your pocketbook. Want to know what they are?
You won’t want to leave home without this – I just found a cool “Organic Essentials” Pocket Guide you can download from the nonprofit Organic Center. Just put a copy in your wallet so you’ll always have it with you.
Here’s what it lists as the riskiest (i.e. BUY THESE ORGANIC) fruits and veggies:
Fruits Grown in the U.S.
1. Cranberries
2. Nectarines
3. Peaches
4. Strawberries
5. Pears
Vegetables Grown in the U.S.
1. Green beans
2. Sweet bell peppers
3. Celery
4. Cucumbers
5. Potatoes
Imported Fruits
1. Grapes
2. Nectarines
3. Peaches
4. Pears
5. Strawberries
Imported Vegetables
1. Sweet bell peppers
2. Lettuce
3. Cucumbers
4. Celery
5. Tomatoes
Handy, huh? I know it will definitely help me having the lists all in one place!
Thanks for the information!
I teach clients about “The Dirty Dozen” in my classes; it’s very helpful. Thanks for posting the link to the Pocket Guide, which is perfect for grocery shopping trips! Here is my blog posting about organics from last summer: http://kmoriarty.blogspot.com/2007/07/dirty-dozen.html
Thanks Again!
This is awesome information. I haven’t been as concerned about buying organic as I should. Price is a factor. This will be so helpful. I’m going to pass it on through my website also.
Nice list. I’ve seen a list of the “dirty dozen” in a couple of places, which is also helpful. We really don’t buy much organic produce – living in a small town our organic section often doesn’t have the best selection. I think that I’ll print this out and at least take a gander at the organic section before buying conventional produce now.
Someone actually posted this in our kitchenette at work a few months ago! It is definitely helpful to know which organic foods to gravitate toward. Thanks for the reminder.
This is great information! Organic food is so much more expensive so it is nice to know where it is worth it to spurge and where you can save your money
Thank you.
I have been looking for this list the last few days.
Good tip! I never realized that some fruits and veggies are sprayed with more pesticides than others.