The Organic Choice
Certified Organic is food that is grown without the use of synthetic or chemical pesticides or added hormones.
I could probably spend the next twenty postings writing about the benefits of buying organic, but I’ll hold off on the preaching for now. In the meantime, below is a useful chart to help guide you through your produce purchases. I realize that buying organic may be cost prohibitive for many families, so this should help when faced with the choice.
Highest in Pesticides (i.e. try to buy organic):
Peaches, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Pears, Grapes (imported), Spinach, Lettuce, Potatoes
Lowest in Pesticides:
Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn (frozen), Pineapples, Mangoes, Asparagus, Sweet Peas (frozen), Kiwi, Bananas, Cabbage, Broccoli, Papayas
Source: Environmental Working Group and the Organic and Natural Experience (ONE) Tour and On Cooking