Organic Foods: To Buy or Not To Buy?

Q: Grocery stores are offering more and more organic foods, but they are expensive. Which foods should I buy organic when possible and why?

A: A lot of people ask me if they should buy organic. This is a question I struggle with myself because, let’s face it, organic really is more expensive and could increase your grocery bill significantly if you bought all organic. My answer to this question then is, buy what you can afford and opt for organic as often as you can.

The term “Certified Organic” simply means that the produce was grown on land free of pesticides and chemicals for at least three years. This is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I think it’s fairly safe to say that we do not want to consume large amounts of pesticides and chemicals if we can help it. So, the real question is, what produce has the highest concentration of pesticides and chemicals and which ones should we purchase as Organic?

According to Natural Health Magazine, there is a non-profit organization called Environmental Working Group who has come up with a list called the “Dirty Dozen”. This list is made up of fruits and vegetables that are have the highest concentration of pesticides and chemicals when grown conventionally, that is non-organic. The list is as follows:

1. peaches
2. strawberries
3. apples
4. spinach
5. nectarines
6. celery
7. pears
8. cherries
9. potatoes
10. sweet bell peppers
11. raspberries
12. imported grapes

This organization has also come up with a “Clean Dozen”, which is made up of produce that is considered least contaminated:

1. sweet corn
2. avocados
3. pineapples
4. cauliflower
5. mangoes
6. sweet peas
7. asparagus
8. onions
9. broccoli
10. bananas
11. kiwis
12. papayas

According to the article in the Natural Health Magazine, a 2003 study showed that if you avoid the “Dirty Dozen” and choose the organic versions, you can lower your pesticide exposure by up to 90 percent.

So, if you can afford organic, then purchase organic (on the "Clean Dozen" list). If cost is a matter of concern for you, try to avoid purchasing non-organic produce on the “Dirty Dozen” list. As organic foods become more in demand, the price will go down. We’ve already seen this happen in the last couple of years. Pick up extra organic produce (again, on the "Clean Dozen" list) when it’s on sale, and freeze it when possible. Also try the Farmer’s Markets, where they oftentimes offer organic produce and a lower price.