Organic Versus Non-Organic: What Produce To Buy

The controversy continues regarding Organic Versus Non-Organic: What Produce To Buy. First let’s define organic.
Organic produce is produce that has not been processed with any irradiation, solvents, chemical food additives, synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizers, according to the USDA and Organic Foods Production Act. Organic farmers also emphasize sustainable and renewable resources in order to conserve the environment.
Benefits of Organic Produce: chemical free and not genetically modified. Certified organic produce will ensure you get food from a farm that does not use any pesticides and is environmentally friendly. No chemicals will be added to your food. The debate is still out regarding taste. Some people state the taste of organic is different from conventional produce.
Cons of Organic Produce: cost can be a factor when choosing organic. Due to the higher cost of becoming a certified organic farmer and the higher loss of produce, cost to the consumer can increase. Since no preservatives are used, the produce has a shorter shelf life and more produce can get damaged in transport resulting in less produce to sell.
What is better and what should you buy? The Environmental Working Group has made a list of produce based on pesticide tests performed called the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen.” The “Dirty Dozen” had the highest pesticide load and are recommended to buy organic. The “Clean Fifteen” produce have the lowest amount of pesticide load and are also the safest conventionally grown crops from a pesticide contamination standpoint. By peeling or removing the skin from the “Clean Fifteen,” you can also reduce the amount of pesticides consumed.
Clean Fifteen: Dirty Dozen:
Asparagus Apples
Avocados Celery
Cabbage Cherry Tomatoes
Cantaloupe Cucumbers
Sweet Corn Grapes
Eggplant Hot Peppers
Grapefruit Imported Nectarines
Kiwi Peaches
Mangos Potatoes
Mushrooms Spinach
Onions Strawberries
Papayas Sweet Bell Peppers
Pineapples
Frozen Sweet Peas
Sweet Potatoes
Organic Produce Buying Budget Tips: Organic produce may be more expensive than non-organic produce. However, use these tips to stay in your food budget while buying organic as much as possible
- Buy In Season: Seasonal produce is both the freshest and most affordable because you’re buying the produce at its peak production.
- Shop At A Local Farmer’s Market: I LOVE my local farmer’s market. Many farmers there practice organic farming without being certified organic. Talk to the farmers and find out how they produce their food. You’ll also get a better deal since you’re not going through the grocery store. More tips to buy local.
- Join A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): You can have your produce delivered to your home from local farms in your area! Check out the local CSA’s in your area today and sign up.
Enjoy your fruits and veggies daily! The more organic produce you can buy, the better. However, eating your fruits and vegetables daily is the most important goal. Keep up with your colors of the rainbow!
Sarah Koszyk, MA RDN
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This is super helpful. We did join a CSA, and while it didn’t have a lot of organic we did get TONS of local veggies
I LOVE CSA’s! Great choice! They have introduced me to so many new fruits and veggies I’ve never tried before. Enjoy!
I have tried to abide by this list to save money! I love farmers markets too. Such a great way to get out and be a part of the community. Thanks for this article Sarah!
You’re welcome! I always say do what you can. If you can make it to a farmers market, that’s great! They are fun adventures to go on!