Summer Produce & Pesticides

Hello!

If you are wondering when it’s worth it to pay more for organics, here’s the “dirt” on how to prioritize your organic dollars:

Types of produce MOST likely to contain pesticide residue (i.e., try to get organic):

Peaches
Apples
Sweet bell peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes

Types of produce LEAST likely to contain pesticide residue (i.e., organic not a priority):

Papayas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kiwis
Bananas
Sweet Peas (frozen)
Asparagus
Mangoes
Pineapple
Sweet corn (frozen)
Avocados
Onions

No matter whether you can afford/find organic or not, remember it is ALWAYS a good choice to eat more produce. Most health and weight problems in America can be prevented by eating more produce and less processed food, NOT by avoiding produce out of worries about chemicals.

Have a good week!

Jill

p.s. The lists above came from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization.