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Organic Vs. Non-Organic – Which to buy?
I have three nephews and as they started moving from breast milk to solid foods, the exploration of organic versus non-organic foods started. Now, we try to grow and buy from local farmers as much as possible so we know what is in our food. But for those times when it’s just not possible, like for tropical fruits and fresh vegetables in the winter, we rely on a chart we got from the Today Show.
The Today Show came out with a list of the foods that you should buy organic. “Organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established an organic certification program that requires organic foods to meet strict agricultural standards.
Organic foods are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, artificial flavors or colors. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution.
The group of foods that you should buy organically they call “The Dirty Dozen”; these foods still have pesticides even after they are washed.
Non-Organic Foods
These foods are safe to buy non-organic:
- Bananas
- Kiwi
- Mangoes
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Onions
- Peas
The Dirty Dozen
Buy These Foods Organic:
- Apples
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Pears
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Spinach
So, while it would be optimal if we could buy everything organic the soaring food prices prevent us from doing this. I hope this list can help you pick and choose the foods you should buy organic.