I found a very helpful article on MSN's green site, "Is Organic Food Worth It?" by Kristen Finello.
When
I mention to my clients that they should consider purchasing organic
products, many are concerned about the added cost. In the article,
Kristen suggests that being selective can really help.
The
following list of fruits and vegetables are the 12 you should avoid and
buy organic---this can reduce your pesticide exposure by 90 percent.
Buy These Organic Fruits and Vegetables
- Apples
- Bell peppers
- Celery
- Cherries
- Imported grapes
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Red raspberries
- Spinach
- Strawberries
It's Okay to Buy These Nonorganic Fruits and Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Corn (sweet)
- Kiwi
- Mangoes
- Onions
Source for lists: Environmental Working Group www.foodnews.org
Whether you buy organic or not, wash the produce thoroughly and remove the outer leaf of leafy vegetables like lettuce.
Here's a great fruit & vegetable wash:
Use 1/8 tsp. Basic H2
in a pint of water (spray bottle with solution kept by the sink is
convenient). Wash and rinse immediately. Helps remove spray residue,
dirt & waxes. Also removes grit from leafy vegetables. Costs only pennies per spray bottle. Effective and Economical!
