Spring Produce: Do You Buy Organic?

on April 2, 2009 at 9:40 AM

lettuce

Buying all fruits and veggies organic just isn't financially possible for many of us, right? But it is recommended that if you can't buy the following spring produce items organic, then you shouldn't be eating them at all...

According to the Environmental Working Group, pesticide residue found on conventionally grown produce has been proven to cause many adverse effects including cancer, nervous system damage, and reproductive effects. It reports that the following spring fruits and vegetables are contaminated with unhealthy, high loads of pesticides and recommends that if you can't buy them organic, you should stay away from them altogether:

Strawberries
Lettuce
Carrots
Spinach
Potatoes

Spring produce with lower pesticide loads (which are, therefore, safe to buy conventionally grown) include: broccoli, asparagus, sweet peas, and onions. The EWG offers a full list of pesticide loads in fruits and vegetables on its Web site.

Do you try to buy spring produce organic?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: eco-friendly, food, food safety, green guide, healthy choices, suggestions

Comments (10)

jennmarie77

on Apr 2, 2009 at 10:25 AM

I try to buy all my produce organic. Some like bananas and melons, I don't worry as much but the rest I try to buy organic. If I could afford to, I'd go organic across the board, meat and everything.

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amber325

on Apr 2, 2009 at 11:50 AM

I buy regular produce.

mommashaybay

on Apr 2, 2009 at 12:42 PM

i buy organic whenever possible

AgentBrez

on Apr 2, 2009 at 4:20 PM

i dont buy any organic.

mommy_ginimarie

on Apr 2, 2009 at 9:23 PM

I buy as much organic as I can afford. Not only is it free of many bad things, but if you read the labels of organic food, they are usually not made with all of the hydrogenated oil and sugars that most products are.

bsflower13

on Apr 2, 2009 at 9:45 PM

Organic is expensive if you buy it in the store. I try very hard to grow all my own food indoor and out. Its cheaper, no commute,no waiting in line, and by far they healthiest you can get.

Want to know more check it out @

www.GrowitSaveitUseit.com

Brenda

lmaywild1

on Apr 2, 2009 at 10:20 PM

Our household is mainly organic by choice, however until the local farmers market open or we can get a small garden in to produce our own. We are having to make some tough choice on not purchasing as much. When your food bill goes from $100 a week to $180 and you aren't purchasing anything different. OUCH.

BrightLightLove

on Apr 3, 2009 at 12:14 PM

With everything that is going around and some of my health experiences I am a devoted supporter of organic and healthy foods. We live in the city and don't have a garden, but we talked to our friends who have a garden and live outside the city. We had an agreement that we would assist them in planting and doing some garden work and they will share the veggies and fruits with us. What a deal! :)

Also, my very good friend, who is an empowerment coach, invited us to the new online store that sells healthy and organic foods for a much cheaper price. It works as a food club like Costco but you can order online like on Amazon and they will deliver to your door in recycable box by FedEx. We are very excited. They made an agreement with each big organic manufacturer to provide a cheaper price allowing us to save from 20-50% on the food. 16oz olive oil is about $3-5 cheaper than the same brand in other places.

I know that healthy eating and living creates miracles. I experienced that for myself and my family.

You can send me a message if you want to know more about this online store.

peppermintmocha

on Apr 6, 2009 at 7:44 PM

I have the money to buy organic. I just don't have the options out here.

shannon.kay

on Apr 7, 2009 at 4:42 AM

I guess this isn't about buying organic, but since I live in Orange County, I always buy my strawberries at a strawberry stand. I wouldn't dream of buying store strawberries, it's just not the same.