Monday, August 8, 2011

Organic or Not...The Frugal's Guide to Shopping...

If you're new to the world of organic, your first inclination is probably to assume that all fruits and veggies MUST be purchased organically. They may be purchased organically- it is the absolute best way to insure that your bases are completely covered- but, if you are on a budget like me you will be happy to note that there is a list of fruits and veggies that may be purchased "conventionally" -meaning not organic...
While talking all things health and nutrition with a friend this afternoon, I realized that this knowledge was not wide spread and might be helpful to put out there...so here it is...The place where Happy Eating and Happy Saving collide! Whoohoo!

Must Be Bought Organically - they drink in the pesticides:

Peaches, Nectarines
Apples, Pears
Sweet Bell Pepper (red, green, yellow)
Celery
Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries
Cherries
Kale, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens
Lettuces, Spinach
Grapes(Imported) - If they're USA grown they may be purchased conventionally
Carrots
Potatoes

May Be Purchased Conventionally:

Onion
Avocado
Sweet corn (frozen)
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet peas (frozen)
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli, Cauliflower
Tomato
Sweet potato
Bananas

The Environmental Working Group has a more extensive list on its website:
http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list/

Another thing to be aware of is that 80+% of the corn and soy crops in our country are ladened with GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). They have not completely uncovered the health ramifications of this so, buyer beware... best to buy corn organically and avoid soy unless its labeled Non-GMO....

Hope this is helpful... Happy Eating and Budgeting!

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