The Dirty List- Which produce you should buy organic based on pesticide residue

It’s hard to go Organic—we know it’s good for us, but it’s just so expensive! Sometimes our budget only allows for 1 or 2 organic items a week, so how do we choose what to buy?  There are a lot of lists floating around and here is a list I liked because it gave actual statistics with the foods. To read the article in it’s entirety go here:  http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/slowfoodorganiclocal/a/organicproduce_2.htm

It lists the top 10 dirtiest foods –thus making them the top most important to buy organic.

Not only do I enjoy knowing that I am exposing myself to less chemicals from the pesticides and fertilizers, but I also like to think about all the fossil fuel I am conserving by them not producing that pesticide and fertilizer—and then think of all the farm workers you are saving because THEY are not being exposed while applying these nasty products. So really- we are eating better food, conserving energy, AND saving people’s lives. Wahoo! I’ll take a bite of that apple!

1.               Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.

2.               Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.

3.               Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.

4.               Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

5.               Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

6.               Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.

7.               Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.

8.               Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.

9.               Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.

10.           Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides

 

The general rule is the thinner the skin the more it has absorbed. If you are going to eat the skin- it should be organic. Yes- you could peel it—but then you are losing a good portion of the nutrients from the fruit. Better to just go organic.

Here is the list of the Top 10 LEAST contaminated produce. Notice that most of these are food where you remove the skin before consuming. If you have to choose between them these are the ones you can buy non-organic.

·                        Asparagus

·                        Avocados

·                        Bananas

·                        Broccoli

·                        Cauliflower

·                        Corn (However, almost all corn is genetically modified)

·                        Kiwi

·                        Mangoes

·                        Onions

·                        Papaya

·                        Pineapples

·                        Sweet Peas

The broccoli and cauliflower surprise me, they must have some pretty tough skin.

If this is a subject that interests you, here is another interesting article:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods#fbIndex1

Photos of Veggies from freeimages.co.uk

Organic Fingerling Potatoes at Raley's or Nob Hill

Raley's and Nob Hill and Bel Air are all the same store. Just FYI. The coupons for one work at the other 2.

This week Organic Fingerling Potatoes are on sale 2/$5.
I just paid $5 a pack at Safeway 2 days ago so I kind of want to stomp my foot and roll around on the ground in a little fit.
Instead- I am just going to go to Raley's and get these ones too. If kept in a cool dry place, potatoes will keep quite nicely, so I am going to stock up.





Sometimes we can't afford to buy ALL organic. My suggestion is to start with the produce that absorb the most pesticide and toxins. If you can just buy these ones organic you are making a huge difference in the health of your family and their exposure to harmful chemicals.

The general rule is Thick Skin Ok. Thin Skin Go Organic. Thin skins would be apples, strawberries, potatoes, carrots. Anything that grows under ground is absorbing more pesticide. Anything where you are eating the skin is also on the "dirty list".

Things like avocado, oranges, watermelon, bananas, where you do not eat the skin and peel it away are safer.

I'll post the "dirty list" later.  It's very helpful.