We, as consumers, are bombarded with choices everyday. Try as we may to make the right decisions, we are often left sorting through tidbits of information that we have heard from others, in the news, or read over the internet. The Organic Movement is an area of confusion for most. There are scores of naysayers as well as swarms of activists on both sides of the debate. Here is a little info to help you sort through the madness.
The dirty dozen list is something all the experts agree on - here it is:
Produce to always buy Organic:
The Dirty Dozen:
1. Strawberries 2. Blueberries
3. Cherries
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Nectarines
7. Apples
8. Lettuce
9. Spinach
10. Celery
11. Sweet Bell Peppers
12. Potatoes
Another way to think at the market – like a farmer:
My comprehension works like a farmer at the market when it comes to organic selections. Is it worth the extra money to buy organic? Well, yes and no. Here’s a simple way to make that decision.
First - consider the “wrapping” – does the selection have a thick outer layer that is discarded? This is a basic first look scenario. Some outer shells provide ample protection – making “organic” unnecessary; Like: Bananas, Avocados, Cantaloupe, Grapefruit, Lemons, and Pineapples. The pesticides do not penetrate the skin – so enjoy these items conventionally.
Second – consider if insects are even attracted to the produce in question. Farmers are not going to waste money on expensive pesticides if they do not have to treat the crop. For instance – take asparagus. There really isn’t a need to spray asparagus because there aren’t any insects that even look twice at a long row of asparagus spears. Another example would be plants that have a built in mechanism for warding off insects themselves – like garlic, onions, cabbage, and broccoli – the aroma given off is not particularly palatable to bugs. Here’s any easy one – hot peppers - it is even used (itself) as an insect repellent for other plants.
Third – consider any fruit that has a porous surface, like strawberries. The surface of the strawberry is porous and bugs really like it. So – assume that strawberries have to be sprayed to save the crop from being assaulted by hoards of insects – and that the spray is easily absorbed into the entire fruit through its non-protective porous skin. So – it makes sense that you should buy berries organic.
Fourth - consider if the produce can be easily washed of the residue. Apples take a little scrubbing and yes, probably some of the pesticide is absorbed through the skin. Lettuce and leafy greens are better cleaned by putting them in a sink bath of cool water and swishing them around a bit to get all the folds of the lettuce rinsed well. The same can be said for berries.
My husband used to argue with me about the benefits or lack thereof of buying organic. I got fed up one day and took an organic apple and told him if wanted a conventionally grown apple – I’d get him one – just hold on a minute. I went to the garage and got a can of Raid Insect spray and sprayed the apple in front of him. He laughed – but was not amused. I explained that what I had in my hand was a legitimate pesticide and that the farmers use pesticides that are ten times worse than what the average consumer can get their hands on - he would not eat the apple. So, I went to the sink and washed it off – he still would not eat the apple. Kind of brings the message home, don’t you think?
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