Organic Fruits and Vegetables to Splurge On...

I know that many people are having the "organic vs. local" discussion. I blogged about it here. (I also recently read a great column on the fact that makes the debate moot, pointing out that we should be eating organic AND local. And I certainly try.)


Sometimes, however, the increased cost of organic fruits and vegetables can seem excessive. I don't think any of us can argue with the importance of protecting our environment, but it's not always easy to be virtuous when it hits us in the pocketbook. So, thanks are due to the Environmental Group, a non-profit that has helped sort it out for us, basing their advice on testing conducted by the USDA.


Considering the high level of pesticides you're likely to find on these fruits and vegetables, here are some products that you SHOULD always try to buy in the organic aisle:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (especially the imported ones)
• Oranges
• Spinach
  

On the other hand, these have such low levels of pesticides that you can buy the conventional version if you'd like:

• Onions
• Avocados
• Mangoes
• Asparagus
• Kiwi fruit
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Pineapples
• Cabbage

There are so many factors that go into our shopping decisions. Guess this is just one more to keep in mind!