When it comes to buying produce, one of the most common questions people ask me is “should I spend the extra money on buying organic?” And, my answer is always yes. Let me explain.
Last month, the Environmental Working Group came out with their updated version of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15. Sounds like movie titles, but they actually refer to the most contaminated and the least contaminated fruits and vegetables. When the EWG tested 48 non-organic fruits and vegetables, 70 percent tested positive for at least one pesticide. A sample of strawberries tested positive for 20 different pesticides. DDT, which is a neurotoxic insecticide banned in the U.S., was just one of the pesticides found. This is scary stuff!!
The good news is that these toxic pesticides are prohibited for use on organic crops. Organic farmers manage their crops so that they do not have to use pesticides, preservatives, fertilizers or hormones. Instead, they use natural, non-toxic methods to grow their crops.
Now you may be thinking, “I wash my produce really well so I am not eating these toxins.” Unfortunately, the pesticides leech into the produce and no amount of washing and cooking can remove the toxins. Pesticides have been linked to numerous illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson’s, autism, infertility, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.
So, if you are buying anything on the Dirty Dozen list, you definitely want to buy organic because they have the most chemicals and pesticides. Foods listed on the Clean 15 have only trace amounts.
Eating with the season is one way to cut down on the cost of buying organic produce. If you shop in a grocery store, seasonal produce will often be on sale. At the farmers market, bumper crops mean the savings are passed on to you. Another tip to saving at the farmers market is shopping during the last hour. Farmers do not want to take home any unsold produce so they are more likely to offer you a deal.
In addition to buying seasonal fruits and veggies, choose locally grown whenever possible. This is another way to cut down on toxins. Foods shipped to the U.S. from other countries have a higher incidence of Salmonella and other illness causing bacteria.
The photo below shows some of the produce I bought last Sunday at the Rillito farmers market. Baby turnips and carrots, broccollini, spring green onions, cabbage, sugar snap peas and lots of glorious greens!! If you have never been to the farmers market, I would encourage you to try it. The energy and feeling of community is amazing. You are able to meet the growers and learn about their farms. In a small way, you are supporting a movement to live a healthier life. And, if you need a guided tour, let me know. I am at the Sunday market every week and would love to show you my favorite peeps!
So, back to the original question…”Should I spend the extra money on buying organic?” Perhaps, a better question would be, “Can I afford not to?”
Happy Earth Day 😉
See you at the farmers market!
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