To Organic or not to Organic, that is the question!

There is a lot of news around the web and beyond about how organic fruits and vegetables are not any different from commercially grown produce.  Hogwash, I say! (I don't think I've ever said 'hogwash' before, but this certainly warrants it!)

Did you know that...

• 98% of commercially grown apples have detectable levels of pesticides?
• Domestic blueberries tested positive for 42 different pesticide residues?
• 78 different pesticides were found on lettuce samples?
• Every single nectarine the USDA tested had measurable pesticide residues?
• As a category, grapes have more types of pesticides than any other fruit with 64 different chemicals?
• 13 different pesticides were measured on a single sample of celery and strawberries?

How are these not different from organic produce, which have none of this?  What is all this stuff that is put on our fruits and veggies?!?

Thanks to the Environmental Working Group for this information.   

The EWG has also put together a handy list of produce that should  be purchased organic - the Dirty Dozen, and some items that have very low detectable pesticides that are okay to purchase commercially - the Clean 15.

Here is a link to the handy, printable list.  I use this each and every time I go to the market.  I do try to purchase mostly organic produce, as I believe that is best for my family.  However, there are times when some items are cost prohibitive, or simply not available.  

If organic produce is out of your price range, consider visiting your seasonal farmer's market.  Many producers do not use sprays or other pesticides, be sure to ask!