Buying Organic: Is It Worth the Hype?

Go to any grocery store, and you’ll see organic products on the shelves and specific sections dedicated to organic produce. These foods are often expensive, raising the question of whether they’re worth the higher price tag. Let’s take a look at what organic really means when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

Does organic mean no pesticides?

Just because a label says organic does not mean that it’s pesticide-free and more nutritious than non-organic produce. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates organic produce to ensure that it’s raised using approved methods. It does not mean that it’s grown without pesticides. It just means that synthetic and man-made pesticides are not used. Organic farms can use natural pesticides that are approved by the USDA. Farmers must use natural fertilizers such as compost and natural pest control methods to be certified organic. There is no evidence showing there is a big nutritional profile difference between organic and non-organic produce.

Dirty Dozen and Clean 15

You may have heard about the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) creates these lists annually to assist consumers in making decisions about their produce consumption. The Dirty Dozen refers to the 12 crops on which farmers typically use the most pesticides, including strawberries, spinach, kale, grapes, peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, bell and hot peppers, cherries, blueberries and green beans. The Clean 15 refers to the 15 crops that tend to use the least amount of pesticides. These include avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, mushrooms, mangoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon and carrots. The amount of information on the internet regarding organic vs. non-organic produce can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. When deciding what produce is right for you and your family, keep in mind your goals and budget. Remember, no matter what you choose to buy, adding color to your plate will boost your health!   What is Organic Produce? Facts, Limitations, & Alternatives | Eden Green Decoding the EWG Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen | Pompa Program