(RECAP) Sustainable Saturdays: The Smart Way to Eat Organic

Reported by foodem.com, the online wholesale food marketplace-

We’ve all heard people say, “I only buy organic.” Why has this become so popular? Organic foods are completely free of the chemicals and pesticides that are used so liberally in industrial agriculture. This means that both the consumers and producers of organic foods need not worry about exposure to these harmful materials.

Here is the problem: organic food can be extremely pricy. Though our intentions might be in the right place, the contents of our wallets might prevent us from only buying organic.

If you seem to be having this issue, it will help to know which fruits and vegetables are the “dirtiest,” or, which kinds of produce you should definitely be buying organic. On the other hand, some fruits and vegetables are actually quite safe in their non-organic varieties.

Let’s talk first about what you can buy conventional (non-organic).

Fruits

Fruits that have a thick peel are the safest bets, since the peels protect the inner fruit from chemicals and are discarded before eating. Think bananas, mangoes, avocados, grapefruits, and pineapples.

Vegetables

Some vegetables simply do not face pest problems, and therefore require minimal pesticide spray. These include cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, and onions.

Now that you have saved money on these varieties of produce, you can afford the organic versions of the following.

Fruits

Peaches, apples, pears, berries, citrus fruits, grapes and melon.

Vegetables

Leafy greens, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, green beans, peppers and cauliflower.

Proteins

It is also beneficial to buy organic meats, eggs and dairy products whenever possible, to avoid consuming hormones and antibiotics that are often fed to factory-farmed animals.

What other tricks do you use to get your organic fix?

(Photo Source: Emma Waugh)