10 Foods To Always Buy Organic

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Lolita Carrico

With so much buzz and research about the benefits of eating organic and avoiding harmful pesticides, the cost in buying organic and pesticide-free produce and foods can take a toll on your budget. While there are some foods that you can buy without worrying about a certified organic label, below are 10 foods to always buy organic to make sure you don’t ingest harmful chemicals and to keep everyone in your family healthy.

Apples: The skin of apples packs lots of vitamins, so you don’t want to peel it off. But even if you do, because apples are a big pest target, they’re heavily sprayed and often washing and peeling doesn’t get off all of the chemicals.

Bell Peppers: Their soft skin and lack of a protective layer lands bell peppers on the must-buy organic list.

Blueberries: This anti-oxidant powerhouse berries are among the ‘dirtiest’ of fruits. They’re sprayed with dozens of pesticides so make sure you buy fresh, organic blueberries.

Coffee: Coffee beans grown in other countries aren’t regulated, so look for the USDA Organic label to ensure your coffee doesn’t come with a shot of harmful chemicals.

Celery: Celery is sprayed with organophosphates, which have been linked to ADHD. Plus, because they haven’t any protective skin, they absorb the harmful chemicals rapidly and don’t wash off.

Grapes: It’s important to buy organic grapes but also if you’re a wine-drinker, look for organic wines. Grapes have thin skin and are sprayed various times during the growing process.

Meat: Beef, pork and chicken store harmful chemicals and hormones in their fatty parts, so try to buy organic meat. If it’s too cost-prohibitive, stay away from the fatty cuts and don’t buy chicken thighs.

Peaches and Nectarines: Peaches and nectarines are another big pest target, so peach crops are heavily sprayed and their delicate skin absorbs the chemicals easily.

Potatoes: Spuds are also among the most contaminated veggies. If you can’t find organic, opt for Sweet Potatoes instead.

Spinach: A major bug target, spinach is among the most heavily sprayed leafy greens.