Groceries are out of control expensive, this we all know... our family (which consists of just me and Kyle) spends an insane amount of money a month on groceries. Forget vacations, fancy cars and designer labels... we choose to eat healthy instead.
This brings me to the idea that we are probably not the only family who has a budget for groceries. After reading various articles, and doing my due diligence I have compiled a list of fruits and veggies that are known to contain more pesticides than others. And that should be purchased organic if at all possible. On the flip side I have also compiled a list of fruits and veggies that were found to contain lower traces of pesticides, and that if you must choose are safer to buy non-organic.
(While on the topic of organic, I thought it would be beneficial for everyone to know that just because something doesn't say organic, doesn't always mean that it wasn't grown in organic conditions. Sometimes smaller companies/ farmers and local suppliers (such as those you would find at a farmers market) can't or don't want to pay the fee for their products to be labeled as organic...so it doesn't hurt to ask the method to which the produce you are about to purchase was grown)
Here is the list of produce that tested with the highest level of pesticides
Apples*
Celery*
Cherries*
Bell Peppers*
Peaches*
Strawberries*
Nectarines*
Blueberries*
Potatoes*
Kale/Greens*
Grapes*
Spinach*
Lettuce
Cucumber
Green Beans
Pears
Rasberries
*labeled the dirty dozen by the FDA and USDA- these tested as containing the most contaminants and are recommended to be purchased as organic
Here is the list of produce that tested with the lowest level of pesticides
Eggplant*
Onions*
Pineapples*
Avocado*
Asparagus*
Mango*
Papaya*
Cantaloupe*
Honeydew*
Watermelon*
Kiwi*
Sweet Potatoes*
Peas*
Cabbage*
Bananas
Broccoli
Cauliflower
*labeled the clean 15- corn was also on this list but since it's not paleo I felt no need to include it
I have also attached a link to an article that is short and sweet... regarding why it's not only healthier and more nutritious to buy organic but it's also better for the environment. The pesticides and other contaminants used to grow produce creates a trickle effect on the environment- we really need to cast our vote that the current farming practices are just NOT ok with us- we can do this by buying organic.
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