Organic FAQs

Organic FAQs

Test yourself, see how much you know.

Are organic foods healthier? There is some evidence that suggests organic foods have more nutrients, specifically antioxidants.

Do organic foods taste better? Try them and let us know what you think.

Are organic foods pesticide-free? They are not pesticide-free; they may use biological pesticides, which are natural and friendlier to the environment. As for amount of pesticide, organic foods do contain less pesticides than conventionally-produced foods. Is organic food safer? Both organically and conventionally produced foods must meet the safety standards established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but organically grown foods are safer for farm workers.

Are organic foods better for the environment? Yes. Organic farmers use environmentally friendly pesticides and fertilizers.

Are organic foods more expensive? They can be, but prices are coming down - especially now that they are becoming more available.

You do not need to go totally organic. However, there are some foods that when tested had pretty high levels of pesticides.

Consider choosing organic when you buy the following foods.
Apples
Bell peppers
Celery Cherries
Grapes
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries


These foods tested pretty low for pesticides.

Asparagus
Avocados
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn (sweet)
Kiwi
Mangos
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Peas (sweet)

Clean produce is healthy produce Make sure to wash all produce – organic or not.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers the following helpful tips:

Use running water instead of soaking to remove much (not all!) of the pesticide residue and dirt found on produce. Soaking is not as effective.

Peel the outer layer of some fruits and vegetables, such as the outer leaves of lettuce. But make sure to not peel all fruit and veggies as the skin contains the healthy stuff – fiber and lots of nutrients.

Choose a variety of foods to avoid exposure to a single pesticide – and as a bonus, you increase the blend of nutrients in your diet.