When to Buy Organic vs Conventional Produce

With all the rage of pesticide residues…

Buying fresh produce can be a bit overwhelming with so many choices and concerns about pesticide residues. All produce has a growing season that’s in the sweet spot. Not only can you get some produce significantly cheaper when it’s in season, but they are usually much higher quality and tastier.  I typically like to buy organic produce when it’s available, but it can be more expensive and it’s not always an option for certain items. Learn how to select the freshest, most flavorful produce, understand the benefits of organic vs. conventional options, and stay in tune with seasonal offerings. Elevate your grocery shopping game with this handy guide.

A lot of the produce we consume is filled with pesticides. The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen list can help you make informed decisions about which fruits and vegetables to prioritize when it comes to buying organic produce. This list explains the produce that is the most contaminated with pesticides (you should always buy organic to avoid toxins) as well as the produce that is okay to buy conventional because it is low in pesticide residue. This list will change from time to time, so in order to stay on top of it, I refer to the Environmental Working Guide’s website, commonly known as EWG, to get the latest news.

Another way to cut down on pesticides in your produce is by making sure to thoroughly clean them before eating. This is important whether you are buying organic or not. Of course, I like to stick to organic no matter what, but this guide is always helpful if organic isn’t available or if it’s a crazy price difference compared to conventional.