Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the top five fruits that you should always buy organic. Unfortunately, conventionally grown strawberries are very high in pesticide residues, which is why they’re on this list! On average, 6 to 17 different pesticides are detected on strawberries tested by the USDA. Organic strawberries do not contain these harmful chemicals; however, there may be slight variations in their taste due to the lack of chemicals. The good news is that even if you don’t like organic strawberries, you’re consuming fewer pesticides when you buy them!
Apples
Apples are also one of the top fruits that you should always buy organic. Conventional apples have very high concentrations of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. They are often grown with chemical-heavy fertilizers as well. Most non-organic apples also have a wax coating, which helps to protect them from mold. Unfortunately, even if you try to remove this wax coating before eating your apple, the chemicals used in its production are still there. The “USDA Organic” seal can help identify organic apples on the box or bag they come in.
Peaches
Peaches are another fruit that you should always buy organic. Conventional peaches are very high in pesticides. One study, conducted in 1996, found that when kids consumed one conventional peach a day for five days in a row, they increased their pesticide intake by 60%. Organic peaches are grown without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. They also cannot be sprayed with herbicides and fungicides. So, for a healthier snack, buy organic peaches!
Grapes
Conventionally grown grapes are very high in pesticide residues, which is why they’re on this list! One study conducted by the USDA in 2011 showed that 75% of grapes tested had chemical residue on them. So when we consume grapes, we’re also ingesting those chemicals along with them. Organic grapes mean they are grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides. The “USDA Organic” seal is the only way to guarantee that you’re getting a true organic grape every time!
Peppers
Peppers are among the top foods that you should always buy organic. Conventional peppers have very high concentrations of pesticides and fungicides on them. In fact, one study found up to 14 different chemicals on the surface of a single pepper! In addition, peppers are particularly susceptible to fungal diseases, which means that the chemicals used to treat them can seep into other areas of the plant and affect it. Like apples, peppers also often have a wax coating on their skin. This makes it difficult when trying to remove any pesticides and fungicides. So although buying them organic means they won’t last as long in the fridge, it is still better for your health in the long run.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several foods that you should always buy organic. If you can’t afford to buy all organic produce, try and stick with the foods on this list. Buying food that has been grown organically will mean a healthier body and planet for us all! One great way to get organic food is to find local farms that grow their own produce. Most of these farms won’t be able to afford organic certification, but you can rest assured that the fruit and vegetables on sale there will be genuinely organic!
