Welcome back everyone! As promised, this week’s WHAT’S ON THE #MENU MONDAY will continue with the second installment of our FIVE PART SERIES on Organic Produce.
Last time we discussed the qualities of organically grown vegetables and fruits — and now we’re going to compile a list of those veggies that you should always buy organic.
Now, there are many lists out there with this information. And, none of those lists are exactly the same. So, I’ve created our own list from several sources, including: EatingWell.com, GourmetFood.com, Prevention.com, Organicfoodee.com, Goodhousekeeping.com and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) — a non-profit environmental research organization based in Washington, D.C.
Each of these sources has its own list of what often is referred to as, “the dirty dozen.” So, I combined these lists to determine which veggies appeared the most often on everyone’s list. Also, each of the above sources has listed their findings in order from the worst veggie containing the most pesticide residue, to the best veggie containing the least. But, once again, the lists do not always agree. And remember, these lists are subject to change each year based upon annual sample produce testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A compilation of the above sources, our list will be limited to the TOP TEN VEGGIES that you should ALWAYS BUY ORGANIC — in order of worst to best — so, here we go!
1) Sweet Bell Peppers
2) Celery
3) Spinach
4) Kale/Collard Greens
5) Lettuce
6) Cucumbers
7) Potatoes
8) Cherry Tomatoes
9) Green Beans
10) Hot Peppers
Now, notice that the produce on this list is, for the most part, thin-skinned and/or leafy. There’s just not much there to protect the edible parts of the produce from pesticides. So, this produce will collect and retain the greatest amount of harmful residue.
Also, these products may retain more pesticide residue — or obesogens — simply because they may have been sprayed more than other products. You see, some produce is more susceptible to bugs. In other words, if a veggie tastes particularly good to creepy crawlies, it’s going to get whacked with chemicals. End of story.
So, these are our TOP TEN VEGGIES that you should buy organic — whenever possible! And, next week I’ll have a list of our TOP TEN VEGGIES that you do not need to buy organic!
Thanks everyone! Until then, EAT WELL and BE WELL!
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
Image courtesy of Apolonia at Freedigitalphotos.net
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