Fruits and Veggies Keep the Cost of Organic Produce in Check

The Houston Chronicle, Chris Rosenbloom
Published April 14, 2009

CLEAN 15 Onions Avocados Sweet corn Pineapples Mangoes Asparagus Sweet peas Kiwi Cabbage Eggplant Papaya Watermelon Broccoli Tomatoes Sweet potatoes DIRTY DOZEN Peaches Apples Bell peppers Celery Nectarines Strawberries Cherries Kale Lettuce Grapes (imported) Carrots Pears Source: Environmental Working Group If you're trying to save money at the grocery store but really want organic fruits and vegetables, be careful to choose organic produce that's worth the higher price. First, look for locally grown organic produce by visiting farmers markets. This will get easier once summer arrives. You can also check out the Environmental Working Group's new release of the "dirty dozen" and "clean 15." This group rates pesticide residues on fresh produce and claims you can lower your pesticide exposure by about 80 percent by avoiding the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and veggies. The "clean 15" are low in pesticide residue, so spending extra for organic is unnecessary. But do consider buying organic fruits and veggies listed on the "dirty dozen list."