The good and bad about organics

Orlando Sentinel, Lisa Roberts
Published February 21, 2006

A Consumer Reports survey recently found that organic produce can cost as much as double the price of traditionally grown products. Is it worth the extra money to keep clear of pesticides? Not always, the magazine concludes, pointing to an analysis of USDA data by the Environmental Working Group of Washington, D.C. Based on thousands of samples, the nonprofit research group came up with the "dirty dozen" -- vegetables and fruits that have high pesticide residuals, even after washing. They are apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach and strawberries. Lowest in residual pesticides are asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapples and sweet peas. To view the rest of this article, please visit www.orlandosentinel.com.