Unfortunately, our produce has gone from being organic produce to pesticide laden, genetically modified fruits and vegetables. Over the years this type of farming has been linked to many different ailments, including birth defects, chronic headaches and cancer. Therefore, the organic movement was re-born and what used to be an alienable right has become a luxury. Oddly enough, most people are paying more money for what was once the norm. Shopping for organic produce can be a confusing experience, but knowing the truth will help you get a better understanding of not only what you're buying, but what you're consuming as well.
Organic Standards
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has created strict standards for organic farming. No chemical pesticides, artificial fertilizers, genetic modification or irradiation (use of radiation to kill bacteria) can be used. In addition, many states like California, Washington and Hawaii have implemented their own associations to monitor organic farming as the USDA, although well intentioned, does not possess enough field workers to do so. Look for labels such as USDA Organic, CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) or NOP (National Organic Program). Although these organizations, and more, are excellent resources, knowing what produce is most at risk will help you choose what to purchase.
The Dirty Dozen
Permeable skin, wet pulpy insides and difficult growing environments contribute to certain fruits and vegetables being inundated with pesticides. This list is a good gauge of what should be at the top of your organic shopping list.
- peaches
- apples
- sweet bell peppers
- celery
- nectarines
- strawberries
- cherries
- kale
- lettuce
- grapes
- carrots
- pears
The Clean Fifteen
This is the list of the thick skinned fruits and vegetables that are likely to be safe from pesticide residue. Save your money for the dirty dozen instead.
- asparagus
- avocados
- bananas
- blueberries
- broccoli
- cabbage
- garlic
- mangoes
- onions
- papaya
- pineapple
- shelling peas
- watermelon
- kiwi
- sweet corn
The Word Organic
The use of the word organic is, as mentioned above, associated with strict standards. Unfortunately, some are not as strict as expected. For instance, to label a farm as organic it must have chemical free soil for a number of years before planting. However, after planting, certain synthetic pesticides are allowable in small amounts and they can still label their product made with organic ingredient's if 70 percent organic farming is used. They may not, however, use the USDA seal. If farming adheres to 95 percent or more of the standards, including environmentally sound transportation and growing fields separated from non-organic farming, they can label their products organic.
Unfortunately, due to the great success of organic products, big business has stepped in--employing lobbyists to relax the language turning the label "organic" into "legally organic" or "natural." This enables corporations to leapfrog over the strict and expensive certification requirements. Other manipulating techniques such as buying up large acreage to procure future low standard organic farms and push out the small local farmer are being implemented as well. It is best to buy local and small to gain the highest quality organic produce. This also contributes to environmental health as the produce does not use large amounts of fossil fuels to be transported. Try localharvest.org which can help find organic and locally grown produce near you.
