Picking out organic vegetables via shutterstock
Okay, so they cost more. Significantly more. As much as I love cutting corners, there are some things I won’t skimp on. Is it possible to eat organic on a budget? And if we eat fruits and vegetables contaminated with pesticides, what is the real price we are paying?
Don’t skimp when it comes to harmful pesticides.
According to GMOInside, non-organic blueberries have: 52 pesticide residues, 24 suspected hormone disruptors, 8 known probable carcinogens, 7 developmental or reproductive toxins and 14 neurotoxins. Seriously?! And we wonder why people get cancer and more kids than ever are being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, asthma, etc. Is there a correlation? Who knows? But why take risks with our health or our childrens’ health?
Fruits and Vegetables You Should Always Buy Organic:
The “dirtiest” fruits and vegetables – the ones with the highest pesticide residues – are:
- apples
- strawberries
- grapes
- celery
- peaches
- spinach
- sweet bell peppers
- nectarines
- cucumbers
- cherry tomatoes
- potatoes
- hot peppers
- kale
- collard greens
- zucchini
- lettuce
- blueberries
Which Fruits and Vegetables are Safe to Buy Non-Organic:
If you are looking specifically to avoid pesticide residue, there are several conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables that have little to none. In general, you are going to be safe from pesticide residue by purchasing non-organic versions of the following:
- asparagus
- avacado
- cabbage
- cantaloupe
- carrots
- cauliflower
- eggplant
- grapefruit
- kiwi
- onion
- mango
- mushroom
- papaya
- pineapple
- sweet corn
- sweet peas
- sweet potato
- watermelon
Source: Salon
Another option: Grow Your Own
If you have a green thumb, why not grow your own? The pictures below are from my sister’s garden. Bargain Babe has some great gardening tips.
What About Fruit and Veggie Wash?
Produce washes claim to remove pesticides, wax, dirt, and other residues. While they are generally considered safe, the actual effectiveness of these washes is debated. But they do give some people peace of mind. Save money and make your own fruit and veggie spray. Mix: 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon baking soda.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
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