When to buy organic

By: Christine Litavsky, B.A.

There are pros and cons to most everything, including organic food.  If I had more time and an unlimited food budget, I’d probably throw in the towel and simply purchase everything organic.  Since I don’t have either one, I’m picking and choosing my organic options. 

 

PICKING AND CHOOSING ORGANIC FRUITS

 

When you buy apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears and imported grapes, you should buy organic every time

 

When purchasing fruit, an easy rule of thumb to remember is this:  thin skinned means you should buy organic.  The thinner the skin, the more pesticides they will absorb.  And, it’s important to remember that despite your grandmother’s advice, washing your fruit with soap and water does not always remove all the pesticides. 

 

The irony is many organic options -- particularly apples -- often don’t look spectacular.  They’re smaller, faded, and you cannot see your reflection in them.  We need to remember that’s how apples are supposed to look. 

 

Due to my budget constraints (and most of us have them) there are many fruits that I buy that are not organic.  The thicker the skin, the less pesticides and fertilizers are a problem.  This is because we usually peel off the skin and throw it away, and even if we don’t, fewer chemicals can leach into fruits protected by a thicker skin or rind.  I buy non-organic pineapples, bananas, watermelon, oranges, and kiwi. 

 

PICKING AND CHOOSING ORGANIC VEGETABLES

 

The fruit rule of thumb (thin skin, buy organic) is not as clear cut for vegetables.  There are a few that should always be purchased in organic form:  bell peppers, celery, lettuce, spinach, and potatoes.   I simply memorized this list, as well as the list of vegetables that are safe in non-organic form:  sweet corn, sweet peas, asparagus, cabbage (strange, with lettuce on the organic list), broccoli and eggplant.  So, to save money I don’t bother paying for organic broccoli, yet I insist on organic lettuce. 

 

ORGANIC DAIRY AND MEAT PRODUCTS

 

It’s important to splurge on organic dairy products such as milk, yogurt, eggs and cheese.  Organically raised cows and hens are fed organic diets free of pesticides and fertilizers.  They’re also raised without antibiotics or the rBGH growth hormones.  In addition, these animals are usually treated more humanly, that is, they’re allowed to do what cows and hens were meant to do – graze and peck while wandering in an open field.  The Organic Trade Association’s O’Mama Report has a wonderful detailed page about the benefits of organic dairy products.  Visit www.theorganicreport.com for more information.

 

Organic meat (beef, pork, chicken) is another splurge that makes sense.  Everything an animal ingests becomes part of it.  That’s all I need to say.

 

Organic meat tends to be expensive.  If possible, consider buying organic meat in bulk along with a freezer chest.  Many web sites list organic farms by state, including www.eatwild.com.  Buying an organically raised half a pig or cow is a great way to eat well at a reasonable price.

 

 

PACKAGED AND HIGHLY PROCESSED FOODS

 

When buying packaged or processed foods, I generally opt for conventional choices over organic.  Here’s why:  these types of foods, including cereal, bread, chips, canned fruits and vegetables, are already packaged with preservatives. That’s why I choose to spend my organic budget on fresh foods in their natural state.  With organic lettuce, for example, what you see is what you get.  It’s real, it’s fresh, and it will spoil quickly if not consumed.  That’s just not the case with organic potato chips.   They may be made from organically grown potatoes, but they’ll never spoil, just like their non-organic counterparts.

 

FINDING ORGANIC FOODS

 

It’s getting easier and easier to find organic foods.  Years ago, I had to order boxes of produce straight from a farm.  I had no choice as to the variety or the amount.  Despite my best efforts, much of the produce spoiled.  Now, most major grocery stores have organic offerings in every aisle.  Dominick’s Food Stores even has their own “O Organics” label for their organic selections.  See www.dominicks.com for more information on this unique label.  Whole Foods and Trader Joes have also brought organic food into the mainstream. 

 

Costco and Sam’s Club have jumped into the organic market and offer many organic choices for a lower bulk price.  For those of us with food budgets, this is groundbreaking indeed.  You can assess their organic assortment at www.samsclub.com and www.costco.com.

 

BUYING ORGANIC WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

 

It can be done.  Focus on the above tips when purchasing fruits, vegetables and dairy and meat products.  Frequent stores that have invested in the organic option, and check out Costco and Sam’s Club to preview their organic offerings before you join (they’ll let you have a trial membership).

 

Remember, you can eat a healthy diet that’s not exclusively organic.  You just need to make the right choices.