Cannot Afford the
Advantages of Organic Food?

Onions

Pests naturally avoid onion plants and growers typically use less pesticide on this crop. Buy onions from a conventional source and get the same health advantages of organic food.

Avocado

The thick skin on an avocado protects the fruit from pesticide. One of the advantages of organic food is little or no pesticide contamination. Before cutting any conventional food, wash the outside thoroughly to avoid spreading residue to the food inside.

Corn

Sweet corn requires a lot of fertilizer but not much pesticide. Although corn is unlikely to have pesticide absorbed into the kernels, many commercial growers rely on GMO corn production. The advantages of organic food mean you can avoid genetically modified foods.

Pineapple

The tough pineapple skin protects this fruit from pesticide. Always wash or rinse fruit before cutting, a knife blade can transfer pesticide residue from the skin to the fruit.

Mango

A thick skin protects the mango flesh from pesticide. One of the advantages of organic food is little or no pesticide contamination. Before cutting conventional fruit, wash the outside thoroughly to avoid contamination of the food inside.

Asparagus

Little pesticide is needed on asparagus crops. This vegetable is seldom bothered by insect pests or disease. Fresh asparagus is most prevalent in the spring.

Green Peas

Sweet peas are easy to grow in home gardens and readily available in markets. This vegetable is among the least likely to carry pesticide residue.

Kiwi Fruit

The peel of the kiwi fruit provides a pesticide barrier. Wash before cutting to avoid transferring residue from the skin too the fruit.

Cabbage

Cabbage is one vegetable crop that requires little pesticide spraying.

Eggplant

The thick skin on the eggplant help to protect the fruit against the pesticide required to control the many pests and diseases that afflict this food crop. Carefully wash eggplant before storing or preparing.

Papaya

Papaya fruit blocks pesticide residue with its tough skin. Wash this fruit thoroughly before storing or preparing.

Watermelon

The watermelon rind is a natural defense against pests and pesticide. Look for a smooth thick rind without cuts, bruises, or soft spots. The light green or white inner rind holds a wealth of great nutrition, though many people avoid eating that part of the fruit.

Broccoli

Broccoli attracts few pests which naturally lowers the use of pesticide, and results in conventional crops providing the same nutritional advantages of organic food.

Tomatoes

2010 was a good year for conventionally grown tomatoes. Some years tomatoes do not make the less-pesticide list of foods. You might want to ask your market about pesticide use in your area. Or grow your own tomatoes at home.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a super superfood crop that is unlikely to be contaminated with pesticide. Sweet potato nutrition ranks as one of highest, delivering fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins C, B6, and A (beta carotene), along with protein, iron, and calcium.