You like that organic fruits and veggies are grown without toxic synthetic pesticides (and that many experts consider them to be safer than conventionally grown produce), but you don't want to spend a ton of extra cash buying all of your groceries organic. According to a new study from the Organic Center for Education and Promotion, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, you don't have to.
"We found that certain fruits and veggies contain higher levels of pesticide residues than others," says Katherine DiMatteo, interim executive director of the Organic Center, "and those are the ones that you would want to buy organic." By selectively going organic with the nine items listed below (and thoroughly washing the produce you buy nonorganic), you can reduce your -- and your child's -- exposure to chemicals without spending too much money.
Fruit
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Nectarines
- Pears
Vegetables
- Celery
- Spinach
- Squash
- Sweet bell peppers
