FRUIT - ORGANIC OR CONVENTIONALLY GROWN?

Do you ever wonder if you should pay more for organic fruit or if the conventionally grown is just as safe? Here is a little advice to help you with that decision since we are often watching our budgets when we are shopping for foods.

The general rule that applies to fruits is this:

• Fruits with thick skins or rinds are okay to buy conventional since the thickness of the outer portion tends to make it harder for pesticides to get to the flesh (what you will eat) of the fruit. Examples would be melons, grapefruit, and pineapple.
• Fruits with thin skins should be purchased from the organic options because when they are grown conventionally, they have the most pesticide residue on their skins or even penetrated to the flesh. Examples would be apples, grapes, nectarines, peaches, strawberries and other berries.

Tips: 

• Always scrub produce thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and bacteria.
• Leave peels on fruits when possible, to help retain fiber and nutrients.