Buying organic vs. saving $$

[mariec99]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

This list is the "dirty dozen" foods which absorb a lot of pesticides and for which buying organic yields the most benefit:
apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach and strawberries.
I got this list from the September 2006 issue of SHAPE magazine, but I have seen it in other places, too.

[TBH]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

That's great, Mariec99. Does anybody know about the opposite list, the list of foods that are relatively low in absorbed pesticides?

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

I have five children and would love to buy organic more often...but I just can't afford it! Maybe I'll try the experiment myself just to see.

[mariec99]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

Does anybody know about the opposite list, the list of foods that are relatively low in absorbed pesticides?

Well, in the same article they write that things with thick skins or husks that are removed before eating don't absorb as many pesticides. Examples include: avocados, bananas, corn, mangos and oranges.

They also note that small farmers who might sell produce at farmers' markets are good organic buys. A lot of these farms are too small to afford to get the official organic certification even though they grow with the same organic techniques.

"Organic" isn't just about pesticides though. Products with organic certification are not allowed to use trans fats -- that's a huge benefit.

[DivaJen]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

Katwoman just wrote a blog entry about finding Organic Valley organic powdered milk. Makes buying organic milk a wee bit cheaper!

[kashi]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

Just stumbled across this thread - thanks so much for the info on pesticides! Definitely good info to know, and I passed it on to my loved ones.

Fern, how's the organic challenge going?

[JanH]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

My father was an organic farmer before there were many of them. But over the years, I went for convenience. Now, with breast cysts, I was told to use organic milk and meats to get rid of the hormones. I've seen an improvement. I drink organic milk and use little red meat and have found some sources of hormone free meat. I eat as many organic things now as I can. Guess Dad was right all along. Another thing he can tell me I told you so over! lol

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

I know someone who is allergic to glutin. Apparently glutin is in alot of our foods. So, she is always reading the labels for anything free of it.

Wild Oats has some good variety, which I shop at often. But, I think it costs more to go organic.

[tinapbeana]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

one other thing to note about organic produce is that it's not waxed. the was on conventional produce keeps it more attractive and may help its shelf life, but washing produce does not remove that wax. yummy...

[syracusa]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

I don't know what to say...we have switched our 14 months old from formula to regular milk in the past two months and of course, we decided for organic.
It's just breaking the bank. He goes through a lot of milk and then leaves some in the bottle, then it goes bad - and we just keep buying tons of organic milk and this hasn't helped at all the grocery bill.

Any tips on how to save on organic milk?

[syracusa]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

Oh - one more thing. Is it also true that if you are to buy conventional meats, it is better to buy pork than beef?
I understood that beef is exposed to more antibiotic and pesticides - but maybe I am wrong...

[Squantum]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

Do you have a Trader Joe's near you? Their organic milk prices are the lowest I've seen. Any store-brand organic milk will be lower priced than brand-name organic milk. Not sure if you're already buying store brand?

[tinapbeana]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

someone has mentioned organic powdered milk on here before. i haven't tried it myself, but they seemed to have positive feedback.

[syracusa]

Re: Buying organic vs. saving $$

Do you have a Trader Joe's near you? Their organic milk prices are the lowest I've seen. Any store-brand organic milk will be lower priced than brand-name organic milk. Not sure if you're already buying store brand?

A Trader Joe's is just about to open close by. We checked it last evening and they are still working on the opening - but it will be soon.
So far the only organic milk I could buy was either some brand name at Kroger (Kroger does not have their own organic milk) or at Whole Foods. It is ouch.

But as soon as TJ opens, we will bust the doors.

[l_shedden@yahoo.com]

oai is not always on organic foods if the grower sells under $10,000.00 per annual

Hey I see alot of you are from syracuse area make a trip south to somegreat organic food sales in ithaca farmers market or penn yan near watkins glenn bring a car or van full you will love them both. i used to live at greek peak and i know them both veryyyyy well