04/30/2026
When Organic Produce is Not Available, don't panic, it is a bit better for you, however, it is not a cure-all and not everything that claims to be organically grown is truly organic. Organic produce might not be available in your area, or the selection maybe be limited or expensive. When nonorganic options are all you have, here are a few tips to help you:
1. Look for thicker peels. Generally, the thicker the peel or rind, the safer the fruit. For example, bananas have a thick peel; therefore, less likely that pesticides are absorbed deeply enough to reach the fruit inside. Oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, pineapples, watermelons and figs also have thick peels.
2. Watch thin peels. The following have been known to carry higher levels of pesticide residue: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, since it is harder to peel this produce, it is recommended organic.
3. Be careful if there is no peel, such as lettuce and broccoli. You can still enjoy your salad/veggies, but peel off the outer layer or lettuce leaves if you do not purchase organic. Broccoli can contain higher levels of pesticides, so if you eat a lot of broccolis, purchase an organically grown variety or wash it well.
4. Please wash your produce. You can wash the wax off the produce with a natural biodegradable cleanser or cutting the peel off.
5. Eat Lean-free Range Meats. Limit your intake of meat and dairy products that have been chemically exposed. Because an animal's body will store pesticides and other chemicals in its fatty tissue, the riskiest foods are fatty cuts of meat. Switch to a leaner cut of meat and eat free-range or organic meats from cattle grazed on lands that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Free-range/organic chicken and turkey are also, for the most part, pesticide- and hormone-free.
