Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

Wouldn't it be great if all of our produce was organic and affordable? 

Unfortunately, that isn't the case, and while we recommend buying organic whenever possible, we understand that cost and availability are real factors to consider. Conventionally raised produce allows for the use of pesticides and herbicides during the growing process. 

Pesticides keep the produce "safe" during growth, keeping bugs and other critters away, but at what cost?  Ever notice certain fruits and vegetables that look perfectly bright, and shiny like the have been professionally staged and covered in wax for the photo shoot?  That's because they have been... These pesticides create a waxy like chemical coating to "protect" the fruits and vegetables, that we are ultimately consuming.  Buying organic eliminates the use of harmful pesticides and brings us our produce closer to its natural state.  If you MUST buy your produce conventionally raised here is a cheat sheet to help you navigate. 

Note* regardless of whether you buy conventional or organic produce you should ALWAYS wash!  Water is not enough, you can purchase fruit and vegetable washed or simply use equal parts water and vinegar and rinse thoroughly.