Sprouts farmers market

[judy]

According to a 2009 article, their list is:

1. Peaches - pesticide load: 100
2. Apples - pesticide load: 96
3. Bell Peppers - pesticide load: 86
4. Celery - pesticide load: 85
5. Nectarines - pesticide load: 84
6. Strawberries - pesticide load: 83
7. Cherries - pesticide load: 75
8. Lettuce - pesticide load: 69
9. Grapes (imported) - pesticide load: 68
10. Pears - pesticide load: 65

So, if I put the 2 groups together, I come up with peaches, apples, grapes, pears, nectarines and spinach. I don't use the other products. There are controversies about the validity of the studies cited, of course. Personally, I don't think the cost of buying these few items organic is worth looking into the research.

Basically, it's the fruit section and spinach. That is quite livable. We have a lot of local fruit stands up here. We also have organic sections in our supermarkets and then, of course, some scattered health food shops. I would prefer to buy from local fruit stands. I'm going to ask around to see who sells organic.

I do not like health food stores though. I see products there that I know are not particularly healthy, like granola bars, etc. I also feel that people get roped in and become easily obsessed with unimportant, and very expensive, things.

[gja1000]

Judy, I think buying local is the key - but also ask about pesticides - whether or not they were used. We have farmers markets in the Austin area and a grower cannot have a booth, if they do not grow organic - so there is no question.

I bought some fruit and vegetables from someone who came up from South Texas - he was honest, I think, because some things were organic, some were not.

[judy]

Originally Posted by gja1000

Judy, I think buying local is the key - but also ask about pesticides - whether or not they were used. We have farmers markets in the Austin area and a grower cannot have a booth, if they do not grow organic - so there is no question.

I bought some fruit and vegetables from someone who came up from South Texas - he was honest, I think, because some things were organic, some were not.

I will ask around about organic locals. If not, the supermarket has organic fruit.