buying organic produce Organic produce features no chemicals or pesticide residue, making it a healthier alternative to conventionally grown produce. Not only does it not have the chemicals like pesticide, it often has a higher amount of vitamins and nutrients. However, buying organic can be a lot more expensive. Luckily, there are few important tips to save money that you should follow if you are planning on incorporating organic fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Environmental Working Group’s Lists

Every year, the environmental working group releases two lists, the clean 15 and the dirty dozen. The clean 15 is a list of the conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have the least amount of pesticide or other chemical residue. These are relatively safe to eat, even if you do not buy organic. Alternatively, the dirty dozen are the worst offenders. These are the twelve fruits and vegetables that you should always eat organic, as they will always feature some amount of unhealthy chemicals. If you focus on the dirty dozen, then you can be both healthy and frugal. For more description on the two lists, you can look at a video featuring Alexandra Zissu, expert and author, from Huffington Post.

Look Beyond the Supermarket

Many times, the locally grown, organic produce in the local large supermarket will cost much more than if you shop elsewhere. You can look for organic produce at health food stores, specialty stores, co-ops, farmer’s markets, and even community-supported agriculture programs. Although they will not always have better prices than the larger, conventional markets, often you can find a better deal if you shop around and compare prices. Visiting the local farmer’s market on the weekend will also be an enjoyable experience, and you will be directly supporting the farming industry in your area. If you do visit a farmer’s market, just remember to bring a bag and some cash.

Buy Seasonally

For an even better organic produce buying experience, focus on the foods that are in season. They will be tastier and more delicious, plus they will be less expensive. Additionally, it will make it much easier to buy locally if you focus on the fruits and vegetables in season. If you buy out of season produce, then it is often imported from far away and has to be picked before it ripens and then sit in a truck or cargo ship for several days before landing at your table. Even if you buy organic, it will not feature the vitamins, minerals or taste as good as freshly ripened fruits and vegetables grown locally. It will be much easier to find seasonal produce as well. Buying organic, locally grown produce is the best, and healthiest, way to enjoy your fruits and vegetables. It can be expensive, but if you shop around, look to join a co-op, or shop at your local farmer’s market, you can often save money and get great-tasting produce. However, as long as you focus on buying organic versions of the dirty dozen, you will have a healthier diet with fewer chemicals and pesticides. Image Source: Flickr/Pamela Stocks