The Dirty Dozen: When to Buy Organic

Yahoo's main page had a link to an article about the "dirty dozen" - produce that you should always buy organic. The "dirty dozen" have consistently higher levels of pesticides than all other produce. I love to buy organic food for myself and my daughter but I always pay special attention to these 12 items: The Dirty Dozen includes: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. Although washing does reduce the level of pesticides found on produce, there is no level of exterior washing that can wash away all of the pesticides in the produce.

Have you ever heard of CSA?

I hadn't until recently, but I think it is awesome. I'm still trying to decide which one to join. But I'm getting ahead of myself! CSA is short for Community Supported Agriculture, a program where people who appreciate fresh, locally-grown produce can buy a share in a local farm and thus a "share" of the produce.

How it works:

Find a farm near you that participates in CSA.

Buy a share in the farm of your choice. Prices vary wildly, so there are CSA's for all budgets.

Receive delicious locally-grown in-season produce each week.

Eat healthier by supporting local agriculture and saving money at the same time. You just cut out the middleman - the grocery store!

Brilliant! Find a CSA near you at http://www.localharvest.org/csa/