Of organic apples and peaches

Last night we had a great time with friends (or at least I did) and the discussion took us to organic apples and why we should avoid buying some non-organic fruits.

Here is a quick summary of what I found online. I’m sure a simple search will reveal even more sources.

According to Cindy Burke, the author of To Buy or Not to Buy Organic:

Every year, a representative sample of random non-organic apples from retail outlets across the country are washed, cored, and peeled, then tested for pesticide residues by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Their Pesticide Data Program (PDP) stores the results in a large database that is publicly reported. Year after year, apples are consistently in the USDA’s top-10 list of the most contaminated fruits. Even after being washed, cored, and peeled, an average conventionally grown apple contains detectable residue from 4 to 10 different pesticides known or suspected to cause nervous-system damage, cancer, and hormone interference.

There are lists of fruits you should buy organic because they are similar to apples in terms of retaining more pesticides even after being washed or peeled.

AlternativeCancer.me compiles the lis as follows:

  1. Peaches
  2. Apples
  3. Sweet Bell Peppers
  4. Celery
  5. Nectarines
  6. Strawberries
  7. Cherries
  8. Pears
  9. Grapes
  10. Potatoes
  11. Leafy Greens
  12. Carrots
  13. Tomatoes

Similarly Hubpages.com says you should buy the items in this list organic:

  1. Apples
  2. Cherries
  3. Grapes
  4. Nectarines
  5. Peaches
  6. Pears
  7. Raspberries
  8. Strawberries
  9. Bell Peppers
  10. Celery
  11. Potatoes
  12. Spinach

And Mamashealth.com has its own list sharing most items with the lists above.

For the pessimist, I’m sure a more thorough search in medical and nutrition sites will reveal more evidence that you better off these guys if they are not organic.

Sources:

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