12 foods that are worth the organic splurge

I love organic, but basically a family of four can't afford it. I know it's worth it but between child care and college savings, we don't always have the extra money. I can buy 12 non-organic apples, versus 2 organic. But, we will try to splurge when possible.

Health-wise organic and non-organic foods are really indistinguishible. And we should be asking whether the $25 billion spent annually on organic foods are really "organic"... or more than half is additional profits less a few thousands in "proper" labels.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced four types of organic labels:

100 percent organic: Only organically produced ingredients are in the product.
Organic: Contains 95 to 99 percent organically produced ingredients. Food may contain spices or flavorings that are non-organic.
Made with organic ingredients: At least 70 percent organic ingredients.
Some organic ingredients: Below 70 percent.

yes, as another reader pointed out, it's quite shameful you don't credit your source. you are trying to get an important message out, don't make it look like it's your work. journalism 101.

That is very interesting and will be reported to the state as soon as I am done typing this. I would bring suit to anyone out there doing this, and intend to.

As a long time Over the Road Truck Driver I have hauled produce for many years. I have witnessed on many occasions when the shipper runs short of "organic" for his order he will almost always grab the normal stuff and change labels or containers to say it is organic. With most of the so called organic stuff coming from Mexico I would not trust a bit of it to be truly organic.

if more people buy organic, demand may go up, more farmers would produce organic, eventually...price goes down. buy organic!

ORGANIC???? Does that mean if the farmer next to the "Organic" crop sprays his field and the wind blows it over to the "organic" field- is it still "ORGANIC"??? Who monitors the soil??? How is this regulated??

Organics are B.S. Does this challenge your cult/religion? See Penn&Teller: B.S. Season 7 episode 6, where they repudiate the idea that Organic food has better nutrients, a smaller environmental impact, less harmful pesticides, and better taste than non-organic foods. Well resourced material, and very funny.

Also, search, "organics" at the Archives Link at Junkscience.com. Plus check the following...

.http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/12/mother-natures-pesticides/

.http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=20252

.http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm?headline=2643

.http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_2_56/ai_n13628978

organic means synthetic pesticide free, it doesn't mean free from all pesticides. There are 100's of registered pesticides for organic use which can make you sick! I have worked at organic operations, and know that pesticides are used on a regular basis (every 5 days) becuase they aren't as effective as synthetic pesticides. Organic certification only bennefits large Ag. companies and pervets the term organic. Don't let organics fool you on pesticides! Go to farmers markets, buy local, buy food that is pesticide free, that is better then just organic.

Organic is the way to go for all fruits and veggies!!!!

OK... Take celery for an example.
From 'Survival of the Sickest' by Dr. Sharon Moalem:
"Celery defends itself by producing psoralen, a toxin that can damage DNA and tissue and also causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight in humans."
"Garden-variety celery doesn't pose a problem to most people, unless you visit the tanning salon after a bowl of celery soup. Psoralen generally poses more of a problem for those who handle large amounts of celery over a long period of time - many celery pickers have developed skin problems, for example."
"Now, the thing about celery is that it's especially good at kicking psoralen production into high gear when it feels under attack. Bruised stalks of celery can have 100 times the amount of psoralen of untouched stalks. Farmers who use pesticides, while creating a whole host of other problems, are essentially protecting plants from attack. Organic farmers don't use synthetic pesticides. So that means organic farmers are leaving their growing stalks vulnerable to attack by insects and fungi - and when those stalks are inevitably munched on, they respond by producing massive amounts of psoralen. By keeping poison off the plant, the organic farmer is all but guaranteeing a biological process that will end with lots of poison in the plant."

So... be careful what you wish for.....................

I am starting to buy more Organic foods. I bought organic bananas from Trader Joe's, they had a wonderful sweet taste, unlike my regular bananas. I also happy my daughter will be buying more organic foods for herself and her son.

I've gone through only 30 comments thus so far, and am flabbergasted at the idiocy here already with the general public of Americans.

GMO's are food/seeds modified through DNA structure.
Research MONSATO: a chemical company that controls 90% of America's food supply.
They also make pesticides, poisons, and other chemicals.
Basically they are vaccinating the food, before it grows.

Also, Organic is free of chemical pesticides and unnatural fertilizers. In order for a farmer to raise Organic produce, his land must be free of chemicals and vegetation for 3 years before he can grow food.

And yes, there are laws and certifications within the industry that farmers must abide by in order to package/sell anything with the word "organic" on it.

Organic in relation to meats: animals feed must be of organic diet.
Also it is best to use Grass-fed animal products, as it is their natural diet. (most cattle and poultry are fed corn-based diets)

Also all the corn grown in the midwest-Iowa areas, is non-edible, and is used to make into over 200
substances. #1 animal feed (includes household pet foods; dog/cat foods) #2 Corn syrups (sodas, candies, and anything else processed) and the list goes on.

The #1 cause for obesity are corn based products!!!
The #1 cause for some cancers are chemically treated foods, GMO's, and processed foods.

Pesticides and chemical fertilizers seep into the flesh, they're not just laying on the skin surface (waiting to be washed off), of all lively products. (what do you think bugs just lick the outside skin area, licking up poison...NO!duh!)

We are what we consume. If you want to eat clean food, grow your own.

Do your research. There are a lot of video documentaries that are worth watching, if you care for your livelihood and of those you cherish, it is wise to become educated.

You are blind if you don't see food can be used as a weapon!!!!

Lauren. That would be the USDA as was stated

that jungle joe knows what he is writing about,,your ok jungle joe,,

I have been unable to find credible studies supporting organic agriculture's claims of superiority in nutritional value, health effects, sustainability, and impact on farm workers. The science supporting anthropogenic climate change is very strong and compelling, which is a reason to take it seriously. Can somebody help me find comparable good studies supporting the claimed benefits for organic foods? I'm not contending organic foods aren't beneficial - I just can't find any good scientific evidence that they are.

Hey stormtrooper..How many more times does and organic farmer have to go over their fields to get rid of weeds? They use more fuel and oil to do this.
Why would I hurt the environment where my children and I live that also provides me with a living? It would be good for you to hear how my neighbors and I take care of our land and water resources.

Everybody just needs to buy a couple of acres and grow their own, or just take a gun and blow your damn brains out! We'er all going to die anyway, organic may prolong life a couple of years or help you to avoid cancer and make the last 4 years of life a better quality. At any rate, if you live to an old age, you will be a burden to somebody, because you will get to where you cannot do things for yourself. You will be in a nursing home that smells of urine or you will be a burden to your children who are having to change your old nasty diapers....your choice.

Organic is the way to go for all fruits and veggies!!!!