Have you ever found yourself standing in the grocery store, eyes blank, mind spinning? There are already so many options to choose from, and now you have to decide if you want to spend the extra cash to go organic. Your thoughts may swing from, “I grew up eating food that was not organic, and I’m fine” to “what if I am hurting my family by trying to save a few bucks”. 

So what’s the deal? Should you be buying organic? Let’s start with defining what an organic food is. The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow their crops and take care of their livestock animals. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or enhance livestock e.g. antibiotics or artificial growth hormones. 

Because organic farmers are not taking shortcuts with chemicals, their crop growing and animal raising are more labor intensive which is reflected in the price of their goods. Before you decide to spring the extra dollars and cents for organic make sure you understand organic labeling. Food manufacturers are allowed to used the term "made with organic ingredients",even if only 70% of their ingredients are organic. 

Foods that don’t have ingredients (like fruits and vegetables) often don’t have labels, and organic versions can be a lot more expensive than their traditional counterparts. Fortunately the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has compiled a list of foods that are most heavily contaminated with pesticides, therefore worth buying organic. The list also includes those fruits and vegetables that are fine to purchase without having to spring for the organic. 

No matter what you decide, the organic status of produce should not deter you from eating all the colorful and healthful fruits and vegetables at your local store.