Health

Selective shopping

Buying organic only when it really counts will help you save money at the supermarket, and still do right by your family and the earth. Here’s your guide:

Save your money These conventionally grown foods were found to have the lowest pesticide residues among the 43 vegetables and fruits that we commonly eat:

• onions
• avocado
• sweet corn (frozen)
• pineapples
• mango
• asparagus
• sweet peas (frozen)
• kiwi
• bananas
• cabbage
• broccoli
• papaya

Worth the splurge These were found to have the highest pesticide residues — so opt for organic if you can. But if you can’t, don’t stop eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Even conventionally grown, they’re still among the healthiest foods your family can eat:

• peaches
• apples
• sweet bell peppers
• celery
• nectarines
• strawberries
• cherries
• lettuce
• grapes grown outside US
• pears
• spinach
• potatoes

Originally published in Today's Parent, July 2008