Navigating the Organic Produce Aisle
Choosing organic can minimize your exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in traditional farming. Plus, researchers at the University of California at Davis found that, on average, organic produce contains more vitamin C, iron, and magnesium compared to traditionally grown foods. While the scientific research is still developing, the organic grocery aisle is expanding.
If you're beginning to shop organic, the Environmental Working Group suggests starting with the following 12 fruits and vegetables that are most commonly treated with high concentrations of pesticides.
To get your taste buds motivated, we've paired each food with a recipe to maximize its flavor.
 | Grapes (Imported) Black, blue, or red grapes work well in this recipe as long as they are fresh and firm. Although it's best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can make the bread early in the day, then wrap it in foil and warm in the oven before serving. Serve with dipping oils. |
 | Potatoes Use this recipe's basic cooking technique to discover what a treat carefully cooked potatoes are in their skins with butter and parsley. In addition to being a tried-and-true side dish, these potatoes are great for making potato salad because the potatoes have not absorbed much water. |
 | Collards and Kale Collards aren't just for the new year. This not-to-heavy side will pair well with grilled pork chops or chicken. Season sautéed collard greens in a pot with red onions and add a sweet-spicy note with brown sugar and crushed red pepper. |
 | Cherries Cherries and almonds have a natural affinity and the ease of this special dessert belies its gorgeous appearance. When choosing your fruit, look for brightly-colored, large, firm cherries that are still attached to the stem. ; |
 | Spinach Add an extra serving of greens to your diet with this unconventional spinach soufflé. Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor to this super veggie that contains nutrients to fight cancer, heart disease, and age-related memory loss. Check your local farmers market for the freshest spinach. |
 | Sweet Bell Peppers Sauteed sweet bell peppers and balsamic vinegar add a delicious sweetness to a chicken sandwich. Top with melted cheese, and you have a satisfying warm meal. Buy a variety of red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers at your local farmers market for a colorful addition to sandwiches, salads, and sides. |
 | Nectarines You'll be amazed at how tasty these simple snacks are. Peaches or plums also work well in place of the nectarines. You can assemble the bundles up to an hour in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve. |
 | Blueberry Crisp a la Mode This crisp is simple enough for a weeknight treat and elegant enough to serve your dinner guests. Spread the blueberry and sugar mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with streusel topping, and bake until bubbly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt for a little sweetness. See why bluberries are a superfood. |
 | Apples Tart, fresh apples work best in our Apple Galette recipe. Buy organic tart apples at the supermarket or visit a local orchard. You can find a listing of orchards by location at AllAboutApples.com. |
 | Strawberries Roast strawberries with vanilla, butter, and sugar to tenderize and sweeten them, then borrow a technique from the savory side of the kitchen by simmering the pan juices with wine and vinegar. The result is fragrant, fruity, rich, and light all at once. Watch our how-to video on preparing strawberries and learn what makes strawberries a superfood. Roast strawberries with vanilla, butter, and sugar to tenderize and sweeten them, then borrow a technique from the savory side of the kitchen by simmering the pan juices with wine and vinegar. The result is fragrant, fruity, rich, and light all at once. Watch our how-to video on preparing strawberries and learn what makes strawberries a superfood. |
 | Peaches Peaches rank No. 2 on the list of produce most susceptible to pesticides thanks to their soft skin. Regardless of organic or conventional, make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water and if desired, serve peeled. Try the fresh stone fruit in this intriguing savory-sweet appetizer. Watch how to make this recipe and how to slice peaches. |
 | Celery Celery is listed at the No. 1 produce item to buy organic. You'll need a bunch of celery that weighs about 1 3/4 pounds for this chilled salad recipe. Prepare the dates, cheese, and celery up to 4 hours ahead and assemble the salad just before serving, adding parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. |
(Source: Myrecipes.com)
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