Choosing wisely at the Grocery store

Now that Spring has definitely sprung I am drawn more than usual to fruits and vegetables. When I go to the Grocery store there's a huge choice, organic or conventional? Sometimes I cannot afford to buy all organic, but I want to be as informed as possible about making conventional fruit and vegetable choices for my family.

Below are two lists of some of the least contaminated conventional choices you can make and some of the most contaminated conventional choices. The best approach is to eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic and local when possible. Coming up in May in the Greater Victoria area, local farmers markets will be opening, so please buy local when you can. Check local publications like the Goldstream Gazette for locations and exact dates and times of openings.

Least contaminated conventional fruits and vegetables:

onion

avacado

sweet frozen corn

pineapple

mango

frozen sweet peas

asparagus

kiwi

cabbage

eggplant

domestic cantaloupe

watermelon

grapefruit

sweet potato

honeydew melon

Most contaminated conventional fruits and vegetables:

peaches

strawberries

apples

blueberries

nectarines

cherries

imported grapes

celery

sweet bell peppers

spinach

kale

collard greens

potatoes

I hope this helps you make informed choices the next time you go grocery shopping.

Cristal :)