We often get asked this question quite frequently. Many people want to eat organically, but are unsure where to begin, and do not want to spend money unnecessarily, especially during these tough economic times.

Here’s a list of items that you should splurge on if possible; and others that are still generally okay to purchase conventional.

Foods you should always try to buy organic are:

Ø  Apples

Ø  Strawberries

Ø  Peaches

Ø  Sweet Bell Peppers

Ø  Celery

Ø  Nectarines

Ø  Lettuce

Ø  Spinach

Ø  Cherries

Ø  Grapes

Ø  Pears

Ø  Potatoes

Conventional okay:

Ø  Avocado

Ø  Pineapple

Ø  Onions

Ø  Mango

Ø  Asparagus

Ø  Broccoli

Ø  Bananas

Ø  Cabbage

Ø  Kiwi

Spring has sprung! So, take advantage of local farmer’s markets, which usually start up in mid-May and run to the end of October all around the GTA. Locally grown produce is generally more nutritious than imported, as the fruit & veggies have not traveled thousands of miles before they get to you, they are not sitting on store shelves to ripen un-naturally.

Remember, though, that “Organic” certification is often expensive for companies to obtain. Many local farmers do not use chemicals on their products and are actually organic, but do not have the official certification; feel free to ask them if you don’t know.

So, grab your cloth shopping bags, head to the local farmer’s market, and enjoy the sunshine!