Organic: To buy or not to buy?

Introduction

Many factors may influence your decision to buy — or not buy — organic foods.

Click on the tabs to the left to read about nutrition, quality and appearance, pesticides, environmental issues, cost, and taste.

Nutrition

No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food. And the USDA — even though it certifies organic food — doesn't claim that these products are safer or more nutritious.

Quality, appearance

Organic foods meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods. The difference lies in how the food is produced, processed and handled. You may find that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster because they aren't treated with waxes or preservatives. Expect less-than-perfect appearances in some organic produce — odd shapes, varying colors and perhaps smaller sizes.

In most cases, however, organic foods look identical to their conventional counterparts. To know for sure that a product is organic, read package labels and look for the USDA organic seal.

Pesticides

Conventional growers may use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce. Some people buy organic food to limit their exposure to these residues.

Most experts agree, however, that the amount of pesticides found on fruits and vegetables poses a very small health risk, especially if you wash or peel your produce before eating it. And large-scale studies suggest that pesticide residues are unlikely to be an important risk factor for cancer to the general public. In addition, the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables — regardless of how they're grown — far outweigh any potential health risks.

Environmental issues

Some people buy organic food for environmental reasons. Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil.

Cost

Most organic food costs more than conventional food products. Higher prices are due to more-expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. Because organic farmers don't use herbicides or pesticides, many management tools that control weeds and pests are labor intensive. For example, organic growers may hand weed vegetables to control weeds, and you may end up paying more for these vegetables.

Taste

Some people say they can taste the difference between organic and non-organic food. Others say they find no difference. Taste is a subjective and personal consideration, so decide for yourself. But whether you buy organic or not, finding the freshest foods available may have the biggest impact on taste.