mypapercrane

As I shared my evolution of food last week (whole food, organic, junk and everything in between), it was extremely interesting to read all of your journeys as well. We are definitely meandering this “feeding our family” journey together.
Many commented that they can not  afford to go organic in our meats, poultry and dairy, but try and search out the best choices for their family. We do a combination of locally grown beef and poultry, but I also dive into a lot of other ways to save money on meat too.  I stated that there are certain items I try and prioritize with buying organic, and many of you inquired about that.
As far as stock piling type items,  oddly enough, peanut butter and raisins are things that I lean towards in the organic world, but again, when I get free peanut butter with coupons, I jump at it.  Research shows that since peanuts and grapes are heavily sprayed, there are higher levels of residual pesticides so because there is not a huge price difference with these items, so I’ll buy them in bulk.
When making decisions on produce, many look to The Dirty Dozen Organic Foods list. This list changes annually, and varies slightly based on the sources you research, but they are basically the fruits and vegetables that retain the highest amount of pesticides in the growth of the produce.  Since most of us can’t afford to go completely organic, if you decide that you want to incorporate more organic produce in your diet, begin to focus on going organic with these 12, or at least soak in fruit wash and/or peel. (Again, I have not made the complete switch, but do go local, homegrown, garden fresh as much as possible.) The Clean Fifteen are those produce choices that I will save money on, and not look for sales on organic. They tend to be the ones with tougher skins.
The Dirty Dozen (worst in pesticides) The Clean Fifteen (best choices)

Peach – 96.7% of samples tested positive for pesticides Onion
Apple – 94.1% tested positive Avocado – less than 10% tested positive
Bell Pepper – 81.5% tested positive Frozen Sweet Corn
Celery – 94.1% tested positive Pineapple
Nectarines – 97.3% tested positive Mango
Strawberries Asparagus
Kale Kiwi
Cherries Frozen Sweet Peas
Lettuce Cabbage
Imported Grapes Eggplant
Carrot Papaya
Pear Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato/Grapefruit (tie)

Again, sources on this vary, but with over twenty sites that I looked at, most attribute the research of Environmental Working Group. (While I believe in the background of this annual study, I have not endorse this agency.)
With the weather beginning to warm up, I am getting excited about garden vegetables. Although I am always excited right now, I always loose my enthusiasm right around July 1st.  I need to figure out how to have a successful garden through out that hot season when bugs are attacking.
Where do you tend to buy your produce? I have a creative option I’ll share about next week. 🙂
Now I look forward to seeing all your Tasty Tuesday inspiration.

On a side note. My dear friend in real life, Carrie, is offering an amazing One Day Deal on her Grocery University – get your degree in couponing program. It’s basically a 139-minute crash course in couponing audio series, which includes a 40-page supplemental PDF and a “rock-bottom target price list.”

TastyTuesday200pix My Evolution to Real Foods, Organic, Junk & in between

Simple Rules for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods –  As always, please link directly to your recipe post and not your blog URL, so that everyone can find the recipe months from now.
Also, link back here so that everyone can join in the fun, it’s just common courtesy of blog carnivals. Please do not link up a recipe meme that you have started. While I love to support new bloggers, many are using this as a marketing arena for personal reasons, and that is not its intent.  Thanks for your understanding.