ORGANIC FOODS: Where to put your money

Organic produce often costs 50 percent more than conventional produce and that can add up on your grocery bill. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, pored over the results of more than 100,000 USDA and FDA tests for pesticides on 46 popular produce items. The list below is ranked from most to least commonly contami-nated produce to help you decide which fruits and vegetables to buy or not buy organic.

Preferably Organic - Most Commonly Contaminated

Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Spinach
Nectarines
Celery
Pears
Cherries
Potatoes
Bell peppers
Raspberries
Grapes (imported)

If Budget Allows, Buy Organic

Carrots
Green beans
Hot peppers
Oranges
Apricots
Cucumber
Tomatoes
Collard greens
Grapes (domestic)
Turnip greens
Honeydew melon
Lettuce
Kale
Mushrooms
Cantaloupe
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruit
Winter squash
Blueberries
Watermelon
Plums
Tangerines
Cabbage

It's Your Call - least Commonly Contaminated

Papaya
Peas
Kiwi
Mango
Bananas
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Pineapple
Onions
Avocado
Corn
Asparagus

SOURCE: ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP NEWS ORGANIZATION