As food prices continue to soar, consumers might find it tough to swallow premium prices for organic products. But you can save money if you're smart about buying organics.
Organic means the food is produced without pesticides, chemical fertilizers or antibiotics and generally emphasizes using renewable resources and conserving soil and water. Consumers frequently buy organic food for environmental reasons and because they consider it to be more healthful.
Organic produce typically costs 25 percent to 100 percent more than nonorganic. That premium price becomes more difficult to manage when all food prices are rising so fast. Prices for organic food have been increasing along with those of conventional foods. Here are do's and don'ts when trying to save money on organic food: Don't settle for "natural."
That term on packaging has a lot less meaning than "organic," a term highly regulated by the Department of Agriculture. When price is an issue, don't pay extra for something called "natural" or "all natural."
Do pay for some fruits and vegetables. It's worth paying more for organic versions of some fruits and vegetables that retain pesticide residue even after you wash them. Pay for organic versions of peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organic research group.
Full Story: http://www.newsday.com/business/yourmoney/ny-bzcov085717458jun08,0,6718179.story
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Organics & the Recession: Saving Money on Organic Food
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Saving money on organic food
By GREGORY KARP
The Allentown Morning Call (PA), via Newsday - Long Island, NY, June 8, 2008
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