The short answer is that eating organic food is the single most important thing we can do for the health of our bodies and our planet. Organic food contains higher nutrients; And organic food just tastes better!
The long answer is the Dirty Dozen. According to the Environmental Working Group, the following list contains foods that absorb the most toxins present in many conventional farming methods.
The Dirty Dozen
• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (Imported)
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
12 Least Contaminated Foods
• Onions
• Avocado
• Sweet Corn (Frozen)
• Pineapples
• Mango
• Asparagus
• Sweet Peas (Frozen)
• Kiwi Fruit
• Bananas
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Papaya
Garlic may well be included on this list as it is sometimes used as a natural ingredient in some pesticides. Garlic is known to be effective against a wide range of disease-causing pathogens and insects at different stages in their life cycle (egg, larvae, adult)… And evil spirits.
Garlic’s place in organic gardening here in Vermont is in my opinion the greatest among equals. It creates balance at the dinner table and in companion planting (the complimentary planting of vegetables that benefits neighbor plants and is an important part of integrated pest management). And it fosters community as garlic lovers tend to stick together because of their evolved sense of taste and the sweetness of their breath.
Read more about the impact of organic food choices on you and your kids:
The Organic Food Directory
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
Hip Organic Mama