How to wash organic produce Photo: Jeff Padrick  You’re eating
more fruits and vegetables because they’re good for you. And
you’re buying organic because that’s good for your body and the
environment, right? Yes, as long as you wash your produce
correctly before you eat it.  Although buying organic does
reduce exposure to the harmful chemicals and pesticides found in
conventionally farmed produce, the label does not guarantee
contaminant-free fruits and vegetables. According to a 2002
study, organically grown food contains up to one-third as much
pesticide residue as conventionally grown food (Food Additives
and Contaminants, 2002, vol. 19, no. 5), due to drift from
conventional farms, as well as contaminated soil.  Luckily,
washing produce can help eliminate most pesticide residue. Here
are related tips from Ann Arbor, Michigan-based nutritionist
Nelda Mercer, RD.  Choose organic whenever possible. Although
organic produce can have pesticide residue, it still has far
less than conventional fruits and vegetab