The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and in many towns across North America, the apples are almost ready to pick.

We eat a ton of apples in our house; in fact we probably eat more apples than any other type of fruit. Because of the large number of apples we consume and because apples have a heavy pesticide load, I always buy the organic variety. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Produce, apples are the second most pesticide-laden type of produce out there (peaches claim first prize)!

Conventionally grown apples are treated with herbicides and pesticides. Some are natural; however most are altered versions of natural chemicals. In agriculture, farmers use pesticides and herbicides to protect crops from various insects, weeds, and diseases. The concern with conventionally grown produce is that human exposure to a wide range of pesticides is linked negative effects on the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems and increased incidence of certain types of cancers. As with exposure to many other synthetic chemicals, children (born and unborn) are particularly susceptible due to their developing systems; their limited ability to detoxify, or excrete the pesticides; and their lower body weight relative to adults.

Lots of people wonder if thoroughly washing conventionally grown apples removes all of the pesticide residue. The answer is that it does not. Some amount of residue remains on the skin of the apples, while some is absorbed into the apples through the skin.

So when you’re strolling through the produce aisle this fall, think about opting for organic apples, free of harmful pesticides and herbicides. Not only will you be protecting your families’ health, but you will also be indirectly protecting the environment, because organic growing methods don’t contaminate the soil or water supply with their growing methods.

Tips for stretching your produce dollars:

• Buy in season. Food that is purchased while it’s in season will always cost less than when it’s not readily available.

• Check out all the varieties of the item you’re buying and be flexible. In our local natural foods market, they stock about seven different types of organic apples, ranging in price from $1.65/lb to $3.49lb.

• Buy in bulk. If you know you’ll consume a substantial quantity of a specific type of produce, look for savings if you purchase larger quantities.

Do you ‘go organic’ when buying this fruit?

Does the cost of organic apples factor into your decision about whether or not to buy organic or conventionally grown apples?

Enjoy your apples, apples and cheese, apple crisp, and apple cider!