Organic Produce: What Is And Isn't Worth The Price Tag

Is organic food worth its hefty price tag? There has been much debate over this, with not a lot of conclusion. Some say that it isn't since the taste is no different from conventional food items. Others feel that its positive impact on the environment and our health makes the cost of organic a small price to pay.

But when many of us are trying to pinch our pennies, it's hard to just opt for more expensive organic items just because we've been told they're better. So should you do organic or shouldn't you? The answer: yes and no. And that's especially true when it comes to produce.

The Environmental Working Group offers a comprehensive list that outlines the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and veggies, referred to as "the dirty dozen" (plus two more that were borderline this year), and the 15 produce options that have hardly been contaminated, called "the clean fifteen." When it comes to those on the dirty dozen, it's best to cough up the extra dough and get organic. But with the clean fifteen, it's up to you if you want to pay the price of organic or not.