Organic foods have become one of the most popular topics around the globe. People are becoming more concerned each day with the amount of pesticides that are being used to grow certain items of produce. Genetically modified foods are also a growing concern. Many of these are viable issues, but some make less sense than others.

There are some simple tips to figuring out what foods to buy organic, and which ones are not cost savvy. Here are a few guidelines to follow when making your final decision at the grocery store.

Fruit

The first thing you see when you walk into a grocery store is usually a plethora of fruits and vegetables all grouped into one giant space. This is the fist situation to avoid. Look for organic produce that is separated from the traditional. The reason this is so important is because the sprayers that keep the fruits and veggies cool and moist can actually wash pesticides off of the traditional produce onto the outside of the organic produce. If there is not a separation, ask your store manager if they would mind separating it in the future.

Oranges, bananas, cantaloupe and watermelon all have one thing in common – thick outer layers. Ok, so maybe they have more than that in common, but the thick rind is what I was talking about. With thin outer layers, the actual edible fruit is exposed to pesticides, so it is more important to buy fruits like grapes, apples, berries and kiwi organic. Take a look at the outer layers and make a decision, just remember, the thicker the skin, the less important it is to buy organic.