Picking Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Though I doubt you will ever find organic produce less expensive than non-organic, there are several ways you can reduce the amount you spend on fresh items you and your family enjoy. 

1. The biggest and easiest way to save is EAT WHAT IS IN SEASON.  There's a reason watermelon is cheaper in the summer and apples in the fall.  Each item has it's own growing season.  During the harvest time, the market is overwhelmed with a particular product so farmers and stores do whatever they can to sell as much as they can as quickly as possible.  
2. When a particular fruit or vegetable is in season, and at it's lowest price for the year, stock up.  Of course berries won't last in your refrigerator for months on end, so you will have to preserve these.   Wash, remove stems, pat dry, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Once frozen, transfer to zipper bags.  Use strawberries for smoothies, blue berries for pancakes and other baking.  Some vegetables are also easy to freeze, but may need to be blanched first.  Other vegetables can be cooked, drained, pureed then frozen.  Defrost as either "baby food" or as added nutrients to soups and more.  Click HERE for guidelines for freezing, canning and/or dehydrating fresh produce.
3. Be selective about the organic produce you buy.  Although it is admirable to purchase only organic produce, you may be comfortable using non-organic varieties of certain items.  Bananas, for example, are normally very low in pesticide residue.  Apples are very high.  Save money by purchasing non-organic bananas, yet spend the extra on organic apples.  For lists (and articles) on which fruits and vegetables are high (or low) in pesticides, click HERE OR HERE OR HERE.
4. If you determine you are comfortable with some non-organic varieties of fruits and vegetables, serve these more often. Save organic varieties for special treats or mix both varieties. (i.e. When you're making smoothies, use mostly pineapple and bananas. Throw in a few organic strawberries or blueberries for added flavor.)
5. Visit your local farmer's market.  Most towns have these from spring through fall.  As you shop, take the time to get to know the farmers.  You may find individuals who do not use genetically altered plants, artificial fertilizer or pesticides who choose NOT to apply for an organic label because of the expense.  You may be comfortable purchasing items from these men and women without an official "organic" stamp of approval.
6. Next spring, start a little garden.  Even if you didn't grow up on a farm and you don't have a couple acres of land, you can grow a few plants.  Although seeds are less expensive (Walmart carries organic seeds in the spring for around $2), you may want to start with seedlings.  Call ahead to verify organic plants are available.  You kids may even be willing to try some new things, just because they "grew" them.  For more ideas on organic and container gardening, click HERE OR HERE.