Fresh fruits and vegetables are vital for good health. However, the benefits of many fruits and vegetables are compromised by contamination with pesticides.

According to the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organisation based in Washington DC, apples are among the worst, with some apples containing as many as ten pesticides. The EWG's computer-assisted analyses of more than 110,000 government-tested food samples and detailed government data on children's food consumption found that multiple pesticides known or suspected to cause brain and nervous system damage, cancer or hormone interference were common in foods many children consume.

The best solution is to buy organic. Organic food is the fastest growing segment of US agriculture. Although organic farming has been in existence since agriculture began, over the years it gave way to "conventional methods" which use synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Today, there is renewed interest in organic farming due to high energy prices, increased fertiliser costs, and concerns about health and the environment.

Organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge, genetic modification and radiation. Believe it or not, most of these things have been done to your food before it reaches your table, unless you buy organic.

Bermudian farmer Gabre, has been growing organic for over twenty years. Gabre says he grows organic because it's more healthy for you. "You don't have to worry about all those pesticides giving you health problems in the long run," he says. Gabre adds he obtains good yields and only occasionally uses pepper or garlic spray if the bugs become a problem.

"Just like a child, you give your plants tender loving care and they will give you good results," says Gabre. You can find Gabre's corn, carrots, bok choy, Asian greens, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes at Miles Market and Harrington Hundreds - when in season.

Produce Manager of Miles Market Lamont Robinson says sales of organic produce has most definitely gone up.

"We couldn't stop selling it now because people come looking for it," says Mr. Robinson. Miles stock organic scallions, potatoes, leaf lettuce cauliflower, tomatoes, leeks, zucchini, onions, cabbage and mushrooms and when in season, spinach, radishes, celery and eggplant. They also have seasonally available fruits including peaches plums, apples, strawberries, bananas, pineapples, pears, grapefruit and oranges. Mr. Robinson noted that if customers were interested in something they did not see on the shelves they could call Miles.

Marketplace Operations manager Jerry Koehler says that they put in a full line of organic about five months ago - concentrating on their Hamilton and Heron Bay stores where it seemed to sell better.

Manager of Harrington Hundreds, John Aguiar says that although organic produce tends to be more expensive and some times doesn't look as pretty as conventionally grown produce sales have increased overall.

Carlos Velosa, produce manager of the Supermart says he also finds a lot more people asking for organic produce. He adds that they are looking into expanding their organic section. Mr. Velosa says he tries to order a variety of the more affordable organic produce.

Some fruits and vegetables should definitely be avoided if not organic according to the EWG. The top twelve foods containing the most pesticides are strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, peaches, cantaloupe(Mexican), celery, apples, apricots, green beans, grapes(Chilean)and cucumbers.

The EWG recommended US Cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, carrots, broccoli, brussel sprouts, tomatoes and romaine lettuce as less risky alternatives. However, organic produce is your best bet for alleviating the health risks associated with the toxic chemical residues of commercially grown produce.