Between organic choices, seasonal produce, and picking the perfect avocado, grocery shopping gets overwhelming fast.
Over time, I’ve found simple ways to make it easier and healthier. Whether you’re trying to cut down on toxins or just want produce that tastes good, this guide is for you.
I’m sharing what I always buy organic, what I skip, how I shop seasonally, and the tricks I use to pick perfectly ripe fruit, because yes, there is a way to know if a watermelon is good.
If you want to shop smarter and stress less, this will help.
1. What I Always Buy Organic (And Why)
Not all fruits and vegetables are created equal when it comes to pesticides.
Studies show that some absorb way more due to thin or porous skin, while others naturally hold up better. But I get it, organic can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. So I prioritize based on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list.
Always Buy Organic:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce)
- Berries (especially strawberries and blueberries)
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Apples & pears
- Bell peppers
These are worth the organic splurge, especially if you’re eating them regularly.
Okay to Skip Buying Organic:
Some produce, like those on the Clean Fifteen list, has thick skins or low pesticide levels, so I don’t stress about buying these organic:
- Avocados
- Cauliflower
- Bananas
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Sweet potatoes
Tasha’s Tip: I still give everything a good rinse or soak produce in a vinegar + water bath to help remove surface residues.
2. Seasonal Shopping = Better Taste + Nutrition
I try to buy in season whenever I can. It tastes better and is usually more affordable. It also supports your digestion (warmer foods in fall/winter, lighter ones in spring/summer).
Summer Favorites to Look For:
- Watermelon
- Berries
- Peaches
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Corn
Tasha’s Tip: When you shop seasonally, you’re more likely to get ripe produce that hasn’t been sitting in cold storage for months.
3. How to Pick the Perfect…
These are my go-to tricks to make sure the perfect produce is always picked:
🍉 Watermelon
- Look for a yellow “field spot” (a creamy patch where it rested on the ground)
- Knock on it. It should sound hollow
- Heavy = juicy
🍍 Pineapple
- Smell the base. It should smell sweet
- Tug one of the center leaves; if it comes out easily, it’s ripe
- Color should be golden, not green
🥑 Avocado
- Gently press the top near the stem. It should give a little
- Check under the stem cap. It should be green, not brown
Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. If you focus on a few key swaps, shop in season, and learn how to pick produce like a pro, you’ll feel more confident and save money while fueling your body the right way.
Want more wellness tips that fit into your real life? Explore our Nutrition collection for meals that are simple and nourishing.