Who has the best organic produce prices? (Houston, Richmond: buying, vs.)

[cocomezzy]

So I'm new to the area and buy most of my produce organic. Since moving here I've mostly been doing all of my shopping at Target since if I use my RedCard I get 5% off. My problem is that they have so few organic produce items that they often run out (like apples at $6/bag).

Who has the best organic produce prices in this area? I'm near Target, Whole Foods, Central market, and HEB.

Or would the farmer's markets have the best prices?

Things I get organic: apples, bananas, greens (spinach, romaine hearts, mixed greens, swiss chard, etc.), carrots, potatoes.

I'd like to get organic dried beans and also rice but haven't found them yet.

[HoustonRonnie]

In my mind, they're all WAY over-priced vs. the benefits. However, if that's what you want, then go to the local farmers' markets. Prices are much lower than in most of the big boxes.

From Science News:

The Bottom Line
While organic food can cost up to two or three times that of regular foods, it may not be any better for you.

“From a nutrition standpoint, there isn’t enough research to show that organic foods are more nutritious than regular foods. The levels of pesticides currently used haven’t been found to be harmful,” she says. “Of course, there may be other benefits to buying organic, such as it being more environmentally friendly and, in some cases, fresher.”

It really comes down to personal preference and budget. Whatever you do, don’t let your choice inhibit your ability to get the nutrients you need. The most important thing to consider is the health benefit of consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables every day—whether or not they’re organic. That’s the biggest payoff.

Ronnie

[EasilyAmused]

The problem today is many of the grains and veggies we eat are so genetically removed from even those grown 50 years ago.. The effects of the mass production and genetically mutated food we consume,good or bad will be determined many years from now. But I seriously think some of the mass produced veggies in the store taste funky in comparison with the heirloom things I attempt to grow in my garden. The drought really brought my little suburban garden and large rural plot to it's knees this year, and I was forced to buy grocery store produce for the first time in a decade. It was bland and tasteless..Never again.

PS. does America even grow produce anymore? It's all is stamped Mexico.

[westres1]

Your best bet is a farmers market. They have one on Sat mornings near Buffalo Spdwy off Richmond and one near Rice on weekends and Wednesdays.

[TimBomb]

umm what if you need to sue the source. you want it settled with leaves?

[vegankris]

I have no idea where you got the quote about organic food, HoustonRonnie, but I would completely disagree. There are too many negatives to list about the industrial monoculture we call conventionally farmed produce. To say that organic is not worth its cost is ludicrous. Honestly, I'd pay 10x as much for organic if it came to it. If you really want good, organic, local produce, join a CSA.

Community Supported Agriculture - LocalHarvest

CSA's are fantastic! You pay for your produce for ahead of time, then get a share every week. It forces you to be creative though, because you really never know what will show up in your share that week. The best thing about a CSA, in my opinion, is that it brings you closer to your food source and you are supporting a local farmer who is working hard to develop the soil (therefore giving you more nutrients in your produce) through organic practices. All around an awesome option for organic produce!