Are organic strawberries better? One study says yes

Strawberries are seen on Day Seven of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England.

A newly published study comparing organic and conventional strawberries grown in California found that the organic berries were more nutritious, had a longer shelf life, and left the soil in healthier condition compared to the conventional crop. But while the organic strawberries had higher concentrations of antioxidants and vitamin C, they were smaller in size, and amounts of potassium and phosphorus were significantly less than conventional varieties. What do the findings mean for the organic vs. non-organic debate?

A newly published study comparing organic and conventional strawberries grown in California found that the organic berries were more nutritious, had a longer shelf life, and left the soil in healthier condition compared to the conventional crop. But while the organic strawberries had higher concentrations of antioxidants and vitamin C, they were smaller in size, and amounts of potassium and phosphorus were significantly less than conventional varieties. What do the findings mean for the organic vs. non-organic debate?

Guest:

John Reganold, Regents Professor of Soil Science and Agroecology at Washington State University. He is the lead author of the study, published in the journal PLoS One.