Truth be told, Cox advocates that Girlawhirl purchase organic whenever – and whatever – she can, and he gives her plenty of reasons to do so. For example, even though she thought it was ok to purchase conventionally grown avocados, Cox says that more than 100 chemicals are used when they're grown that way. In the case of soybeans, which Girlawhirl snacks on and calls by their Japanese name, edamame, when they are grown organically, the crop is rotated, which breaks the lifecycle of the pests that could destroy it so it can grow without being sprayed.

There's tons of information in this book, which includes chapters on fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains, meat, fish, dairy and eggs, herbs and spices, and even kitchen staples. Nothing's left unexplained: from the ramifications of GMO seeds blowing into nearby organic fields and causing contamination, to how certain fruits and vegetables are naturally protected from their typical predators. Healthy recipes to make the most of everything, and a breakdown of when fruits and vegetables are in season, make it truly indispensable. Girlawhirl's sure she'll be reaching for it again and again.

Girlawhirl found The Organic Shopper's Food Guide by Jeff Cox in her online shopping mall at barnesandnoble.com.

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