A recent study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the antioxidant capacity of Golden Delicious apples may be higher in organically grown vs. conventionally grown apples. The scientists looked at apples grown over a 3-year time period and found that in two years, 2005 and 2006, the organic apples had up to 15% greater antioxidant capacity then the conventional apples. The polyphenol content of the organic apples was also higher in 2005 (but not 2004 and 2006). Though it seems that organic won the antioxidant test, the yearly climate had an even greater impact on antioxidant capacity.
The results aren’t terribly surprising as other studies have found that organic produce can trump convention produce. Why? Antioxidants serve a purpose in produce – they fight pests. So, aside from avoiding pesticides and herbicides, you may also stand to gain more antioxidants from organic produce.