The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen

The Environmental Working Group has once again compiled its list of the dirtiest and cleanest veggies and fruits out there. The fruits and vegetables that make the dirty list are the produce items with the highest amounts of pesticides, meaning you should avoid buying unless they are organic! There are some changes from last year but some of the regulars like apples made the list once again this year.





The Dirty Dozen are:

1. Apples
2. Blueberries
3. Celery
4. Grapes (imported)
5. Kale/Collard Greens
6. Lettuce
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Red, orange and yellow bell peppers
11. Spinach
12. Strawberries

Other fruits and veggies were close to be on the dirty dozen list again this year. Also buying these organic would be smart. All berries, bananas, cucumbers, green beans, all leafy greens and carrots have all been on the list in recent years. In the middle of dirty and clean is a small group of veggies. Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts only use a small amount of pesticides but to be safe it is recommend to buy organic or local for a truly pesticide meal or snack!
So what produce is clean?


The Clean Fifteen are:

1. Asparagus
2. Avocado
3. Cabbage
4. Cantaloupe
5. Eggplant
6. Grapefruit
7. Kiwi
8. Mango
9. Mushrooms
10. Onions
11. Pineapple
12. Sweet corn
13. Sweet peas
14. Sweet potatoes
15. Watermelon

Buying from small farms is a good option because they use far less sprays than larger farms or the produce sold in grocery stores. Being aware of what produce is clean and which are dirty is so beneficial to you and your family. The food we put in our mouths is important and needs to be the best it can be so we can live happy, healthy and energetic lives!