Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen

What do imported grapes, domestic blueberries, celery, lettuce, strawberries, spinach, bell peppers, peaches and nectarines have in common? If they are conventionally raised, they have some of the highest amounts of pesticides of any produce available. They are known as the “Dirty Dozen”, and experts  strongly recommend that you purchase these items organically. The trouble is, some items such as bell peppers, are waaaaay more expensive if purchased organically. My solution? Select an alternative produce item if the cost is too burdensome. Or, grow it yourself.
 

The Environmental Working Group, or EWG, also provides a “Clean Fifteen” list that names the cleanest non-organic, or conventional, foods are avocados, domestic cantaloupe, onions, and a few more. These are safer to purchase non-organically. The foods selected for the “Clean Fifteen” and “Dirty Dozen” were tested for pesticide residues after produce was rinsed and/or peeled. Often, people think that purchasing produce with skin gives their food a layer of protection from pesticides. But little do they realize that fruits and veggies are porous, and are comprised primarily of water. They absorb everything from their skins and make it part of its cellular makeup, just as our bodies do with whatever we put onto our skin. Not everyone can afford a fully organic diet – nor is creating a fully organic diet an easy task. Thanks to this guide from EWG, however, we can selectively decide which produce  we must buy organically, and which we can cut corners on. Print the list and keep it with you for an easy reference. Make sure everyone in your family understands the list, too.

An even better option: grow the produce that is expensive to purchase organically!

Do you purchase organic foods, and if so, which items are top priority to buy as organic on your shopping list? Please tell me in the comments section below.

Now, think how good it will feel to help someone reduce their pesticide exposure? Wouldn’t this guidance be helpful? Be a helper send this post to someone who may need some clarity around which produce to buy organically.

With love,

Frances