The debate about whether to buy organic or conventional produce has been around for years.
Many people are choosing to buy organic produce to reduce their exposure to pesticides or for environmental concerns from pesticide runoff. Some surveys have even shown people prefer the taste of organically grown produce compared to conventionally grown.
On the other side, people argue they cannot justify the typically higher cost of organics. If you can’t make up your mind, we have the solution.
The Environmental Working Group created two lists you can bring with you to the grocery store this weekend ““ the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. The Dirty Dozen are best when purchased in organic form because they retain more pesticide residue. The Clean Fifteen are considered generally safe to consume in the conventional form.
Clean Fifteenâ„¢
The least contaminated produce from Environmental Working Group’s 2013 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produceâ„¢:
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Cabbage
- Cantaloupe
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Mangos
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Papayas
- Pineapples
- Sweet Corn
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Sweet potatoes
Dirty Dozen Plusâ„¢
The most contaminated produce from the Environmental Working Group’s 2013 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produceâ„¢:
- Apples
- Celery
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Hot peppers
- Nectarines (imported)
- Peaches
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sweet bell peppers
- Kale/collard greens *
- Summer squash *
* Did not meet traditional Dirty Dozenâ„¢ criteria but were commonly contaminated with pesticides exceptionally toxic to the nervous system.
One final thought ““ if you are going to eat the conventional version, always wash it well.
