Photo by DC Central Kitchen
The Environmental Working Group has updated their “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists with recommendations on the fruits and veggies that contain the highest and lowest levels of pesticide residue.
If you can only afford to buy some things organic, you’ll want to prioritize the items on the Dirty Dozen list. I don’t know about you, but I’m really bummed that apples is on there since that’s one of our most common produce purchases!
Here are the 2011 lists:
The Dirty Dozen
1. apples
2. celery
3. strawberries
4. peaches
5. spinach
6. nectarines
7. grapes
8. bell peppers
9. potatoes
10. blueberries
11. lettuce
12. kale
The Clean Fifteen
1. onions
2. sweet corn
3. pineapples
4. avocado
5. asparagus
6. sweet peas
7. mangoes
8. eggplant
9. cantaloupe
10. kiwi
11. cabbage
12. watermelon
13. sweet potatoes
14. grapefruit
15. mushrooms
I’ve also put together a handy cheat sheet you can carry with you! Download and/or print it here. I recommend using cardstock so it will hold up better in your purse or wallet.
Are you surprised by any of the items on these lists?
