Dirty Dozen/Clean 15

If you're anything like me, you don't know when to definitely buy organic or when it's not quite as necessary. I came across the "Dirty Dozen" list from the Environmental Working Group that helps keep shopping in check.  There is even a wallet-sized .pdf guide you can download.  Click here to check it out!

According to the EWG, these 12 produce items should be purchased organic.  They are called The Dirty Dozen and are listed in order:

  1. Apples
  2. Celery
  3. Strawberries
  4. Peaches
  5. Spinach
  6. Nectarines (imported)
  7. Grapes (imported)
  8. Sweet bell peppers
  9. Potatoes
  10. Blueberries (domestic)
  11. Lettuce
  12. Kale/Collard Greens
The good news is that there is another list called The Clean 15 - they have the lowest levels in pesticides. In order, they are:
  1. Onions
  2. Sweet Corn
  3. Pineapples
  4. Avocado
  5. Asparagus
  6. Sweet Peas
  7. Mangoes
  8. Eggplant
  9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
  10. Kiwi
  11. Cabbage
  12. Watermelon
  13. Sweet potatoes
  14. Grapefruit
  15. Mushrooms
All this information, how the list was determined and more is available from the source: http://www.ewg.org.
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