Monday, June 13, 2011

Dirty Dozen 2011

So, the other day, I posted the "Dirty Dozen"; a list of fruits and vegetables that more readily retain pesticides versus those that do not.  I saw today that the Environmental Working Group has released an updated list:


1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Imported nectarines
7. Imported grapes
8. Sweet bell peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Domestic blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/collard greens
The group also lists the "Clean 15," or those that rank lowest in pesticide residues. These are:
1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplant
9. Domestic cantaloupe
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms
Again, this something to keep in mind when allocating your food budget.  Try to go organic where you can.  

Saturday, June 4, 2011

The Dirty Dozen

Now, we all know that organic food can be more expensive, than non-organic.  It makes it a little difficult to to be consistent, and know that you are getting what you need out of your produce.  This list has been floating around for a long time, but I feel it's essential to the discussion.  If you are limited in your organic choices, or funding for your organic choices, you can still make better decisions in the produce department.  If you can't go all organic, at least consider these two lists:


12 Most Contaminated

  • Peaches
  • Apples
  • Sweet Bell Peppers
  • Celery
  • Nectarines
  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Grapes (Imported)
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Potatoes
12 Least Contaminated
  • Onions
  • Avocado
  • Sweet Corn (Frozen)
  • Pineapples
  • Mango
  • Asparagus
  • Sweet Peas (Frozen)
  • Kiwi Fruit
  • Bananas
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Papaya
You'll notice that the "most contaminated" lists has a lot of fleshy fruit, and these can absorb many of the toxins easier than say a pineapple that has a tough skin.  So, print this out, and bring it with you to the store.  I know many of these aren't always available (organic strawberries are impossible to find in my area unless you go to Trader Joe's, or an organic farm), but at least you will be able to make an informed decision.