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.  

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.