The new dirty dozen

Organic produce isn't always easy on a budget, and I try to remember the things that contain the most pesticides. The Environmental Working Group publishes a list of the 'dirtiest' fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticide residue. Apples are number one. They are sprayed and sprayed to become shiny, big and pest free- but the skin absorbs those chemicals. I love to eat apples, but I hate to think about all of the chemicals I eat when they aren't organic. Here is the complete list:

Dirty Dozen

Buy these organic

 

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

 

While I try to buy these organic, there are other fruits and vegetables that don't contain a lot of pesticides. Whether it's because their skin isn't eaten, they don't need as much pesticide treatment, or because they don't absorb the chemicals, the things on this list are good to buy on a budget!

Clean 15

Lowest in Pesticide

 

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