Each year the Environmental Working Group announces the fruits and vegetables that have the most pesticides on them (the Dirty Dozen) as well as those fruits and vegetables that are generally safe to eat (the Clean Fifteen). If you like any of the fruits and vegetables listed among the Dirty Dozen, buy organic. Organic fruits and vegetables are free from most pesticides.
EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce
The Dirty Dozen: Buy these fruits and vegetables as organically-grown.
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Cherry tomatoes
4. Cucumbers
5. Grapes
6. Hot peppers
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Spinach
11. Strawberries
12. Sweet bell peppers
+ Kale and Collard Greens
+ Summer squash
The Clean 15: Lowest in Pesticide
1. Asparagus
2. Avocados
3. Cabbage
4. Cantaloupe
5. Sweet Corn
6. Eggplant
7. Grapefruit
8. Kiwi
9. Mangoes
10. Mushrooms
11. Onions
12. Papayas
13. Pineapples
14. Sweet peas (frozen)
15. Sweet potatoes
Charity Showcase
Feeding America is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity supplying food to 37 million Americans every year via 200 member food banks. To donate, go to http://www.feedingamerica.org or call 800-910-5524.
Curator: John Kremer