Tuesday, July 21, 2009

As Requested (by some of you). For others, here you go anyway.

I have constantly expressed my disgust with pesticides and all manner of food additives and alterations. I have heard some of you say "Hey if there's a comprehensive list, I'll take it!" Well, there is one (and it's been around for awhile but I have kept forgetting to post it here!). Thanks to my friend S for reminding me of it in an email this morning.

The Environmental Working Group tested produce for pesticide residues and put out these two lists: The Clean 15 and The Dirty Dozen.

The Clean 15 (or: Lowest in pesticides or: What you can buy conventionally/non-organically grown)
  1. Onion
  2. Avocado
  3. Sweet Corn
  4. Pineapple
  5. Mango
  6. Asparagus
  7. Sweet Peas
  8. Kiwi
  9. Cabbage
  10. Eggplant
  11. Papaya
  12. Watermelon
  13. Broccoli
  14. Tomato
  15. Sweet Potato
The Dirty Dozen (or: Most pesticide residue or: What to buy Organically grown)
  1. Peach
  2. Apple
  3. Bell Pepper
  4. Celery
  5. Nectarine
  6. Strawberries
  7. Cherries
  8. Kale
  9. Lettuce
  10. Grapes (imported)
  11. Carrot
  12. Pear
So there you go. It's a start!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

THANKS for the lists!

Brittany said...

The local farmer's market out here was such a joke! 2 or 3 small tables of expensive fruits and vegetables in VERY limited supply (fruits and veggies I rarely eat/buy, to boot!) So I guess I'll have to follow the advice to wash my fresh produce thoroughly because it is better to eat it with pesticides than not at all. (And hope for the best!)

k said...

That stinks, Brit. I mostly get organic produce from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, but with both of those stores you have to pick and choose to make sure the price is good. Other than that I rely on our local co-op. Also, I occasionally find the overpriced organic produce at Safeway on super sale.

I also generally at least try to buy the Top 3 on the Dirty Dozen organic, but then just wash everything else if it's too expensive organic. You're right, it's better to wash it the best you can and still eat it.