Dirty Dozen
“The Dirty Dozen” are the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables according to the non-profit organization, The Environmental Working Group. They include:
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Celery
- Spinach
- Bell Peppers
- Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Pears
This list is based on the results of 43,000 tests by the United States Department of Agriculture, and can help you prioritize in your grocery shopping–the organic musts! Keep the list handy so you can pull it out when you’re in the produce section of your local supermarket.
You might be thinking, “What if I wash and peel non-organic produce? Do I really need to bother with this list?”
Washing and peeling are good options for eradicating some of the pesticides, but they don’t eliminate the need for organics. Unfortunately, some pesticides are taken right up into the fruit and vegetables and don’t remain solely on the surface.
Also ‘organic’ addresses the mineral and nutrient content of food. Organic produce has been grown in more fertile and nutrient rich soil (generally), thus producing more nutrient rich produce. That means more benefit for you!
Finally, peeling removes some of those important nutrients, as well as the fiber. So unless you’re trying to beat diarrhea (a Naturopath once told me that the best way to beat diarrhea is by eating a grated, peeled apple!), you want to eat the skin too.
Your best bet, organic all the way!
Second best and on a budget, heed “The Dirty Dozen!”
p.s. You might even consider growing your own garden to ensure the quality of your organics. Here is some great information on organic vegetable gardening. Enjoy!
