Every spring the Environmental Working Group (EWG), produces a list of fruits and vegetables called the Dirty Dozen. This list features produce that contains high levels of pesticides that could be concerning. In contrast, the EWG also publishes a list called the Clean Fifteen which features produce that contains little to no pesticides. According to EWG’s website, to gather the data, experts from the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration test more than 43 thousand samples of produce. The purpose of these lists is to help consumers shop smart and make better and healthier choices for their families! Follow along as we uncover the new findings for 2020!

Source: Shutterstock

 The Dirty Dozen

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale
  4. Nectarines
  5. Apples
  6. Grapes
  7. Peaches
  8. Cherries
  9. Pears
  10. Tomatoes
  11. Celery
  12. Potatoes
  13. Hot peppers

It’s worth noting that the samples that are tested have been prepared to be eaten which means produce has been washed, and when applicable, peeled. This means that even after the preparations, pesticide residues are still detected on these fruits and vegetables.

According to the report, more than 90% of the samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines, and kale tested positive for two or more pesticides. Several samples of kale showed 18 different pesticides and on average, kale and spinach both had up to 1.8 times more pesticide residue by weight than any other crop tested. You can view the full report HERE. If you want to decrease your exposure to pesticides then these foods may actually be worth buying organic.

Source: Shutterstock

The Clean Fifteen

  1. Avocados
  2. Sweet Corn
  3. Pineapple
  4. Onions
  5. Papaya
  6. Sweet Peas (Frozen)
  7. Eggplant
  8. Asparagus
  9. Cauliflower
  10. Cantaloupe
  11. Broccoli
  12. Mushrooms
  13. Cabbage
  14. Honeydew Melon
  15. Kiwi

According to the report, avocados and sweet corn are the cleanest foods as less than 2% of the samples detected pesticides. All other fruits and vegetables on the Clean Fifteen list, excluding cabbage, tested positive for four or fewer pesticides and 70% of the samples detected no pesticide residues at all. View the full report HERE.

Clarissa Vanner

Clarissa loves experimenting with food of all cultures to make unique healthy dishes. When she’s not browsing Pinterest for new recipe inspiration she likes to pick up a DIY project and use her creative hands to make art or crafts. In her down time you can find her watching the latest documentaries on Netflix or going for nature walks.

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