D is for Dirty Dozen

As we increase our intake of healthy fruits and vegetables it’s necessary to navigate the organic vs. non-organic decision. In a perfect world all the produce we buy would be naturally free of pesticides. We live in a time where farming practices have moved to large scale farms that rely on using Round Up and other weedkillers.

There is a list of poduce that's best to stick with organic whenever possible. The Dirty Dozen list.

The EWG (Environmental Working Group) publishes this list of fruits and vegetables each year ranking them based on level of contamination. If you want to minimize your exposure, use this list as a guide.

2022 Dirty Dozen list
(tested to have the highest levels of pesticide residue)

• Strawberrie

• Spinach

• Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens

• Nectarines

• Apples

• Grapes

• Bell peppers & hot peppers

• Cherries

• Peaches

• Pears

• Celery

• Tomatoes

Additional foods to buy organic:

Raisins, Oats, Soy 

Consider buying organic and the freshest produce whenever possible. Also buying from local farms, farmer's markets or community gardens is good for our communities and our health. Make the best choice available to you.