The Dirty Dozen & The Clean 15

So many of us are trying to pay more attention to the food we put in our bodies. We read labels, watch out for toxic products and buy organic as often as we can. 

People often assume that as a health coach I buy everything organic. While I try my best to do mostly organic, it’s not always possible.

It’s unfortunate that organic foods are more expensive than conventionally grown foods. This fact compounded by the far reaching financial impact of the pandemic has made it harder for lots of people to buy organic even if they want to. 

What do you do if you are trying to eat organic but you can’t make it work financially?

I am a big proponent of eating seasonally and locally. Buying fruits and veggies that are local and in season will help reduce your cost. It is also a great way to support your local farmer. Local farms are essential to our economy. 

However, this option is not available for everyone. If you are not able to buy locally or seasonally then it is a good idea to know the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15.

This list is put out by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) each year. It gives  a comprehensive list of which fruits and veggies you should buy organic and which ones you can buy conventional. The 15 foods with the lowest concentration of pesticides, even when they are grown with pesticides,  are the Clean 15. The 12 foods with the highest pesticide levels, even after they are washed, are the Dirty Dozen. 

Here is the list for 2021:

Dirty Dozen

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, collard & mustard greens

4. Nectarines

5. Apples

6. Grapes

7. Cherries

8. Peaches

9. Pears

10. Bell & hot peppers

11. Celery

12. Tomatoes

Clean 15

1. Avocados

2. Sweet corn

3. Pineapple

4. Onions

5. Papaya

6. Sweet peas (frozen)

7. Eggplant

8. Asparagus

9. Broccoli

10. Cabbage

11. Kiwi

12. Cauliflower

13. Mushrooms

14. Honeydew Melon

15. Cantaloupe

We are all just doing the best we can everyday. Keep in mind, it is always better to buy fresh produce than no produce. Eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies will always be the cornerstone of good nutrition. Don’t shy away from them just because you see them on the list; the list is just a resource.

If you want to check out the EWG’s site you can click here.