Dirty Dozen List 2020
I think this is important to share. Eating organic is not always feasible, it can be expensive, not fresh, or just hard to obtain.
Each year the Environmental Working Group puts out a list on the "dirtiest" fruits and vegetables out there. What I mean by "dirty" is that even after they are picked and brought to our grocery stores they contain the highest amount of pesticide and herbicide residue on them.
Year after year Strawberries rank number 1 on this list. They are a soft sweet fruit so pests love them as much as we do. They are the heaviest sprayed crop out there.
So what does this mean? The fruits and vegetables that top this list are best to be purchased organic if possible to limit our exposure to toxins. Check out our article here why choosing organic is a healthier option.
For the Complete List Check out the Environmental Working Groups Page Here.
This is the list, the first one is ranked with the highest pesticide and herbicide residue and gradually goes down as the list goes on.
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
Sweet Bell Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Lettuce
If organic isn't an option for you due to any reason there are other options to help make your produce a little cleaner.
The first option is using a fruit and vegetable spray. Here is one on Amazon with Clean ingredients (make sure to always check the ingredients prior to purchasing as you don't want to add other harmful chemicals onto your produce).
The second option is a produce brush. You want to look for something with natural bristles, sustainable, eco friendly. It can be used on its own or with the produce spray above. Here is one I love.
You can make your own fruit and vegetable wash by using 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water and add 3-5 drops lemon essential oil depending on the size of the container (make sure it is an essential oil that is meant for consumption). Place it in a spray bottle (I always prefer glass bottles vs. plastic especially when food is involved) and spray on your vegetables. Rinse.
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