The Dirty Dozen & The Clean Fifteen

The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen have been created by The Environmental Working Group and are updated every year. They list the top fruit and vegetables that contain the most and the least amounts of pesticides. Choosing to eat organic is always best – however, it isn’t always realistic nor affordable. By being aware of the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen you can choose where would be best to prioritise and invest your money. By eating organic you are reducing your exposure to pesticides, this has been proven to have many health benefits including preventing gut imbalances, hormonal disruptions and chronic diseases.

Strawberries and spinach were the worst offenders

The Dirty Dozen 2020

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

Avocados and sweet corn came out on top

The Clean Fifteen 2020

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

Your Organic Choice

As well as farmers markets and health food shops, most supermarkets now stock a variety of organic produce which has dramatically increased over the past few years. Every time we make a purchase we are making a vote for that product, we have the power to choose where we would like to invest our vote. By supporting organic products, food and farmers, not only are we supporting our own health, but we are also supporting the health of the environment on a much larger scale. Over time, not only will this improve our eco-system, but it will bring down the price of organic produce, making it more affordable for everyone – and we can go back to calling organic food – just food – like our Grandparents!

You can read more from the Environmental Working Group from their website here.

Do you avoid pesticides? This year we have, slowly, started to grow our own fruit and vegetables, free-from nasty chemicals. Not only have we found that it is a great way to save money, but it tastes so much better too! There is such a satisfying feeling of growing, picking and eating your own produce, fresh from the garden. What are your thoughts about choosing organic? Let me know in the comments section below.

For more information about basic nutrition click here.

Did you know that you can find a recipe with a specific ingredient by using the search box – give it a go here!