Choose Wisely

The opinion on organic produce seems to swing wildly, from saving the planet to being completely worthless. One thing we can all agree on is that fewer industrial chemicals in your body the better. In a perfect world, everything would be organic. Unfortunately, organic often translates into “expensive,” and eating a completely organic menu isn’t always an option for some people. Luckily, the Environmental Working Group, a leading environmental health research and advocacy organization, has updated its list that can help you get the biggest bang for your buck and the cleanest food for your funds. The Dirty Dozen are foods that tend to have the highest pesticide contamination and are thus worth the extra money to buy organic; The Clean 15 contain the lowest levels of contaminants, meaning that conventionally farmed version are most likely safe to eat.

The Dirty Dozen (buy organic)

1.  Apples

2. Celery

3. Sweet bell peppers

4. Peaches

5. Strawberries

6. Nectarines

7.  Grapes

8. Cherry tomatoes

9. Lettuce

10. Cucumbers

11. Snap peas

12. Potatoes

Lettuce and spinach had previously made this list, so it may be wise to buy organic versions of those as well.

 

The Clean 15 (buy organic or conventional)

1. Onions

2. Sweet corn

3. Pineapples

4. Avocado

5. Cabbage

6. Sweet peas

7.  Asparagus

8. Mangoes

9. Eggplant

10. Kiwi

11. Cantaloupe

12. Sweet potatoes

13. Grapefruit

14. Cauliflower

15. Papaya

Mushrooms and watermelon were formerly on this list, so it’s most likely okay to buy conventional versions of those.