Well the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list for 2012 has been released.
This is a list of produce items that tend to have the highest levels of pesticide residue (even after being washed and peeled). So if you are interested in organics, these products are the ones that you want to focus on (in order of importance):
- Apples
- Celery
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Nectarines
- Grapes
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Cucumbers
- Blueberries (domestic)
- Potatoes
And two others to watch out for:
- Green Beans
- Kale/Beans
Conversely, there is also a “Clean Fifteen” list which includes the items that have the lowest amount of pesticide residue. So it isn’t as important to get those products in organic.
The Clean Fifteen for 2012 include:
- Onions
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Avocado
- Cabbage
- Sweet peas
- Asparagus
- Mango
- Eggplant
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
- Sweet Potatoes
- Grapefruit
- Watermelon
- Mushrooms
So really this list is pretty similar to what we saw last year. You can get a little downloadable card to print here. If you save that file, you can send it off to places like Staples and get a nice color copy made for about $.50. I usually laminate these and keep it in with my grocery store tote bags. A store like Staples can also laminate if you don’t have a machine at home.
We buy organic as often as possible in our household, especially since stores like Sunflower Market, Sprouts and even Costco are making these items more and more affordable. The important thing to remember though is that any fresh produce is better then no fresh produce.
Here is a quick tip:
If you can’t find organic spinach, it can be better to purchase frozen spinach. The washing and blanching before freezing helps to remove a good portion of the pesticides. (Who knew?!)
(Source: Dr Oz)
I was just at the store today thinking about this! I needed a few red bell peppers and the organic ones are pricey–2.50 EACH! Costco had the greenhouse ones which seem better than conventional…does anyone know?
Hi Charlene,
Do you know how dirty are they after peeling the outer skin? For example, I almost always peel potatoes before cooking. Should I still buy organic? What is your opinion?
Thanks 🙂
Stacy,
I always buy organic potatoes. At my store- Sprouts- they really are not that much more expensive. A 5lb bag is like $2.50 so it isn’t a huge expense. Potatoes and celery and peaches all tend to suck up the pesticides like sponges. That skin just absorbs everything and potatoes are one of the most sprayed foods… at least that is my understanding. I think they might even get a second spray before they ship to avoid those little sprouty things popping out on them.
Peeling is good but most potatoes will still have absorbed the pesticides after they are very well washed and peeled. The interesting thing I notice is that my organic potatoes tend to be significantly smaller and they also have a much shorter shelf life. It kind of shows how much stuff is pumped into our food that we don’t even realize.
Just my opinion 😉
Totally agree with you Charlene. We grew our own organic potatoes this year for the same reason. Soooo worth it.
Are these all domestic? Are there “ratings” from produce from other countries like Mexico or Ecuador or Chile? For example, I think most pineapples purchased in USA are from other countries. I’ve had apples from Canada and apples are on the dirty 12 list. Pineapples are on the clean 15 list but I do not know about agriculture standards in other countries.
Cathy,
Sorry I don’t have a breakdown of the guidelines for other countries. My guess is that the standards for produce are higher in the US then in other countries.
thanks for updated list, Charlene!
I read in previous years that they analyze the products they list for pesticide residue. But IIRC, it’s only 45 items. Not listed & always wondered about yams & sweet potatoes-even conventional are pricey.
Tried growing potatoes but my biggest is the size of a cherry LOL
Have a few fruit trees, and I think peach is the easiest, esp. if you grow from a pit. I have 2 volunteers in a narrow side yard that I never thought would be big enough for trees.
Grow spinach & lettuce too. I keep snails off by making “plant protectors” out of plastic juice bottles. I cut off the top & bottom & place around plant. Also protects in case of unexpected frost.