2020’S DIRTY DOZEN, CLEAN FIFTEEN LISTS ARE OUT!

Every year, the Environmental Working Group ( EWG ) compiles two lists.  The top 12 (or Dirty Dozen) fruits and vegetables most likely to have the highest levels of pesticides and the top 15 (or Clean Fifteen) with the least amount in them. 

These lists will help you make smarter, healthier choices, and prioritize your organic grocery shopping.

Now we have COVID-19 to worry about too.  However, according to the CDC, “Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.” 

I still think it’s important to wash your fresh produce thoroughly and, even better, give it a quick sautee in the pan, just to be extra safe. But please don’t stay away from whole, fresh foods. Processed goods are the ones to be concerned about for obvious reasons.

The lists look very similar to last year.  Avocados continue being the cleanest of them all and 70% of the Clean 15 list had no pesticide residues. Strawberries, spinach, and kale are top 3 in the dirty list so get them organic as much as you can.

Without further ado…

The Dirty Dozen

Strawberries

Spinach

Kale

Nectarines

Apples

Grapes

Peaches

Cherries

Pears

Tomatoes

Celery

Potatoes

The Clean 15 

Avocados

Sweet corn

Pineapple

Onions

Papaya

Sweet peas (frozen)

Eggplants

Asparagus

Cauliflower

Cantaloupes

Broccoli

Mushrooms

Cabbage

Honeydew melon

Kiwi

And frozen is better than canned so even if you cannot find fresh organic produce, frozen organic is a great option.

Enjoy your veggies!

Olga Casabona