The Dirty Dozen

There is so much talk about our food everywhere - where it comes from and what is in it. But even our best efforts to buy food that is safe and healthy for our families and environment can be difficult if we don't understand the lingo. Sometimes it is hard to know what words to even trust... natural, organic, free range, fresh, grass fed, cage free, locally sourced, pink slime(!??)... it can really make your head spin!

Unfortunately, I do not have this all figured out to share with you today. But, I do have something that will at least help when buying produce! Have you heard of The Dirty Dozen and The Clean Fifteen? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit that advocates for policies that protect global and individual health. They conducted a survey that tested the amount of pesticides in produce from 2000 to 2009. The results are two helpful lists.

The Dirty Dozen are produce that should always be bought organic, and the Clean Fifteen are produce that do not have to be bought organic. (although they do say all organic is best, when you can!) This is important information because even small traces of pesticides have been found to have adverse effects on our health - especially for children.

The Dirty Dozen

Apples

Celery

Strawberries

Peaches

Spinach

Nectarines (imported)

Grapes (imported)

Sweet Bell Peppers

Potatoes

Blueberries (domestic)

Lettuce

Kale/Collard Greens

The Clean 15

Onions

Sweet Corn

Pineapples

Avocado

Asparagus

Sweet Peas

Mangoes

Eggplant

Cantaloupe (domestic)

Kiwi

Cabbage

Watermelon

Sweet Potatoes

Grapefruit

Mushrooms

I'll definitely be keeping these lists on hand for future grocery shopping! Choose organic when you can - it's good for your family's health and good for the planet!