When it Comes to the Dirty Dozen, Buy Organic

Do you know about the dirty dozen? I am not referring to the movie about twelve prisoners on a rescue mission, but rather to a list of twelve fruits and vegetables that are particularly susceptible to pesticide residues.

Buying all organic food, all the time might not fit into everyone’s budget.

There is, however, a list known among green foodies as the “Dirty Dozen.” It’s a grocery shopping guide that tells you which foods are the most pesticide- and herbicide-laden—even after you wash them. These groceries should be bought organic at all costs.

Fruits such as apples, peaches and nectarines and vegetables like celery, potatoes and lettuce are considered part of the Dirty Dozen because they retain a higher level of pesticides and herbicides as compared to other types of produce. The twelve foods the list is comprised of:

1. Meat: beef, pork, and poultry 2. Dairy: milk, cheese and butter 3. Strawberries 4. Apples 5. Tomatoes 6. Potatoes 7. Spinach (and other greens including lettuce) 8. Coffee 9. Peaches and Nectarines 10. Grapes (especially imported grapes) 11. Celery 12. Bell Peppers (Red & Green)

So if you don’t buy all organic all the time, make sure that you keep those pesticide residues away by buying organic when shopping for the Dirty Dozen.