Source: http://www.ewg.org/
Did you know that 64% of produce samples analyzed tested positive for pesticide residue of at least one or more different types of pesticides? EVEN IF YOU WASH OR (IN CERTAIN CASES) PEEL IT!?!?!
Every year I share the Environmental Working Group's findings for the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15.(I know, I skimped on you in 2014 but to be fair I was focused on moving into my new house. Sorry.)
Let's face it, buying organic can be tough on the budget. That's why I really appreciate the Dirty Dozen list, because it gives you the 12 fruits and vegetables that test for the highest amounts of pesticide residues that are harmful to the human body. So maybe you want to prioritize the organic option of these foods where your budget allows.
Conversely, the Clean 15 are the 15 fruits and veggies with the lowest pesticide residue levels. So you can buy these traditionally-farmed with little worry.
Whatever you decide, at the end of the day it is important to get a balanced and healthy diet. If you cannot get organic foods in your location, or you just cannot afford them, it may be better to still eat some of these traditionally-farmed foods over avoiding them completely. That's a personal decision every individual has to make, so I hope I've given you the start of the information you need in order to make that choice. I recommend reading the Environmental Working Group's website for more information.
See previous lists:
2013's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
2012's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
2011's Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
