“Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” 2019

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes out with a list every year listing the fruits and vegetables on the amount of pesticide use/exposure. The “Dirty Dozen” list are the fruits and vegetables that have the most pesticide exposure, while the “Clean Fifteen” are the fruits and vegetables with the least amount of pesticide exposure. What that means for people is whenever possible, try to buy organic produce from the “Dirty Dozen” list. Buying organic from the “Clean Fifteen” list isn’t nearly as important, because the pesticide exposure is considerably less. The best way to wash produce is mixing vinegar and water (1 part to 3 parts, respectively) and washing the produce in that solution.

“Dirty Dozen” List:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Peaches
8. Cherries
9. Pears
10. Tomatoes
11. Celery
12. Potatoes

Honorable mention: Hot Peppers

“Clean Fifteen” List:

1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Sweet Peas Frozen
5. Onions
6. Papayas
7. Eggplants
8. Asparagus
9. Kiwis
10. Cabbages
11. Cauliflower
12. Cantaloupes
13. Broccoli
14. Mushrooms
15. Honeydew Melons

Note: Sweet Corn, Papaya, and Summer Squash have small amounts sold that are genetically modified.

2018 “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” Lists

About the Author

Dr. Eric Johnson, Doctor of Chiropractic and Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition as well as owner of Functional Wellness and Chiropractic Center in Madison, WI, is a functional medicine doctor that identifies root causes of pain and/or dysfunction. His systems-based, not symptoms-based, approach is a comprehensive, holistic approach that helps identify mental, chemical, and physical stressors that are underlying numerous health conditions. If you are in the Madison, Middleton, Verona, Waunakee area and looking to not only feel better, but live better, contact Dr. Eric at (608) 203-9272.

References

Environmental Working Group. Clean Fifteen. 2019. [Accessed 2019 Mar 22].

https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php

Environmental Working Group. Dirty Dozen. 2019. [Accessed 2019 Mar 22]. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php