Although many of today’s consumers are encouraged to buy organic produce where they can, these goods often come with a price tag. That being said, there are some fruits and veg that are much healthier when grown organically. Recently, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its “Dirty Dozen” list for 2017, outlining which non-organic fruits and vegetables are the worst offenders when it comes to pesticide use.
This year, the EWG found that more than 80 per cent of pineapples, papayas, asparagus, onions, and cabbage, had no pesticide residues, and just one per cent of avocado and sweet corn samples showed signs of pesticides. These foods went on the group’s “Clean Fifteen” list, which outlines which produce options are safe to buy non-organic.
The Dirty Dozen includes:
- Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Nectarines
4. Apples
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Cherries
8. Grapes
9. Celery
10. Tomatoes
11. Sweet bell peppers
12. Potatoes
The Clean Fifteen includes:
- Sweet corn
2. Avocados
3. Pineapples
4. Cabbage
5. Onions
6. Sweet peas frozen
7. Papayas
8. Asparagus
9. Mangos
10. Eggplant
11. Honeydew Melon
12. Kiwi
13. Cantaloupe
14. Cauliflower
15. Grapefruit
If you’re trying to determine which foods are best bought organic, this list is a good place to start. Keep your budget and your health into account, and you’re sure to make the right decision.
