With summer just around the corner, many of us excited to see more fresh fruits and vegetables in the markets and at our favorite markets and grocery stores. One thing to remember as you navigate the produce isle is the notorious “Dirty Dozen”.
The Dirty Dozen is a list of foods that have the highest amounts of pesticides when grown conventionally. Why does this matter? Pesticides can have negative health effects on our bodies when consumed on a regular basis, including acting as hormone disruptors and damaging the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. If you are planning on consuming some of these foods this summer, remember this list and consider buying the organic variety of these foods.
The Dirty Dozen:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
just wondering after reading your dirty dozen list, if you’re using “organic” of these vegetables are we in
a better place? If we peel our apples, etc. is that safer so that we can eat them? Also if we wash them
sufficiently, would that work?
Hello Rita!
Yes, buying these items organically is the better option. If you are buying organic apples for example, there is no need to peel them, just wash them with soap and water or a good fruit and veggie wash. We use Thieves Fruit and Veggie soak. If you have conventionally grown apples (heavily sprayed) then peeling them is going to be the safer option.
Great question!!