The Environmental Working Group, EWG, creates a yearly list of the dirtiest and cleanest non- organic produce. “Since 1993, the Environmental Working Group has shined a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment.” The list is based on the amount of pesticides found on the fruit or vegetable. It does not measure GMO’s. The Clean Fifteen has either been found with minimal pesticides or none at all because pests don’t bother the plant to require pesticides. No matter where the produce falls, it is still a good idea to clean the produce before consuming it. I fill my sink or a big bowl with water and a small amount of white vinegar and let sit for a few minutes. The timing is really up to you. However, I don’t soak green onions. I dip them in the water, roots first then put them in a colander to set, then rinse well. The vinegar will make the inside of the green tips gooey. Fruits and vegetables where you don’t eat the outer skin, don’t need to be cleaned ie, pineapple, onions with skins, bananas, and corn on the cob, etc. If you can’t afford to buy all organic, consider starting with the Dirty Dozen list as organic.
The 2024 list includes
The Dirty Dozen Clean Fifteen
Strawberries Sweet Corn
Spinach Avocados
Kale, Collards and Mustard Greens Pineapple
Grapes Onions
Peaches Papaya
Pears Sweet Peas
Nectarines Asparagus
Apples Honeydew Melons
Bell and Hot Peppers Kiwi
Cherries Cabbage
Blueberries Watermelon
Green Beans Mushrooms
Mango
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Bible Verse of the Day
Genesis 2:9
The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden was the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Written by Karen Scarberry, LEHP, BCNWP
03/24
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