The “Dirty Dozen” is part of the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce(TM) released by Environmental Working Group (EWG) every year that has information on pesticide loads on 45 different conventional fruits and vegetables.  The “Dirty Dozen” are the ones that are found to contain the highest amounts of pesticides, and are recommended to always purchase in their organic form.  Below is the list:

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Nectarines – imported
7. Grapes
8. Spinach
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Blueberries – domestic
12. Potatoes

Plus – Green beans and Kale/Greens

Please note though, EWG comments that while best to reduce your exposure to pesticides, and organic is important, eating conventionally-grown produce is far better than not eating fruits or vegetables at all.

…and coming up soon… the “Clean 15″…