Dirty Dozen and Clean 15

What’s all the fuss about Dirty Dozen and Clean 15?

If you’re someone who is passionate about eating clean and doing right by the environment, then chances are you’ve heard of the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, but what does it mean?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit group devoted to advancing environmental sustainability and health. The EWG’s yearly “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists are there to inform consumers about the most and least pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables.

The “Dirty Dozen” list consists of the 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the highest levels of pesticides, and the “Clean 15” list consists of the 15 fruits and vegetables with the lowest levels of pesticides.

Dirty Dozen, 2023 in order from the most polluted to the least:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Bell and hot peppers
8. Cherries
9. Peaches
10. Pears
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

Clean 15, 2023 in order from the least polluted.

1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Mushrooms
12. Cantaloupes
13. Mangoes
14. Watermelon
15. Sweet Potatoes

By using these lists, you can make informed decisions about the produce you purchase. It’s important to note that even the fruits and vegetables on the Clean 15 list can still contain trace amounts of pesticides, but by choosing these items over the Dirty Dozen, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful pesticides.

It’s also worth noting that clean fruit and veg has a tough outer peel or shell that is removed prior to eating, and it’s important to remember that ting fruit and veg is vital regardless of whether it’s organic or not.