The list below is called “The Dirty Dozen.” It shows fruits and vegetables that consistently have the most pesticides sprayed on them by farmers. The Environmental Working Group is an organization that looks at 46 popular fruits and vegetables and tests 46,000 produce samples based on the guidelines of the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. In 2021 The Dirty Dozen list contains the following : strawberries, spinach, kale/collards/mustard greens, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, pears, bell/hot peppers, celery, tomatoes.

Buying Pesticide Free

Even after washing and peeling, pesticides are still present in nonorganic produce. It’s always advisable to buy organic whenever possible because pesticides have many negative effects on the body and the planet. However, it can be challenging to always only buy organic because it can be difficult to find organic produce, food producers aren’t always honest and/or it can be expensive. But even in these situations try your best to at least avoid buying nonorganic produce from The Dirty Dozen list. Remember that the money that you spend, is an investment in your, your family’s and the planet’s health. It shows what your priorities are and who you endorse.

Click here to find out which produce has the least pesticides?

For more how pesticide affect your body, click here

To read EWG full 2021 Shopper’s Guide to Produce, click here