When choosing your produce at the grocery store, it is important to take into consideration the production of and probability of pesticides on that produce. Making sure the items you are consuming are as healthy as possible will ensure not only the longevity of the produce, but also your health.
The Clean 15 is a trademarked term for fruits and vegetables that have the lowest amount of pesticide residue, making them safe to buy non-organic. The list below is the most up to date list for 2022.
- Avocado
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onion
- Papaya
- Frozen sweet peas
- Asparagus
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Sweet potato
On the other hand, the Dirty Dozen is a trademarked term for produce farms tend to use the most pesticides on. Below is the 2022 list showing the items you should clean thoroughly or purchase organically.
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell and hot peppers
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Celery
- Tomatoes
Buying any of the above items organically can help decrease the amount of pesticides on the product, but it is still important to know how to properly wash produce after purchase. Below, find a few tips for cleaning your produce the most effective way.
- Rinse your produce before you peel it so dirt and bacteria don’t get transferred from the fruit or vegetable to the knife.
- Wash with warm water and scrub thoroughly.
- Use a brush on tougher skins, like melons and cucumbers.
- Dry the produce with a clean cloth or a paper towel to remove any remaining bacteria.
- Remove the outmost leaves from lettuce or cabbage.
- The FDA and CDC do not recommend using soap, detergent or commercial produce wash to clean your fruit and vegetables due to the porous skin of the produce. Warm water is best.
The next time you go grocery shopping, think of the information above! Purchase organic when possible, and always wash your produce before storing it with other produce or enjoying it at mealtime.
by Alex Hoppman