Dirty Dozen

The Dirty Dozen is a list of foods that have the most pesticide residue. This list tests fresh, frozen and canned foods and is updated annually. If you can not afford a strictly organic lifestyle (which most of us can't) then this list is for you! 

Apples:  More than 40 pesticides found. This includes apple juice and apple sauce. Highly advised to buy strictly organic when it comes to all apple products.

It's been suggested to just peel the skin off the apple before eating it (which I used to do myself). This sounds like a great idea to save money on the conventional items but, by using this method, you are stripping the fruit of beneficial nutrients. Cant we say this kind of negates the point of eating apple in the first place?

Celery: USDA testing found 60+ pesticides on this one.

Strawberries: Almost 60 different pesticides found on these. Although less were found on frozen strawberries.

Peaches: Over 60 pesticides on this tree fruit. Almost as much found in single serve packs. But less in canned peaches. 

(I will have to explain the dangers of canned foods in its own segment.)

Spinach: One of my personal favorites was found to have almost 50 pesticides. Frozen spinach with close to the same. Canned   spinach having fewer. 

Nectarines (Imported): 33 pesticides. Domestic proving to be better but still not great.

Grapes (Imported); Can have over 30 pesticides. This includes raisins AND wine!

Sweet Bell Peppers; On all colors, close to 50 pesticides found.

Potatoes; 35+ pesticides. Sweet potatoes are a much safer alternative if your not interested in buying organic.

Blueberries; A common berry on the Dirty Dozen list, containing over 50 pesticides. Frozen berries were found to be less contaminated.  Cranberries and cherries are also pretty contaminated.

Lettuce: More than 50 pesticides!

Kale: Though rarely bothered by insects and disease, this leafy vegetable was found with high amounts of pesticides over the past 2 years.

Collard Greens: 45+ pesticides

Fatty Meats: About a dozen pesticides detected in the fats of beef, chicken and pork. Lean meats come up clean for pesticides but hormones are an entirely different topic.

Milk: Pesticides and man-made chemicals found in all non organic milks and dairy products. Since this is such a crucial part of a child's diet, I would advise this as the most important to buy organic.

Coffee: Most of our coffee is grown is countries that lack regulation on chemicals. Go organic to be sure your not drinking beans grown or processed with harsh chemicals. Fair Trade Certified or Rain Forest Alliance labels show that they support farmers who are paid and treated well.

Chocolate: Same as coffee, cocoa beans are grown in countries without regulations. Buy organic to be sure your food isn't harming the environment or workers.