The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 2024 list!

A MUST-KNOW GUIDE TO SELECTING FRUITS & VEGGIES

Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes two lists to help the public make informed decisions about which fruits and vegetables to buy organic and those that are safe to purchase as not organic. The Dirty Dozen list includes produce with the highest quantities of pesticide residue; it is best to buy these in organic form. The Clean 15 indicates fruits and vegetables with the lowest residue that are safe to buy nonorganic.

New to the Dirty Dozen this year are blueberries and green beans, with green beans showing residue of a toxic pesticide banned more than 10 years ago. Carrots are new to the Clean 15 list this year, taking the place of cantaloupe. Avocados and sweet corn were found to be the cleanest, with less than 2 percent having any detectable pesticide.

2023 Dirty Dozen

• Strawberries

• Spinach

• Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens

• Peaches

• Pears

• Nectarines

• Apples

• Grapes

• Bell and Hot Peppers

• Cherries

• Blueberries

• Green Beans

2023 Clean 15

• Avocados

• Sweet corn

• Pineapple

• Onions

• Papaya

• Sweet peas (frozen)

• Asparagus

• Honeydew Melon

• Kiwi

• Cabbage

• Mushrooms

• Mangoes

• Sweet Potatoes

• Watermelon

• Carrots

The EWG researches and reports on harmful agricultural practices, spotlighting outdated legislation and loopholes that pose risks to human and environmental health. To learn more about what they do and sign up for their annual Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, go to ewg.org.

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE TO THE DIRTY DOZEN Grow Your Own!

Consider planting fruits and vegetables from the Dirty Dozen List in your garden to avoid the pesticide residue found on store-bought produce. Companion planting with marigolds and herbs will form a natural deterrent for pests while creating a beautiful, chemicalfree growing environment. Good soil preparation is essential to success. Enrich it with compost to improve fertility and drainage. If you’re a beginner, start with tomatoes, strawberries, and green beans—all of which thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and will benefit from organic mulching. These practices will ensure a bountiful harvest of safe, nutritious fruits and vegetables.