Weekend - Delicious Encounters

An environmental working group in the U.S. has put together two lists to help consumers understand when it is in their best interest to purchase organic foods and when it is not necessary. 

The lists have been called "The Dirty Dozen" and "The Clean 15".  Even though these lists are based on data collected from the United States Department of Agriculture, I wanted to post them on this blog since a high volume of the fruits and vegetables found in our supermarkets here in Canada are stocked with produce from the States. 

The Dirty Dozen List - at least 47 chemicals found in these items.  Definitely, consider going organic.

celery

peaches

strawberries

apples

domestic blueberries

nectarines

sweet bell peppers

spinach, kale and collard greens

cherries

potatoes

imported grapes

lettuce

The Clean 15 - Little to no pesticides were found in these items. Non-organic can be purchased.

onions

avocados

sweet corn

pineapples

mango

sweet peas

asparagus

kiwi fruit

cabbage

eggplant

cantaloupe

watermelon

grapefruit

sweet potatoes

sweet onions

Please visit Need To Know - PBS for the full article. 

Until next time,

Deborah