2023 Produce Guide
“Despite the abundance of science linking exposure to pesticides with serious health issues, a potentially toxic cocktail of concerning chemicals continues to taint many of the non-organic fruits and vegetables...
“Despite the abundance of science linking exposure to pesticides with serious health issues, a potentially toxic cocktail of concerning chemicals continues to taint many of the non-organic fruits and vegetables eaten by consumers,” said Alexis Temkin, Ph.D., EWG toxicologist.
The environmental working group, a non-profit organization advocating for healthier lives, compiles data to analyze pesticide use on produce each year.
Using data from 46,569 samples of fruits and vegetables, they have compiled a list of non-organic, conventionally grown produce from most to least contaminated with pesticides and chemicals.
The EWG shoppers guide is a fantastic resource that gives consumers quick access to "need-to-know" information so they can shop carefully and choose organic when necessary.
The EWG's 2023 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists are finally here and were thrilled to share them with you.
Dirty Dozen (Most contaminated with pesticides and other chemicals)
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale/Collard Greens
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell & Hot Peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
Clean Fifteen (Least contaminated with pesticide residue)
- Carrots
- Watermelon
- Sweet Potatoes
- Mangoes
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Kiwi
- Honeydew melon
- Asparagus
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Papaya*
- Onions
- Pineapple
- Sweet Corn*
- Avocados
*To avoid genetically modified Papaya and Sweet Corn in the US, shop this produce organic.
Regardless of whether you're buying organic or conventional produce, it is always a good idea to give your veggies a quick wash before prepping. See our preferred veggie wash tips below.
Ingredients:
- 1 pt White Vinegar
- 3 pt Purified Water
Soak for 5-10 mins and give them a rinse with clean water before drying.
Resources
For more information on the EWG visit www.ewg.org.
To read more about the specifics on this year's produce, visit EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™: Blueberries, green beans join the Dirty Dozen™.
