The Dirty Dozen 2024: Prioritizing Organic

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has released its 2024 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, and it's time to update your shopping list! The Dirty Dozen list highlights the fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides.

Here's the Dirty Dozen for 2024:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard & mustard greens
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Nectarines
8. Apples
9. Bell & hot peppers
10. Cherries
11. Green beans

Here's the link to EWG website: Dirty Dozen list here

Why buy organic?

EWG research found 13-23 pesticides in at least one sample of each item on the list for a total of 209 pesticides. More than 90% of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines, and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides.

When you shop for produce on the Dirty Dozen list, we strongly recommend buying the organic version. These items tend to have the highest pesticide contamination when grown conventionally.

By following these tips and knowing more about the content of the produce you eat, you can make informed choices about the produce you buy and reduce your exposure to pesticides.