Each year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates produce for the amount of pesticide residue. The dirty dozen are the fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides. In 2023 they are strawberries, greens (spinach, kale, collard, and mustard), peaches, pears, nectarines, apples, grapes, peppers (bell and hot), cherries, blueberries, and green beans. It is safer to purchase organic.
The cleanest are the fruits and vegetables with the least pesticides. In 2023 they are avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, sweet peas, asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, mushrooms, mangoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, and carrots.
Note:The EWG doesn’t rate for glyphosate and GMO produce.
For more information contact the Environmental Working Group – www.ewg.org/
How do you select fruits and vegetables in the grocery store?