It is still a couple of months before Minnesotans can enjoy planting their own gardens or reap the full benefits of farmer’s markets. Therefore, most of our produce must come from the supermarket. Although organic is best, it can be very expensive. Fortunately, not all produce is necessarily harmful if purchased conventionally. Below are lists of the most harmful conventional produce, termed “The Dirty Dozen,” and the safest conventional produce with the lowest levels of pesticides. Hopefully this will help with the food budget.
The Dirty Dozen (Conventional produce with the highest levels of pesticides)
• Apples
• Celery
• Bell peppers
• Peaches
• Strawberries
• Nectarines
• Grapes
• Spinach
• Lettuce/Kale
• Cucumbers
• Blueberries
• Potatoes
Safe Produce (Conventional produce with the lowest levels of pesticides)
• Onions
• Pineapple
• Avocado
• Cabbage
• Sweet peas
• Asparagus
• Mangoes
• Eggplant
• Kiwi
• Sweet potatoes
• Grapefruit
• Watermelon
How can you tell if it is organic or conventional? Look at the number on the sticker (see picture above). If it begins with the number “9,” it is organic. If it begins with a “4” or a “3” or anything else, it is conventional. Also important to note, organic produce will not be genetically modified.
Other important information:
• Click HERE for information about where organic produce can be purchased in the Twin Cities
• Click HERE to learn the difference between all-natural and organic
• Click HERE for more information about genetically modified food
• Click HERE to learn why grass-fed beef is best
• Click HERE to learn why organic eggs are best
Source: Check out The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website. The EWG is an environmental research and advocacy organization whose mission is to serve as a watchdog to help people make healthier choices. They provide dozens of consumer guides on their website from pesticides in foods, to the best water filters, to information on genetically modified food.
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