What is the Dirty Dozen list?

The Dirty Dozen list includes the top twelve fruits and veggies with the most pesticides. They are often suggested to buy organic.

How are organic fruits and vegetables different from regular ones?

Organic fruits and veggies are grown without synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and chemical fertilizers. They often have less pesticide residue.

Does organic mean pesticide-free?

Not always. Organic farming can use natural pesticides, but they are generally considered safer. Organic typically means fewer pesticides.

Can washing and peeling non-organic fruits and vegetables get rid of pesticides?

Washing and peeling can reduce pesticides but not remove them completely. Some pesticides are absorbed into the produce.

Are organic fruits and vegetables more nutritious?

Some studies suggest organic produce may have more nutrients, like antioxidants, but the difference is not always significant.

Why are some organic fruits and vegetables not on the Dirty Dozen list?

They may not be on the list because their farming practices use fewer pesticides, or their thick skins protect them from heavy pesticide absorption.

Is it more expensive to buy organic fruits and vegetables?

Yes, organic produce often costs more due to more expensive farming practices and certification costs.

What are some fruits and vegetables not on the Dirty Dozen list that I should buy organic?

Items like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and mangoes might not be on the list but can benefit from being bought organic due to farming practices.

How can I make buying organic more affordable?

You can shop for in-season produce, buy in bulk, or look for store-brand organic items to save money.

Where can I find organic fruits and vegetables?

Organic produce can be found at most supermarkets, farmers markets, health food stores, and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

7 Fruits and Vegetables That Are Not on the Dirty Dozen List That You Should Try to Buy Organic ...

The dirty dozen list is often used by consumers to help them choose what fruits and vegetables to buy organic. As wonderful as this list is, it is important to keep in mind that it only includes the worst offenders. There are still other produce items that contain significant levels of pesticides. These are also fruits and vegetables to buy organic whenever your budget allows. It will increase your grocery bill slightly, but you can feel good knowing that you are limiting your exposure to pesticides.

1. Bananas

Bananas Although bananas are not on the dirty dozen list, it is still a good idea to purchase organic bananas. Banana crops are intensively sprayed with pesticides and fungicides. In fact, it is estimated that cultivators use 35 pounds of pesticides per acre! While bananas do have a thick skin to protect them from pesticides, the fruit does still have some pesticide residue. Peeling bananas doesn’t make them 100 percent pesticide free! Aside from bananas, there are other fruits and vegetables to buy organic that are not on the dirty dozen list.

2. Cherries

Cherries used to be on the dirty dozen list, but they were not included on the list this year. Despite not being included on the dirty dozen list, cherries do still contain significant levels of pesticides that you can’t peel away. During their growth cycle, cherries are sprayed 8 to 10 times with up to 42 different pesticides. To avoid being exposed to all of those pesticides, it is best to purchase organic cherries.

3. Pears

Pears Surprisingly, pears are not included on the dirty dozen list. Yet, they are sprayed with up to 40 different pesticides and they can have significant pesticide residue. They also have a very thin skin that does little to protect them from the pesticides. Therefore, it is a good idea to purchase organic pears.

4. Lettuce

Lettuce Lettuce may not be on the dirty dozen list, but it came close to making the cut, which is why you should still try to buy organic lettuce. Lettuce grows close to the ground and readily absorbs pesticides. Actually, lettuce absorbs so many pesticides that it has the third highest pesticide load of all the vegetables.

5. Green Beans

Eating conventional green beans may seem like it is okay since green beans are not on the dirty dozen list. However, they are sprayed with up to 44 different pesticides. Since the whole green bean is eaten, it is a good idea to purchase organic green beans so you can avoid all of those pesticides.

6. Carrots

Carrots Carrots are another vegetable that may seem like they are okay to eat conventionally since you can peel them. However, carrots readily absorb heavy metals from the soil. In fact, carrots are so good at absorbing heavy metals that they are sometimes used to get rid of arsenic in the soil and then thrown away! Because of their ability to absorb heavy metals, you should stick to organic carrots.

7. Winter Squash

Winter squash may have a hard skin, but it absorbs pesticides that are in the soil into its flesh. Dieldrin is one pesticide in particular that winter squash absorbs from the soil. Dieldrin is a carcinogen and it disrupts hormones. So, while the hard skin may be deceiving, it is worth buying organic squash.

The dirty dozen list is a great list to use as a guide for what produce you need to buy organic. However, there are still other fruits and vegetables that are not on the list that you should try and buy organic. Do you purchase organic produce?

Sources: ewg.org, waterworksvalley.com, nbcnews.com, whatsonmyfood.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dirty Dozen list?: The Dirty Dozen list includes the top twelve fruits and veggies with the most pesticides. They are often suggested to buy organic.
Why should I buy fruits and vegetables that are not on the Dirty Dozen list as organic?: Some fruits and veggies not on the Dirty Dozen might still have pesticide residues. Buying organic can reduce your exposure to these chemicals.
How are organic fruits and vegetables different from regular ones?: Organic fruits and veggies are grown without synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and chemical fertilizers. They often have less pesticide residue.
Does organic mean pesticide-free?: Not always. Organic farming can use natural pesticides, but they are generally considered safer. Organic typically means fewer pesticides.
Can washing and peeling non-organic fruits and vegetables get rid of pesticides?: Washing and peeling can reduce pesticides but not remove them completely. Some pesticides are absorbed into the produce.
Are organic fruits and vegetables more nutritious?: Some studies suggest organic produce may have more nutrients, like antioxidants, but the difference is not always significant.
Why are some organic fruits and vegetables not on the Dirty Dozen list?: They may not be on the list because their farming practices use fewer pesticides, or their thick skins protect them from heavy pesticide absorption.
Is it more expensive to buy organic fruits and vegetables?: Yes, organic produce often costs more due to more expensive farming practices and certification costs.
What are some fruits and vegetables not on the Dirty Dozen list that I should buy organic?: Items like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and mangoes might not be on the list but can benefit from being bought organic due to farming practices.
How can I make buying organic more affordable?: You can shop for in-season produce, buy in bulk, or look for store-brand organic items to save money.
Where can I find organic fruits and vegetables?: Organic produce can be found at most supermarkets, farmers markets, health food stores, and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.

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