The new Dirty Dozen for 2021 is out.  It usually takes a few months to come up with the new list because the Environmental Working Group (EWG) needs to coordinate all the data from the previous year. These are the items that you MUST purchase organic at the grocery store in order to avoid pesticide residues and agricultural exposures.

Sadly strawberries are once again at the top of the list.  And the green category has expanded with both collards and mustard greens joining kale in the #3 spot. If you’re a big dark leafy greens eater (and you should be) it’s definitely important to make sure you’re getting the organic version of these.  In a new addition to the list the EWG has added both bell peppers and hot peppers. 

 

It’s important to remember that with anything on this list you must think about all iterations of that fruit or vegetable. For example grapes. If you’re buying organic grapes you’re also going to want to buy organic grape juice, organic raisins, and, yes, organic wine.  Just because a particular produce item is processed in some way does not magically make the pesticides go away.

 

While citrus fruit did not make the Dirty Dozen list it’s worth noting that the EWG issued a special report because they are trending upwards in pesticide residue levels. 

 

One other important note, when purchasing organic for these Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables you are not only avoiding the pesticide residue, you may be getting a healthier version. There are studies which seem to indicate that organic produce has higher levels of antioxidant polyphenols which in turn is beneficial for the immune system.  Plus organic farming tends to be more sustainable for the soil that the produce is grown in.

 

It’s hard to remember which 12 are on the list. The easy way to stay on top of it is to download the free guide from the Environmental Working Group.