Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen

What is the difference between organic and conventional produce?

Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. In addition, no genetically modified organism or GMOS are allowed. We know that organic produce can be really expensive. A great shopping tip we use here at the farm is to buy the items from the EWG (environmental working groups) Clean 15 from the conventional section of the grocery store and only spend money on organic produce when it is on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list.

Washing fruits and vegetables does not remove all pesticide residues, however it is important to wash all fruits and vegetables that come into your home, especially now while we are all coping with the challenges presented by the spread of COVID 19.

While there are studies linking excessive pesticide exposure to health issues, it is still better to eat conventional fruits and vegetables rather than no fruits and vegetables at all.

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THE CLEAN FIFTEEN

These conventionally grown produce items have the lowest amount of pesticide residues after being washed.

Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapple
Onions
Papaya
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Eggplant
Asparagus
Cauliflower
Cantaloupes
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Cabbage
Honeydew
Melon Kiwi

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THE DIRTY DOZEN

The produce on this list has the highest level of pesticides after being washed.

Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes