2011's Dirty Dozen



The Enviromental Working Group just released its 2011 shoppers guide to pesticides in produce and the results are unexpected (apples topped the list?!).  While I believe that buying organic produce is the best option I know that is not possible for everyone. That being said PLEASE use this "dirty dozen" list to choose what conventional fruits and vegetables should be avoided. (During research most of the samples are washed and peeled before they are tested, just as they would before before you eat them at home).

 

1.Apples
2.Celery
3.Strawberries
4.Peaches
5.Spinach
6.Nectarines (imported)
7.Grapes (imported)
8.Bell Peppers
9.Potatoes
10.Blueberries (domestic)
11.Lettuce
12.Kale/Collard Greens

 

If your only option is to purchase conventional then fresh is still the best choice. And since we all know washing alone will not remove pesticides here is a rinse that can be done that will remove 98% of the bacteria.

• The cleaning method that worked the best was a dilute vinegar rinse (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar).
• For smooth and harder fruits prepare a spray bottle with the rinse and use enough to coat your produce. Then rinse the produce under cold water to remove any residual vinegar flavor.
• For produce with crevices, like broccoli, consider soaking in a solution for a couple of minutes, then rinse well.

Remember the good news is that its Farmer's Market Season!!! Don't forget to visit http://www.localharvest.org/ to find locations near you.

  

Source Treehugger.com and healthyalterego.com