Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to protect crops from pests and diseases. While they serve a purpose, they can also be harmful to humans when consumed. The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists include fruits and vegetables that are most likely to contain the highest and lowest levels of pesticides.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) compiles this list each year based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Here are the top 12 fruits and vegetables on the Dirty Dozen list:

  1. Strawberries: Strawberries top the Dirty Dozen list year after year. According to the EWG, strawberries are often contaminated with multiple pesticides, and the chemicals used on them are linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental damage, hormone disruption, and neurological problems.
  2. Spinach: Spinach is another vegetable that consistently ranks high on the Dirty Dozen list. Pesticides used on spinach have been linked to cancer, thyroid problems, and developmental delays in children.
  3. Kale: Kale, a popular superfood, is also heavily contaminated with pesticides. Some of the chemicals found on kale are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems.
  4. Nectarines: Nectarines are a type of stone fruit that is often contaminated with multiple pesticides. Some of these chemicals are linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and damage to the nervous system.
  5. Apples: Apples are a popular fruit that is also heavily contaminated with pesticides. The chemicals used on apples are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental and reproductive problems.
  6. Grapes: Grapes are often treated with a high number of pesticides, many of which have been linked to cancer and developmental problems.
  7. Peaches: Peaches are a juicy and delicious fruit, but unfortunately, they are also heavily contaminated with pesticides. Some of the chemicals found on peaches are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental and reproductive problems.
  8. Cherries: Cherries are another type of fruit that is often treated with multiple pesticides. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and damage to the nervous system.
  9. Pears: Pears are a nutritious and tasty fruit, but unfortunately, they are also contaminated with pesticides. The chemicals found on pears are linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and damage to the nervous system.
  10. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a staple in many diets, but they are often treated with a high number of pesticides. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and damage to the nervous system.
  11. Celery: Celery is a vegetable that is often heavily contaminated with pesticides. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and damage to the nervous system.
  12. Potatoes: Potatoes are a popular vegetable that is often treated with a high number of pesticides. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and damage to the nervous system.

While the Dirty Dozen list may seem daunting, there are ways to reduce your exposure to pesticides. Buying organic fruits and vegetables can help, as can washing produce thoroughly before consuming it. Additionally, choosing fruits and vegetables that are not on the Dirty Dozen list can also help reduce your exposure to pesticides.

In addition to the Dirty Dozen, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) also compiles a list of fruits and vegetables that are least likely to be contaminated with pesticides, known as the Clean Fifteen. These are the top 15 fruits and vegetables on the Clean Fifteen list:

  1. Avocado: Avocados are the cleanest produce item, with less than 1% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  2. Sweet corn: Sweet corn is also relatively free of pesticides, with less than 2% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  3. Pineapple: Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  4. Onion: Onions are a staple in many diets, and they are generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  5. Papaya: Papaya is a tropical fruit that is relatively free of pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  6. Sweet peas (frozen): Frozen sweet peas are generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  7. Eggplant: Eggplants are a nutritious vegetable that is relatively free of pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  8. Asparagus: Asparagus is another nutritious vegetable that is generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  9. Broccoli: Broccoli is a popular vegetable that is relatively free of pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  10. Cabbage: Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  11. Kiwi: Kiwi is a tangy fruit that is relatively free of pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  12. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that is generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  13. Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in many dishes, and they are generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  14. Honeydew melon: Honeydew melon is a sweet fruit that is relatively free of pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.
  15. Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is another sweet fruit that is generally low in pesticides, with less than 10% of samples showing any detectable pesticides.

Baking soda is a natural and effective way to clean fruits and vegetables. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Fill a clean bowl with cold water.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the water and stir until it dissolves.
  3. Place the fruits or vegetables in the bowl and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Use a brush or your hands to gently scrub the produce to remove any dirt or debris.
  5. Rinse the fruits or vegetables thoroughly with cold water to remove any remaining baking soda residue.
  6. Dry the produce with a clean towel or let them air-dry.

Baking soda works by neutralizing the acidity of the produce, which helps to break down any wax, pesticide, or other residues on the surface. This method is safe and non-toxic, and it can be used on all types of fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, berries, and root vegetables.

It’s important to note that while baking soda is effective in removing surface contaminants, it may not remove all pesticide residues that have penetrated the skin or are present in the flesh of the produce. Therefore, it’s still recommended to buy organic produce when possible or to peel the skin of non-organic produce to reduce pesticide exposure.

Overall, the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists are useful tools for consumers who want to reduce their exposure to pesticides in their diets. However, it’s important to note that even though these fruits and vegetables are generally low in pesticides, it’s still a good idea to wash them thoroughly before consuming to remove any residual pesticide residue.