Summer Produce....Organic Vs. Non-Organic, The Dirty Dozen Vs. The Clean 15

Summer is the time of plenty when we are all consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables. Buying organic is expensive, so here is a simple way to know when it is essential and when you are wasting your money.

The Dirty Dozen: For produce on this list you should always buy organic!celerypeachesstrawberriesapplesdomestic blueberries nectarinessweet bell peppersspinach, kale and collard greenscherriespotatoesimported grapeslettuce

The Clean 15: these fruits and vegetables are safe to consume in non-organic form...onionsavocadossweet cornpineapplesmangosweet peasasparaguskiwi fruitcabbageeggplantcantaloupewatermelon grapefruitsweet potatoessweet onions

These lists were put together by the US Department of Agriculture by measuring the amount of pesticide residue in non-organic fruits and vegetables after they had been washed. Produce on the first list, "the Dirty Dozen," tested positive for 47 different chemicals after being washed - therefore, it is best to buy these items organic. Fruits and vegetables on the "Clean 15" bore little to no traces of pesticides after being washed and are therefore safe to consume in non-organic form.

*reference, PBS and Dr. Mark Liponis Ultralongevity