Annual List of Fruits and Veggies With the Most/Least Pesticides

Every year the Environmental Working Group releases a list of fruits and vegetables that contain the highest amount of pesticides. They call the list "The Dirty Dozen", and it came out earlier this week. Experts at the non profit organization stress that the residue of pesticides is usually well below federal guidelines, and eating your daily amount of fruit and vegetables is till very important. An article in Good Housekeeping says experts compile their information based on elevated levels that may be "concerning".

The organization also published a follow-up report that includes store bought hummus and chick peas that are either canned, packaged or fresh on the list.

But, the good news is, they also publish the "Clean 15", which is fruit and vegetables with the least amount of pesticides. Both of those lists are below. Honestly, I hope I'm not the only one who is surprised about which ones end up on the respective lists. It's good information to know, especially for parents who are trying to get their kids to eat healthy this summer. Happy eating, and y'all be careful out there!

DIRTY DOZEN:

1.  Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Peaches
8. Cherries
9. Pears
10. Tomatoes
11. Celery
12. Potatoes

CLEAN 15:

1. Avocados
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet Peas, frozen
7. Eggplant
8. Asparagus
9. Cauliflower
10. Cantalope
11. Broccoli
12. Mushrooms
13. Cabbage
14. Honeydew Melon
15. Kiwi