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In case you aren’t aware, there is The Dirty Dozen list. 

Come spring and summer, like clockwork, our daily intake of fruits and vegetables soar.

I am no exception to this rule, especially now that I take part in a juicing regimen.

However, I’m always aware of The Dirty Dozen.

What is The Dirty Dozen?

The Dirty Dozen are 12 fruits and vegetables that are deemed “dirty.”

“Dirty” in this context means that they are filled with pesticides and chemicals.

The problem is that not all fruits and vegetables are created equal. 

Organic Vegetables

And I mean this on many different levels, but today I mean it from an organic vs. non-organic perspective.

And for today I’m “picking on” just one – celery.

In an issue of Health, it was noted (about Celery) that,

When researchers at the EWG analyzed 89,000 produce-pesticide tests to determine the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, celery topped the chart. “In terms of the sheer number of chemicals, it was the worst.” Celery stalks are very porous, so they retain the pesticides they’re sprayed with – up to 13 of them, according to the EWG analysis.

If you are going to invest in your health by upping your fruit and vegetable intake, be sure to make it count.

Don’t negate all the good you are trying to do for your body by placing chemicals along with those fruits and vegetables.

The Dirty Dozen List

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1. strawberries
2. spinach
3. kale
4. nectarines
5. apples
6. grapes
7. peaches
8. pears
9. tomatoes
10. celery
11. potatoes
12. bell hot peppers

(Source: EWG)

As often as possible, try to purchase The Dirty Dozen from the organic produce selections. And while this sounds ideal and like a no-brainer, I understand that food costs are rising.

Non-organic food is expensive, much less the premium price you’ll pay for organic.

Here is what we do with The Rising Cost of Food.

Updated in 2020 to add: The Dirty Dozen plus Clean 15 lists are updated and both can be found in my book, The Leaky Gut Meal Plan: 4 Weeks to Detox and Improve Digestive Health. 

Do you buy Organic? Sometimes? Never?

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

1. The Gutsy Girl’s Bible
2. A Gutsy Girl’s Master Resource
3. Kale and Your Gut

Xox,
SKH