Organic Foods: to spend, or not to spend, that is the question (for me!). I used to buy mostly organic, and I loved it! I focused on buying foods that were listed on the dirty dozen list such as sweet peppers, apples, potatoes, and spinach. When we needed to cut back on some expenses, I took another look at how much organic items I was buying, and I made a decision to buy some of these dirty dozen foods in the non-organic aisle. When a sale hits in the grocery stores, I enjoy the organic foods again, of course!
What is really neat is that we have our own apple tree! This year, I decided to bake homemade apple pie with the family from our organic apples. The kids love to have me grab an apple for them to eat from the apple tree much of the time. I, however, prefer my sweeter organic
apples from the store! I have tried our apples, and I have decided to stick with the ones from the store over ours. My family really enjoyed the apple pie! For pictures of our baking fun, see below!
The dirty dozen list consists of these 12 foods below as determined from the Environmental Working Group (or EWG) (Kritic, 2020)
1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Peaches
8. Cherries
9. Pears
10. Tomatoes
11. Celery
12. Potatoes
Fruit Growers News comments on how “The Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list misleads consumers and is based on inaccurate reporting” (2019). The Mayo Clinic also confirms that “…there is limited information to draw conclusions about how
these differences [in organic versus non-organic foods] translate into overall health benefits” (2020).
Here is some good news whether you shop organic or not: “…the FDA says washing your produce under running tap water often removes or eliminates any residues on organic and conventionally grown produce that may be present” (Fruit Growers News, 2019).
My advice: enjoy your fruit and vegetables, and refer to choosemyplate.gov for daily recommendations of nutrition needs or your health! If you are interested in learning more about how you can incorporate a balanced diet in your life successfully long-term, contact me
at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up a time to e-meet, and I will share with you the various options for Virtual Wellness Coaching with me that are available.
Critics say EWG’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ list is inaccurate and harmful (Fruit Growers News). 20, March 2019.
- https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/critics-say-ewgs-dirty-dozen-list-is-inaccurate-and-harmful/
Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? (The Mayo Clinic). 08, April 2020.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/organic-food/art-20043880
What Are the Dirty Dozen Foods? Take a Look at the Full 2020 List (Better Housekeeping). Zee Krstic. 14, July 2020.
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a31916678/dirty-dozen-foods-2020-list/
