“You can reduce your exposure to pesticides by up to 80 percent by buying the organic version of the Dirty Dozen.While I am not a big proponent of big media CNN posted this on their “Health” blog. The dirty dozen concept has been around for quite awhile. Also listed below are the clean 15.

The best case scenario is that you grow your own produce of course.  Next,  if you cant grow your own be cognizant of the dirty dozen and at least buy these from your local organic growers.

The Dirty Dozen

Celery

Peaches

Strawberries

Apples

Domestic blueberries

Nectarines

Sweet bell peppers

Spinach, kale and collard greens

Cherries

Potatoes

Imported grapes

Lettuce

Not all non-organic fruits and vegetables have a high pesticide level. Some produce has a strong outer layer that provides a defense against pesticide contamination. The group found a number of non-organic fruits and vegetables dubbed the “Clean 15” that contained little to no pesticides. CNN Health Channel

The Clean 15

Onions

Avocados

Sweet corn

Pineapples

Mango

Sweet peas

Asparagus

Kiwi fruit

Cabbage

Eggplant

Cantaloupe

Watermelon

Grapefruit

Sweet potatoes

Sweet onions