The dirty dozens? That sounds like a movie and indeed there is a 1967 movie with the same name. It featured stars such as Charles Bronson and Telly Savalas. However, this post is not about entertainment.
The dirty dozen to which I am referring relates to the list of 12 fruits and vegetables which contain the highest level of pesticides.
This list is compiled annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). According to them, these are the crops treated with the highest levels, volumes and varieties of pesticides.
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard & mustard greens
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell & hot Peppers
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Celery
- Tomatoes
some of my strawberry plants
So what can one do about it?
If possible buy or grow organic fruits and vegetables. This can prove to be quiet expensive. If possible, plant some vegetables.
Luckily not all good foods need to be organic. The same organization, EWG, also compiles a list of foods grown in the conventional way which do not contain as much pesticides. These are typically foods with shells or casings such as avocados, peas, pineapples, potatoes, sweet corn and mangoes. However, be aware that corn can also be grown from gmo seeds.
It is unfortunate that strawberries are at the top of the dirty dozens list. It’s truly a pity as so many people love strawberries.
If you have seen my previous garden blog, you will know that I have planted strawberries and I am trying to ensure that I have enough for the entire summer. My children love strawberries. Hopefully this year we will lessen our toxic load a bit. This was my first harvest. It was an exciting moment.
I’ve planted 4 other items from the dirty dozen list, on my balcony: spinach, celery, bell peppers and tomatoes. The latter 2 are still inside my house as the weather is not yet consistently warm.
“Healthy happy green” update: harvest
In addition to strawberries-we have been enjoying all types of lettuces and arugula from my table garden. I was very pleased with this harvest and I had enough to share with my neighbors.
Doesn’t it look healthy? The salad was delicious.
yummy...i love the strawberry....well done momo nd happy fifth hive birthday..
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Many thanks
Interesting post. We do grow some of our own fruits and vegetables but we have limited space as well.
Happy 5th Hive Birthday!
Thanks for the birthday greetings although I have been swagger a while - I am back now.
It is great that you plant something despite lack of space. I have a table garden, grow bags and pots.
Grow bags are a brilliant invention. They work so well in small spaces.
Nice strawberries!
@amberyooper Nice to see that you’re still here. Hope all is well.
The Dirty Dozen was such an awesome movie I remember watching it with my dad when I was a kid. Good stuff! My wife and I eat a lot of fruits and veggies. In the summer we try to get to the farm market as much as possible versus buying stuff in the store. We also try to grow our own, but it doesn't always work out so well. I found this post on Listnerds
Hi @bozz why doesn't gardening turn out so well for you? Going to the farmer 's market is also great. So u have seen the Dirty Dozens - I had to think of it.
I tend to kill most things that I try to plant.
Oh no -a pity
Definitely a reason to grow your own food is to avoid the dirty dozen!
Indeed - I wish I could plant more things. Maybe because this far my table system is o successful. I have a new appreciation for homesteaders.
Oh my, those strawberries make me drool.
Yes you can imagine that they were absolutely tasty - yum. I was in strawberry heaven.
Great information to know. I had no idea that those 12 were at the top of the list. I guess they are most susceptible to insects. Thanks for sharing.
Yes I think so hence all the spraying otherwise it would not be a commercial success. Unfortunately, there is always a trade off.