THE DIRTY DOZEN AND THE CLEAN 15 - 2020 EDITION

    The 12 dirty crops fed with pesticides and the 15 clean ones with least amount of pesticides. This was brought out by the Environmental Working Group, an american NGO, pointing out at the levels of contamination in the foods we eat and to protect ourselves from the exposure to harmful chemicals in daily life.

Each year, they publish a new list of fruits and vegetables, accordingly.

 Here, the list shows, foods available in India, released by specialists who has finalised this data after a lot of research and communication with farmers. Also visit here.

Jaivik Bharat is a good initiative from the Indian government. 

The dirty 12 are those which gets plenty of chemical pesticide spraying and dipping, that makes them ineligible to be consumed in a day or may be even for 28 days!!

Do not go by their looks...because looks can be deceiving indeed.

For instance, a dull and dim cabbage is recommended over a shiny green one. And that describes it all!

The clean ones does not mean that they are free of chemicals. Its just that, very little quantity are used compared to the dirty group. For some like pineapples, they have very thick skin that blocks the penetration of pesticides to an extent.

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION?

The list put up here is only to keep us alert while picking up a vegetable or fruit. It becomes mandatory, that we are well informed about these aspects, so that many ailments could be avoided as a result of consuming these harmful chemicals.

Nowadays, organic farming industry has become very popular. We may as well buy organic foods in place of the dirty 12! But for some, the prices are questionable. For those who do not want to spend too much on organic options...do not worry.

Just follow this👇

1.  Buying inorganic food from the clean 15 lists are always better while comparing with the dirty 12. Thereby money can be saved.
2. Try to buy seasonal foods.
3. Wash fruits/vegetables, thoroughly before consuming.
4.  Avoid eating the dirty 12.
5. Home gardening of micro greens are always a good option.

DIRTY 12

1. Mangoes
2. Strawberries
3. Apples
4. Grapes
5. Cherries
6. Papaya
7. Bananas
8. Spinach
9. Cabbage
10. Brinjal
11. Cauliflower
12. Tomatoes

CLEAN 15

1. Pumpkin
2. Watermelon
3. Pineapple
4. Orange
5. Jackfruit
6. Pomegranate
7. Radish
8. Carrot
9. Beetroot
10. Sweet Potato
11. All gourds
12. Okra
13. Potato
14. Mint
15. Coriander

THINGS TO REMEMBER👍

We cannot completely avoid pesticides and nor can we blame anyone in particular , because as the population increases, demands increase. To meet the needs of the growing population, the farm yields also need to be increased. Thereby farmers are forced to use these chemicals. Hence, by keeping ourselves updated with the useful informations regarding seasonal and regional foods, and by following the above mentioned tips, we could protect ourselves as well as our family from the effects of pesticides.

In another edition, let's discuss everything about micro greens.

Grow your own variety now...