"The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green."

~Thomas Carlyle

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The new dirty dozen it out!!

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When we talk about the importance of avoiding pesticides in our food it is because it is a major health inhibitor. Many people pooh-pooh this information or say organic is too expensive, but that is simply wrong. It is worth it on many fronts, the top two being:

1. keeping harmful chemcials and poisions out of your body and
2. increased vitamin and mineral content.

Those are huge! And I know when I compare an organic head of lettuce with conventional, they cost about the same these days. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has completed a study and provided a handly little pocket sized guide to help us out.

• http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php
• http://www.foodnews.org/reduce.php

If organic is not readily available in your area, then choose a local grower, many of them will not use as much pesticide and definately don't have to spray for transport. Also, wilted dead organic produce doesn't do you any good. If the organic produce looks bad, choose lively local grown. Wash well and enjoy!

The Full List: 43 Fruits & Veggies - See link for full list or downloadable guide :-)
RANK, FRUIT OR VEGGIE, SCORE

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1 (worst) Peaches100 (highest pesticide load)
2 Apples 89
3 Sweet Bell Peppers 86
4 Celery 85
5 Nectarines 84
6 Strawberries 82
7 Cherries 75
8 Pears 65
9 Grapes - Imported 65
10 Spinach 60
11 Lettuce 59
12 Potatoes 58
13 Carrots 57
14 Green Beans 53
15 Hot Peppers 53
16 Cucumbers 52
17 Raspberries 47
18 Plums 45
19 Grapes - Domestic 43
20 Oranges 42