The Dirty Dozen: a simple guide to choosing organic, seasonal & local
The Dirty Dozen: a simple guide to choosing organic, seasonal & local
Have you ever heard of the Dirty Dozen?
It’s a list of the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry pesticide residues when grown conventionally. The list is compiled annually from government testing and updated each year; items like berries, leafy greens, grapes, apples, pears, peaches/nectarines, cherries and potatoes often appear. Use it as a clear signal for where to prioritise organic and keep your basket anchored in seasonal, local choices.
Note: the Dirty Dozen is compiled in the U.S., while the EU and other regions publish their own residue monitoring. The core takeaway travels well: for the produce most prone to residues, choose organic — ideally seasonal and local. Click here to learn more.
How to use the Dirty Dozen list, without stress
Prioritise organic for Dirty Dozen-type produce — especially soft-skinned fruit and leafy greens your household eats often.
Go seasonal & local first. Seasonal is fresher, tastes better, and typically needs less energy to grow and store.
Plan your week around a couple of simple bases (grains + legumes + seasonal veg), then rotate toppings and herbs for variety.
When berries are pricey or out of season, switch to seasonal fruit or organic frozen fruit; for greens, rotate sturdier leaves (e.g., cabbage/romaine) alongside tender mixes.
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How to clean “Dirty Dozen” foods at home
Even when you buy organic, cleaning produce helps remove soil, dust, microbes, and field residues.
Rinse under running water. No soaps or detergents. Rub firm skins (apples, pears), brush root veg (potatoes, carrots), separate and rinse leafy greens well. Pat dry.
Optional extra: for firm-skinned fruit, a brief baking-soda soak (about 1 tsp per 2 cups / 500 ml water, 10–15 minutes) before rinsing can reduce certain surface pesticides.
Keep it simple: Water + friction does most of the job.
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A short shopping plan you can start this week
Make a small list: five dinners you’ll actually cook.
Prioritise organic for Dirty Dozen-type items your home eats most.
Choose seasonal & local first; say yes to “imperfect” produce.
Stock budget basics: oats, rice, beans, lentils; add herbs, lemon, good olive oil.
Cook once, eat twice: grains + beans + a tray of seasonal veg = tomorrow’s lunch.
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FAQ: quick answers
Do I need the exact list every year to benefit?
Not really. Use the principle: if you can choose 100% organic food, it’s great. But if not, go organic for the most residue-prone items. Seasonal and local is also high priority. The list shifts slightly, but the pattern stays similar.
Is washing enough to remove pesticides?
Washing helps reduce residues and dirt; it’s still wise to prioritise organic for high-risk produce. Stick to running water (no soaps), rub/brush as appropriate; optional baking-soda soak for firm skins.
Why does The Natural App emphasise organic + seasonal + local?
Because it’s a systemic win: long-term health, thriving small producers, and a food system less dependent on pesticides, fossil oils, plastic and energy-heavy greenhouses. Your daily choices shape that system.
Then, let’s reverse it. Here are the 3 principles to buy CLEAN FOOD:
ORGANIC
LOCAL
SEASONAL
Much easier, no?
One more tip…avoid packaging if you can!
Bring it into your week with The Natural App
If you want this to feel easy, The Natural App maps authentically organic shops, markets and producers and shares small, timely ideas via the Talking Cricket — so your basket stays organic, seasonal, local without the guesswork.
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Sources & further reading
• EWG Dirty Dozen overview and 2025 shopper’s guide summary.
• EU/region-agnostic residue monitoring context and annual reporting.
• FDA/NIFA guidance on washing produce; Consumer Reports on baking-soda soak.