Categories: Food

Clean 15: Produce You Don't Have to Buy Organic

Now that we’ve revealed the Dirty Dozen, it’s time to reveal the “Clean 15”, or produce that’s OK to buy non-organic. Most often, fruits & veggies that have “thick skins” tend to be safe for consumption. Here they are, ranked starting from lowest in pesticides:

  • Onion
  • Avocado
  • Sweet Corn
  • Pineapple
  • Mango
  • Asparagus
  • Sweet Peas
  • Kiwi
  • Cabbage
  • Eggplant
  • Papaya
  • Watermelon
  • Broccoli
  • Tomato
  • Sweet Potato

This guide assumes that consumers will rinse or peel fresh produce, so still use caution when preparing foods.  Also, check for updates. For example, tomatoes tend to bounce from the ‘dirty’ to OK list frequently. Also, bananas tend to be on the ‘safe’ side since the pesticide stays on the peel.

Check out the Daily Green’s List of Clean Produce for longer explanations.

Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Eco Explainer: What are Green Building Certifications?

Unsure what those building plaques mean? Breaking down LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, and…

23 hours ago

Philly’s new big cats, PGW rate hike reduction, watershed survey & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Philadelphia Zoo welcomes two feline arrivals. Rory, a…

6 days ago

Circle Compost and Rabbit Recycling unite to make it easier to go zero waste in Philly

New bundled service offers residents discounted composting and recycling options to keep waste out of…

7 days ago

Controversial SEPTA funding, heat adaptation, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: PA lawmakers propose controversial funding structure for SEPTA.…

2 weeks ago

Wissahickon Trails connects land, water, and people

The upper portion of the watershed is ready to be discovered Ask any Philadelphian to…

2 weeks ago

Pruning for paving, or trees in trouble?

City crews say they’re taking care to preserve trees during road repairs, but advocates argue…

2 weeks ago