Okay, so we know it’s a very good thing for babies to eat organic food: it reduces the pesticides going into their immature systems, and keeps things as natural as possible. But let’s face it, it can be really expensive! Is there any way to get the benefits of organic fruit and veg without breaking the bank?

Luckily, there is. The Environmental Working Group, a US-based nonprofit organisation which advocates for public health, publishes a couple of handy lists every year to help parents out. The “Dirty Dozen” are the twelve worst offenders: fruits and veggies that consistently test high in pesticide residues (even after washing). And the “Clean Fifteen” are just the opposite: they tend to have minimal pesticide residues, even when they’re farmed conventionally.

If you have both these lists at your side, shopping smart is a breeze: just buy Dirty Dozen produce in the organic section, and don’t worry about spending extra on organic for the Clean Fifteen. That way, even if you can’t afford to go 100% organic, your whole family can avoid the worst culprits (and reduce your pesticide consumption by close to 80%) in an affordable way.

Here’s your official list, and a link to a downloadable version from the EWG – print it out and keep it with your grocery carry-bags, and you’ll never go astray. (Or better yet, get their Android or  iPhone app!)

 Did any of these surprise you?