✨ Do I Buy Everything Organic? Nope. And Here’s Why…

I get asked this a lot — “Char, do you always buy organic?” Truth? Nope. Health coaches and Nutritionists aren’t perfect (shocking, I know 😅).

While I do aim to eat mostly organic and use organic ingredients in my recipes, it’s not always realistic. Sometimes it’s about budget, sometimes availability. And honestly, not everything needs to be organic.

That’s where the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 lists come in. Thank you Environmental Working Group! They come out with this helpful list every year.

🥀 The Dirty Dozen — These are the fruits and veggies that tend to have the highest pesticide residues. If you’re going to invest in organic, start here.
🌱 The Clean 15 — These usually have the lowest pesticide residues, so you can feel better about buying conventional versions.

👉 In 2025, the EWG actually updated their methodology to not just count pesticide residues but to factor in toxicity levels. (Translation: we’re finally looking at the true risk, not just how many sprays they used).

And here’s the cool part: a lot of small farmers use organic methods but don’t have the official (and pricey) certification. So when I shop at my local farmer’s market, I ask questions. If they’re using organic practices, I’ll happily buy their produce — even if it’s on the Dirty Dozen.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being “perfect.” It’s about making smarter choices, balancing your budget, and doing what works for your health right now.

And lucky us — avocados made the Clean 15 again. 🥑

Eating locally and seasonally isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors, nutrient-rich foods, and thriving communities. Right now, so many of my favorite produce items are in season, and I can’t get enough of crisp cucumbers (perfect for a refreshing salad!), juicy watermelon, colorful peppers and carrots, sweet corn, green beans, and tender peas. Seasonal eating ensures you’re enjoying fruits and vegetables at their peak—flavorful, nutrient-dense, and better for your health.

When choosing what to buy organic or conventional, the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists are a great guide:

Dirty Dozen (best organic): 🍓 Strawberries, 🍎 Apples, 🍊 Nectarines, 🍐 Pears, 🍌 Grapes, 🍒 Cherries, 🥬 Spinach, 🥦 Kale & collards, 🥕 Carrots, 🍅 Tomatoes, 🌶️ Bell peppers, 🥒 Cucumbers. Organic here means fewer pesticides and no GMOs. (Organic is always NonGMO, whereas NonGMO does not mean it was grown organically.)

Clean 15 (conventional is usually fine): 🥑 Avocados, 🍍 Pineapple, 🥭 Mangoes, 🥥 Coconut, 🍋 Lemons & limes, 🍉 Watermelon, 🍌 Bananas, 🌽 Sweet corn (buy organic if you don’t want GMO, Peas, 🥔 Sweet potatoes, 🍈 Honeydew/cantaloupe, Onions, 🥬 Cabbage, 🥭 Papaya.

Visiting farmers markets is one of my favorite ways to get fresh, seasonal produce while supporting local growers.

Why shopping seasonally (and locally) rocks:

  • 🍓 Peak flavor: Fruits & veggies taste amazing when they’re in season.

  • 🌎 Better for the planet: Less travel = lower carbon footprint.

  • 💰 Saves you money: Seasonal produce is usually cheaper.

  • 🥗 More nutrients: Foods picked at peak ripeness pack the most vitamins.

  • 🤝 Support local farmers: Your community benefits, and so do you.

💡 Pro tip: Pair seasonal shopping with your Dirty Dozen / Clean 15 guide to maximize health, minimize pesticides, and skip GMOs—all while enjoying delicious, fresh food!

Now that you know what to buy organic, check the link below for what’s in season 🌱

Farm to Table TX has a fabulous seasonal produce chart.

https://www.farmtotabletx.com/our-products/seasonal-produce-chart/