98% of apples sampled by the USDA contained residues of 56 different pesticides! Pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including brain and nervous system toxicity, cancer, hormone disruption, and skin, eye and lung irritation. That doesn’t mean you should stop eating apples, but it might give you an added incentive to buy organic whenever possible.
The following lists compiled by the Environmental Working Group will help you, your friends and your family make informed decisions. The “Dirty Dozen” includes fruits and vegetables that carry high levels of pesticide residues, while the “Clean Fifteen” have few residues. For more info on the dangers of pesticides, check out our blog post. Here’s to our health! From Jenny Holm’s blog post June 22, 2011, Fresh the Movie website. http://www.freshthemovie.com/2011/06/22/eat-smart-avoiding-pesticides-while-saving-money/
Dirty Dozen: Highest in pesticides – organic is better:
Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines (imported)
Grapes (imported)
Sweet Bell Peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries (domestic)
Lettuce
Kale/Collard Greens
Clean Fifteen: Lowest in pesticides – conventional is okay:
Onions
Sweet Corn
Pineapples
Avocado
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Mangoes
Eggplant
Cantaloupe (domestic)
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Sweet Potatoes
Grapefruit
Mushrooms
Since pesticides are absorbed systemically into the fruit or veggie, washing won’t eliminate them; however, it’s important to wash all produce, organic or conventional.
Make your own produce wash: In a spray bottle, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, and 1 cup cold tap water. Shake well to mix it up, spray on your produce, and rinse before eating.
