.jpg)
Peaches - #1 on the Dirty Dozen
I mentioned in my last article, conventional produce is tempting to many shoppers because it’s usually more affordable. The tradeoff is, of course, that conventional produce is heavily sprayed with pesticides.
According to an Environmental Working Group study, people can lower their pesticide exposure by almost 80 percent by avoiding the top twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated instead. Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables will expose a person to about 10 pesticides per day, on average. However, eating the 15 least contaminated will expose a person to less than 2 pesticides per day.
According to the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, the dirty dozen of most heavily sprayed produce include:
- Peach
- Apple
- Bell pepper
- Celery
- Nectarine
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Grape (imported)
- Carrot
- Pear
If you need to cut back on your organic produce purchases, be smart about it. Fruits and vegetables with inedible peels are usually (but not always) safer. Some crops do not absorb as much pesticides as others. And check the EWG list to be sure that what you chose is cleaner.
For more info:
See the Environmental Working Group Shoppers Guide
Related Articles
Organic coffee - a healthier way to start your day
Find healthy restaurants with Clean Eats NYC
NY Organic Food Examiner Directory
Comments
I haven't read the guides yet, but isn't part of it also how much a given fruit/veg absorbs the pesticides, not just how much they're sprayed? Peaches and nectarines are very porous, but it seems like peppers and carrots wouldn't be? Just curious about the factors involved in a fruit/veg actually carrying the pesticides to our bodies.
Also, it should be noted, the grapes on their "Dirty Dozen" list are imported, not domestic.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, some produce tends to absorb more pesticides than others.
According to the methodology, nearly all of the studies used to create the list was of produce that was tested after being rinsed and peeled.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!