Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Expense And Which Aren't
Submitted by Kim Allison
Posted on 25 Dec, 2021
Posted on 25 Dec, 2021
Most of us know that going organic is better for the environment and good for our health.... but if you're pinching pennies (and who isn't these days?), choose from this list to avoid the foods with the most pesticide residue. The fruits and vegetables on this list require minimal intervention in order to flourish, and in their non-organic form contain the least amount of chemicals.
Onion Onions don't see as many pest threats, which means less pesticide spraying. |
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Avocado Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up. |
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Sweet Corn Sweet corn may take a lot of fertilizer to grow, but you're unlikely to end up with any pesticides on the kernels. |
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Pineapple You won't be eating the tough pineapple skin, which protects the fruit from pesticide residue. As with all your produce, you should rinse the pineapple before cutting. |
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Mango Sweet mango flesh is protected by its thick skin from pesticides. Still, you'll want to rinse under water before cutting open. |
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Asparagus Asparagus face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used. |
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Sweet Peas Sweet peas are among the least likely vegetables to have pesticide residue, according to the Environmental Working Group's latest survey of government data. |
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Kiwi Kiwi peel provides a barrier from pesticides. Give them a rinse before cutting. |
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Cabbage Cabbage doesn't hold on to so many pesticides because a ton of spraying isn't required to grow it. What it does hold onto is beta carotene: It's a superfood! |
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Eggplant Maybe it's the thick skin, but eggplants are among the least likely to be contaminated by pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group. |
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Papaya Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but be sure to give them a wash before slicing open. |
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Watermelon With that rind, watermelon has a natural defense against the onslaught of any chemical. |
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Broccoli Conventional broccoli doesn't retain so many pesticides because the crop faces fewer pest threats, which means less spraying. |
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Tomatoes Tomatoes were on the 2008 Dirty Dozen list of foods with the most pesticide residue, but the latest update finds them cleaner than most. Why? The Environmental Working Group isn't sure. |
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Sweet Potatoes Not only are sweet potatoes unlikely to be contaminated with pesticides, they're also a superfood, packed with Vitamin A and beta carotene. |
The Dirty Dozen List
There are a number of fruits and vegetables that are often laden with pesticides and other chemicals and should be at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to converting to organic. Most of these foods are generally consumed with the skin on, so even peeling them or a good wash may not remove all the residual nasties.
Apples | Lettuce | ||
Capsicum | Nectarines | ||
Blueberries | Peaches | ||
Celery | Potatoes | ||
Grapes | Strawberries | ||
Cucumber | Spinach |
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