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Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Expense And Which Aren't


Submitted by Kim Allison
Posted on 25 Dec, 2021


Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Expense And Which Aren't

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.
Avocado
Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.
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.
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.
Mango
Sweet mango flesh is protected by its thick skin from pesticides. Still, you'll want to rinse under water before cutting open.
Asparagus
Asparagus face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used.
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.
Kiwi
Kiwi peel provides a barrier from pesticides. Give them a rinse before cutting.
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!
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.
Papaya
Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but be sure to give them a wash before slicing open.
Watermelon
With that rind, watermelon has a natural defense against the onslaught of any chemical.
Broccoli
Conventional broccoli doesn't retain so many pesticides because the crop faces fewer pest threats, which means less spraying.
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.

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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