Fruits & Veggies: which have the most/least pesticide levels
Environmental Working Group (EWG) has come out with its Shoppers Guide to Pesticides. Here is a sampling of the best and the worst veggies & fruits to buy based on the pesticide levels in them.
LOWEST IN PESTICIDES:
Avocado
Pineapple
Mangos
Kiwi
Watermelon
Grapefruit
Honeydew Melon
Onions
Sweet Corn (ah, but what about GM)
Sweet Peas
Asparagus
Cabbage
Sweet Potato
Eggplant
HIGHEST IN PESTICIDES:
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Blueberries
Nectarines
Cherries
Grapes (Imported?)
Spinach
Celery
Bell Peppers
The Guide says: The data used to create these lists is based on produce tested as it is typically eaten (meaning washed, rinsed or peeled, depending on the type of produce). Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.
