Every year, the Environmental Working Group compiles an annual Shopper's Guide To Pesticides In Produce list of foods with the least and most pesticides and for 2021 (for the sixth year in a row), strawberries have the unflattering distinction of being the most likely to contain contaminated pesticide residues. Their testing found that 90% of strawberries had at least one pesticide and 30% had 10 or more! And you thought washing your fruits and veggies off was silly? Think again! Here’s a look at the ‘worst offenders’ and the best best!
List of fruits and vegetables with the MOST Pesticides
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard
- Mustard
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
List Of Fruits And Vegetables With The LEAST Pesticides
(the“Clean Fifteen”)
- Sweet corn
- Onions
- Frozen peas
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Honeydew melon
- Cantaloupe
- Avocado (what, you didn’t know that it’s actually a fruit!?)
Besides eating from the list of the Clean Fifteen, experts say that washing your produce before eating is smart – and suggest eating organic when it’s possible. Of course, it also helps to buy local in season, and freeze what don’t eat, but want for later.
Source:CNN