5 dirtiest fruits and Veggies

@savypat (20216)
United States
October 5, 2008 11:05am CST
Veggie Tales of Pesticides Regardless of which fruits and vegetables you prefer, there are ways to reduce your exposure to pesticides. Thoroughly washing your fruits and vegetables can remove excess dirt, bacteria, and any residues that may be present. Commercial produce washes are available to remove unwanted chemicals, although soap and water work just fine. Even washing your hands can remove any risks that pesticides may pose. When possible, stay away from these vegetables that the Environmental Working Group has said are the dirtiest. Bell peppers. A staple in chili and salads alike, the bell pepper can be a sweet way to work vegetables into your diet. Yet, when it comes to being clean, the bell pepper just doesn't cut it. Bell peppers are high in vitamins A, C, and B6, so if you're trying to find a low pesticide replacement, opt for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green peas, or romaine lettuce. Celery. Celery is high in carotenoids, which can help boost the immune system. What's more, you can actually burn calories when snacking on a few sticks of celery. Yet, the truth remains: This calorie cutter may boost your pesticide exposure. Easy ways to catch your carotenoids are in carrots, broccoli, and radishes. Filthy Fruit Peeling fruits such as peaches or apples can greatly reduce the risk of ingesting potentially harmful chemicals. Even if you take off the rind, it’s still a good idea to wash the fruit, too, especially if you’re choosing one of these dirty fruits identified by the Environmental Working Group. Peaches. High in vitamins A and C, peaches are an excellent antioxidant and can help prevent sicknesses such as the common cold. However, the peach tested worst in overall pesticide load. Consider grapefruit, cantaloupe, or oranges as easy peel-able ways to get crucial vitamins. Apples. Whether you enjoy Macintosh, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith, apples have been found to have the second highest pesticide load. Although they are high in potassium, and vitamins A and C, you may want to shy away from the innocent-looking apple if pesticides are a concern. Bananas, kiwi, watermelon, and tangerines are all excellent replacements—unless of course you're making a pie. Nectarines. Cousin to the peach, the nectarine is known for its subtle combination of sweet and sour. Also high in vitamins A and C, the nectarine can serve a multitude of functions for the body. But don't be deceived—the nectarine is just as guilty as the peach when it comes to pesticides. Oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, and tangerines are not only great sources of essential vitamins, but also give you that sweet and sour taste you were going for. I found this very interesting and I am sure going to take more care in using these. Did you know about these? And if you did what aare your doing to clean them?
2 people like this
4 responses
@arpitaman (170)
• India
5 Oct 08
Hi i know i mean there are so many pesticides and harmful chemiclas but luckily my pop is an agriculture scientist so he knew a bit about it and told us. There are some more veggies and fruits which contain high amount of chemicals to name a feww:- Cabbage Brinjal Lady Fingers Most of the legumes like peas And in case of fruits Pomgranate Papaya Banana These are some fruits and veggies having max harmul chemicals in them In ordr to avoid them Here are a few tips: Develope a kitchen garden Buy organic stuff there are on many retail brands which offer organic stuff Wash them thorougly in warm water with a pinch of slalt , throw the water away and there are always substitutes for fruits and vegetable go for the one which are easily grown in your country especially the one with thick peels Like btter gourd, pumpkin, Oranges etc.........
2 people like this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Oct 08
Thanks for your additional info. I try to buy organic whenever i can. Also thanks for the response
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Oct 08
An easy (although a little more expensive) way to avoid all of these pesticides and other chemical problems is to buy only organic fruits and vegetables. To be labeled organic, pesticides, herbicides and any other chemicals cannot be used on the produce. Besides that, studies have concluded that produce grown naturally, without added chemicals, are higher in nutrients. With the price of everything going up, I've noticed that the difference between organic produce and "regular" produce has narrowed quite a bit.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Oct 08
do you think the price has gone down or the regular price has gone up? Thanks for the response.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Oct 08
The regular price has gone up. I haven't noticed much, if any, price increase in organic produce.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Oct 08
do you think the price has gone down or the regualr produce price has gone up? Thanks for the response
• United States
5 Oct 08
Jeez, Savypat! All my favorite thngs are filthy! d no idea, but I sure am glad I always wash them well. Is anything really safe to ingest anymore?
1 person likes this
@fasttalker (2796)
• United States
5 Oct 08
VTHis is very helpful information. I always wash my fresh veggies and fruits and just nver understood why some don't. Even if you for some reason thought they were free of the pesticides did anyone ever think about how many have handled them before they were so neatly packaged and some are not even packaged so how many hands have picked them up in the store and examined them and put them back for whatever reason? YUCK! LOL Hopefully your info will help people to slow down and think before thy just eat something. Thanks for the info and have a good day!
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Oct 08
With these little bits of info if we can one person from getting sick or better yet their kids, it will be worth discussing this. Thanks for your response