From a review of the USDA’s tests of washed fruits and vegetables, here’s a tidy list of the foods to avoid (or opt for organic, or grow at home! #Gardening) and the foods to favor:
“Clean 15”
- pineapple
- sweet corn (fresh and frozen)
- avocados
- papaya
- onions
- frozen sweet peas
- asparagus
- cabbage
- watermelon
- cauliflower
- bananas
- mangos
- carrots
- mushrooms
- kiwi
“Dirty Dozen”
(ranked by pesticide residue by weight)
- spinach
- strawberries
- kale (along with mustard greens and collards)
- grapes
- peaches
- cherries
- nectarines
- pears
- apples
- blackberries
- blueberries
- potatoes
(ranked by most toxic mix of concerning pesticides)
- green beans
- spinach
- bell and hot peppers
- kale
- collard and mustard greens
(A recent study showed that pesticide levels measured on these foods is consistent with the pesticides showing up in human urine after consumption)