Well, it turns out you may be getting more than you bargained for with some of nature's bounty. Today, the Environmental Working Group released it's annual report on the level of pesticides found in 53 of the most popular fruits and vegetables. This is the same organization that produces the so-called "dirty dozen" list of the most pesticide-ridden produce that should be avoided if at all possible. I don't know if I should be proud or embarrassed to admit that I walk around with this list in my wallet and routinely check it when I'm in a grocery store.
The worst offender? Apples. The report found that 92% of apples contained multiple pesticides. Contaminants on the produce were measured after most had been peeled and washed, signaling that much of the dangerous residue is absorbed into the fruit itself. The no-no list also contains such summer staples as peaches, strawberries, celery and blueberries. My kids will be ecstatic to know that cherries have dropped off top-12 this year.
Pesticides are typically sprayed on produce to prevent insect infestation and to extend shelf-life. But these toxic chemicals have the unpleasant side-effect of contributing to hormone disruption, cancer and brain damage in children. Other studies have linked pesticide exposure to an increased risk of ADHD.
Thankfully, the flip side is a list of the "Clean 15," fruits and veggies with the lowest pesticide residue. These include corn, pineapples, watermelon and avocado. In my family, we strive to buy organic as much as possible, but it's helpful to know when it's not as vital.
My daughter, who is very taken with fairy tales, has now decided that the reason Snow White fell into a deep sleep is because the apple that the evil witch gave her wasn't poison -- it just wasn't organic.
That's my girl!
To view the full report and print out your own list, visit. www.ewg.org.
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