The following foods contain the lowest of the pesticides concentrations. They will save you the hustle of buying the more expensive organic products.
1. Sweet Corn
Having layer after another of a protective husk ensures that zero residues from chemicals hit the yellow seeds at the center. Although there have been a lot of hullabaloo about the corn being full of genetically modified organisms, no research has proved it is harmful to your health. If you are uncomfortable, you can buy from an organic farm.
2. Avocado
The fruit has a very rough outer skin that protects the delicate inside part. This skin is almost impenetrable, even to worms, which is why no chemicals can get through. This is defiantly a clean one and The EWG has found just 1% of chemical residue in all the fruit tested.
3. Cabbage
This vegetable has many layers of leaves, each lying protectively over the other, which reduces chemical penetration to the soft interior, making it very convenient. If you feel as if it is not as clean, just peel off a few of the topmost leaves and chop up the rest
4. Pineapples
After some deep research, The EWG found that 80% of all pineapples were completely free of pesticide residues. But with a spiky and tough outer skin, it is clear why nothing can get past it to the sweet interior. This is defiantly safe to consume.
5. Onions
Onions are clean all the way; you probably noted this anytime you cut through it. The bulb produces a very irritating and pungent smell which is part of its natural defense mechanism. With this in its bag, no worms or bugs could even go near it, so no pesticides are needed.
6. Frozen Sweet Peas
Once harvested, the peas are blanched and rinsed before they are preserved in freezing conditions to help them last longer. Many people believe this action cleans out the entire residue and the EWG has proved that this is true.
7. Papaya
Some of these papayas are grown in commercial scale meaning that a lot of chemicals are used. The skin on the fruit grows tougher as the fruit matures so at it younger stages, some chemicals may pass through. If you’re going for the cleanest around, find the most organic on the market.
8. Asparagus
This is one vegetable that has been noted to grow in adverse conditions since its hardy. Due to this condition, just a few chemicals are used on it and as it grows, they wear off. It is a relatively clean choice of food.
9. Mango
Like the avocado, the mango has a tough coat of outer skin that keeps the edible part protected. The EWG has had them tested and an impressive 88% of all the fruit was pesticide free, although it had to be peeled first. Peel it out and enjoy the sweetness.
10. Eggplant
If you’re keeping records, you’ve probably seen that when the outer skin is thick, a number of pesticides that go through are less. The eggplant has a thick cover that does just that though if you want to eat with the skin, look for the most organic.
11. Clean 15 Honeydew
This one is a new one but an impressive member of the clean 15. A fruit that is gaining popularity among the urban dwellers, it has been tested and is clean for consumption.
12. Kiwifruit
The jokes doing rounds are that the skin of the fruit looks like actual fur but funny enough, it is edible. There is no chemical that passes this wall into the green flesh. If you want to consume with the skin, go fully organic.
13. Cantaloupe
This one has an outer skin that resembles dried hide which is strong. It is also thin and pesticides applied during the flowering stage may carry out through to its full growth. It has been tested and contains little residue, making it safe
14. Cauliflower
This conservative vegetable is another regular that should be included in your grocery list. It grows as a mound; hence pests cannot really get to it. It is a healthy choice that should definitely be considered.
15. Grapefruit
This is a member of the vast citrus family; these fruits are trusted because they have a thick protective skin. This is some of the best you could get. Since some people like to use the kind for baking or for its citrusy aroma, it is recommended you go for organic options.
COMMENTS