Pesticide full or pesticide free?
It is easy to think of fruits and vegetables as purely healthy because of all the nutrients they provide, as well as their low fat and calorie content. However, certain fruits and vegetables are treated with so many pesticides that they may not be as harmless to eat as you think. If you are careful about what you allow into your body, it is important to know what fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels. The most notorious are the top 12 and are known as the "Dirty Dozen."
Berries
Sweet, red strawberries and blueberries are often contaminated with high levels of pesticides. This is because they are notorious insect favorites and if left untreated, they often become infested. Strawberries are also high in fungicide residue. In general, fruits and vegetables without an inedible peel are produce items to be wary of. While oranges, bananas and other enclosed fruits are naturally protected from invaders, produce such as strawberries need some chemical help to keep insects and diseases away.
Fruits
Apples, one of the most popular fruits in the fall, are often sprayed with high amounts of pesticides. Untreated apples can be attacked by worms and other insects so farmers must apply chemical pesticides in order to protect their crops. Peaches, nectarines, imported grapes and cherries also top the list of fruits with high pesticide residue.
Greens
Greens such as lettuce and spinach are usually high in pesticides. These types of crops can get infested with insects if they are not treated.
Other Vegetables
Celery stalks are another item that tops the list of produce high in pesticides. Like any of the other produce above, you can purchase celery from an organic supermarket or organic farmer's market if you want to avoid the chemical pesticides. Along with celery, bell peppers and potatoes are two vegetables that are better to buy organic.
Tags: fruits vegetables, with high, chemical pesticides, high pesticides