Excerpted from Your Organic Kitchen, by Jesse Ziff Cool.
Simple Solution
Some conventionally grown foods are treated with more
pesticides than others. Some retain more of the pesticides. Here is a list of the top 10 foods containing the most pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C.
You can sidestep harm and still eat vitamin-rich foods. If you cannot find these foods organically, here are some great alternatives that contain the same valuable vitamins and minerals.
High-Pesticide Food: Strawberries
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Blueberries,
raspberries, oranges, grapefruit,
kiwifruit, watermelon
High-Pesticide Food: Bell peppers
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Green peas,
broccoli, romaine, lettuce
High-Pesticide Food: Spinach
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A and C
Healthy Alternatives: Broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, asparagus
High-Pesticide Food: Cherries
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Oranges,
blueberries, raspberries, kiwifruit,
blackberries, grapefruit
High-Pesticide Food: Peaches
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A and C
Healthy Alternatives: Nectarines,
watermelon, tangerines,
oranges, grapefruit
High-Pesticide Food: Mexican cantaloupe
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A and C
and potassium Healthy Alternatives: U.S. cantaloupe grown from May to December, watermelon
High-Pesticide Food: Celery
Main Nutrient: Carotenoids
Healthy Alternatives: Carrots, broccoli,
radishes, romaine lettuce
High-Pesticide Food: Apples
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Watermelon,
nectarines, bananas, tangerines
High-Pesticide Food: Apricots
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A an C and potassium
Healthy Alternatives: Nectarines,
watermelon, oranges, tangerines
High-Pesticide Food: Green beans
Main Nutrient: Potassium
Healthy Alternatives: Green peas,
broccoli, cauliflower,
Brussels sprouts, potatoes, asparagus