Pesticides.  Chemicals.  Toxins.

I often wonder just how much chemical payload my typical store-bought peaches, pears, and apples really have.  I try to buy organic as much as possible, but often some "conventional" cousins make their way into my basket.

 

But sometimes those apples look just too perfect.  Almost plastic like!  And what about those strawberries that have traveled so far afield.  How did they make it to my Canadian grocery store and still hold their shape together?!

 

I came across this very interesting Shopper's Guide to Pesticides, put together by the kind crew at Environmental Working Group.  It's clear and concise and can be cut out for your fridge your wallet. While the list highlights the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15", check out the The Full List of all 47 fruits and veggies screened.  

There were definitely some surprises for me here. Strawberries I figured, but Kale as Organic Enemy #8?  Who would have thought?  The stuff overwinters in my garden and nothing tends to stop it from sprouting endless big droopy leaves. I was pleasantly surprised to see onions as numero uno. I always assumed this was a heavy P-C-T item.  Good to see otherwise.

So check out the list and do pass it around. It's your next best thing after seeking out the best organic goodness your market has to offer.  When an organic offering isn't available, this list will make for a handy backup plan.

Happy eating!

 

Jason

Tags: health | organic | food | chemicals | pesticides | toxins | eating | choice | guide