Tuesday, June 19, 2012

A black eye for my favorite fruit

For the second year in a row, apples have been ranked as the worst-contaminated produce by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

The finding, like last year's, is based on tests by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Drug Administration that found that 98% of conventional apples have pesticide residues.

According to the Environmental Working Group, "Nearly all the studies on which the guide is based tested produce after it had been washed or peeled."

The group also identifies 11 other pesticide-fraught fruits and vegetables, as well as a "clean fifteen" low-pesticide-produce list. (Least pesticides: onions.)

As it did last year, the group says that eating fresh fruits and vegetables are still healthier than not, but recommends buying organic for high-pesticide-residue produce.

4 comments:

  1. Adam
    Suggested follow up:
    If not buying organic, how much does washing mitigate risk? Essentially, is the damage already done so to speak?
    Brad

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brad, washing is always a good idea. EWG says the pesticide residues were found in produce that had been washed or peeled.

      Even with the pesticide residues, EWG says better to eat fruits and veggies than no--the benefits outweigh the harms.

      Delete
  2. on a fruit-related note: a near record Washington State cherry crop has just (like 20 minutes ago)been severely damaged by an extremely hard rain followed by a hot sun. It does not look good. That is a disappointing set back for an economically depressed area.
    Didn't really want to start a new thread as this is an apple blog. I thought you might like to know and you can move or delete, Adam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greger, I am sorry to hear about the cherries.

      Also, whatever sort of focus I try to stick to here, these comments are a place for many tangents and I welcome them.

      Delete

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