In a perfect world, we’d be eating all-organic, all the time – but we understand this is not always accessible for everyone!
The ‘Dirty Dozen’ is a great resource that can help us make informed choices and decide which fruits and vegetables are crucial to buy organic!
This list is compiled by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and identifies the fruits and vegetables most contaminated with harmful pesticide residue.
Think if it as your “stay away” list!
So why is it so important to invest in organic produce?
Minimise Your Toxin Load And Reduce Health Risks: By choosing organic options, you can significantly reduce your intake of pesticide chemicals. Numerous studies link pesticide exposure to adverse health effects, including neurodevelopmental issues in children, hormone disruption, and increased risks of certain cancers. Opting for organic produce ensures a safer and healthier choice for you and your family!
Preservation of Ecosystems: Organic farming practices prioritise the use of natural and sustainable methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and focusing on soil health and biodiversity. By supporting organic agriculture, we contribute to the preservation of our ecosystems and a more sustainable future.
Which Fruits and Vegetables Should You Always Aim To Buy Organic?
Strawberries: A staggering 99% of non-organic strawberry samples tested positive for pesticide residues, with an average of 7.8 different pesticides detected on each sample. These include toxic substances such as carbendazim, a suspected endocrine disruptor.
Spinach: Approximately 97% of conventional spinach samples contained pesticide residues, with one sample even testing positive for a neurotoxic pesticide called permethrin. This pesticide has been linked to adverse neurological effects in both children and adults.
Kale: More than 92% of kale samples tested positive for pesticide residues. Most notably, a single sample contained residues from up to 18 different pesticides, including known carcinogens and developmental toxins.
Apples: Apples, a staple in many households, are commonly treated with multiple pesticides. A whopping 90% of non-organic apple samples tested positive for pesticide residues, with some containing residues of up to 11 different pesticides.
Grapes: Both domestic and imported grapes are of concern when it comes to pesticide residues. Residues from over 50 different pesticides have been found on grapes, including the notorious glyphosate, a herbicide linked to cancer and environmental damage.
Worst offending vegetables:
Spinach
Kale/Collard Greens
Mustard Greens
Turnip Greens
Swiss Chard
Cabbage
Chillies
Capsicum
Potatoes
Cucumbers
Cherry Tomatoes
Snap Peas
Worst offending fruits:
Strawberries
Apples
Nectarines
Peaches
Cherries
Grapes (imported)
Pears
Raspberries
Blueberries
Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Peaches (canned)
What are the safest options for conventional fruits and vegetables?
While we are big believers in eating all-organic, if you don’t have access to certified organic stores or farmers you trust, some items are less risky to buy conventionally due to lower levels of pesticide residues.
Avocados: Avocados have a tough, protective skin that makes them less prone to pesticide penetration. Over 80% of avocados tested were found to be pesticide-free.
Pineapples: Pineapples are known to have low pesticide residue levels due to their natural defences and their cultivation methods, making them a safer conventional option.
Onions: Onions have lower pesticide residue levels compared to many other fruits and vegetables. Their protective outer layers help minimize pesticide penetration.
Papayas: Papayas have fewer pesticide residues, thanks to the careful cultivation practices employed by many growers.
Being aware of the “Dirty Dozen” list empowers us to make informed choices about the produce we consume, reduce exposure to harmful pesticides and protect the health of our families. The statistics speak volumes about the extent of pesticide contamination in conventional produce! By prioritising organic options we can minimise our exposure to potential toxins while supporting ecologically friendly farming practices.
You can be confident that all produce at Greensmith Grocers is certified organic and spray-free!
Thank you for supporting us and the organic farming industry of Queensland.
