I used to be one who thought it was better to have beautiful huge red or green apples instead of a locally grown farmers market apple with signs of bruising and insect nibbles. I didn't think much about pesticides and such....until I had kids of course, and then, everything changed.
Doesn't it always?
After learning about how all those chemicals absorb into the fruits and veggies, they are really some of the last things I want my children and family consuming.
Here's a list of the new 2010 Dirty Dozen in the produce department.
1. Celery can contain up to 64 chemical pesticides on them.
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like broccoli, radishes, and/or onions if you can't find organic celery.
2. Peaches can contain as many as 62 pesticides (Yikes!)
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and/or grapefruit if you can't locate organic or locally grown peaches.
3. Strawberries cann contain up to 59 pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives include kiwi and pineapples, but of course like us, you can plant your own. The kids and I have already indulged in many tasty strawberries from our garden this year!
4. Apples can contain up to 52 pesticides! (And they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away)
Buy organic! They have organic apples at every grocers market I have been to, but if you can't find it the safer alternatives would include watermelon, bananas, and/or tangerines.
5. Blueberries (Oh no! Not Blueberries), they can contain up to 52 pesticides!
Buy your own here, I saw them at Lowes and the Home Depot...talk about something yummy to just pick off and eat while playing outside with the kids!
6. Nectarines can contain upto 33 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like watermelon, papaya, and/or mango (my mother in law LOVES mangos!) if you can't find organic.
7. Bell peppers can contain upto 49 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like green peas, broccoli, and/or cabbage if you can't find organic. Of course, you can also grow your own, we have some in our graden this year...red and yellow! Yum!
8. Spinach can contain upto 48 different pesticides!
Buy organic or plant your own. ;)
9. Kale
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives include cabbage, asparagus, and/or broccoli.
10. Cherries can contain upto 42 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like raspberries and cranberries if you can't find organic cherries.
11. Potatoes can contain upto 37 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like eggplant, cabbage, and/or mushrooms if you can't find organic locally produced potatoes.
12. Grapes can contain upto 34 different pesticides!
It is suggested to choose safer alternatives like kiwi and raspberries if you can't find organic locally grown grapes.
