The Clean 15

In response to the last blog discussing what fruits and vegetables are essential to buy organic due to pesticide residuals, I thought I would give you some good news. Below is a list of the "Clean Fifteen" as outlined in Cindy Burke's book To Buy or Not to Buy Organic. These rankings show fruits and vegetables least likely to contain pesticide residue, even if they are not organically grown. These foods have shown little or no residue year after year.
1. Asparagus
2. Avocados
3. Bananas (however, I do try to buy fair trade bananas)
4. Blueberries
5. Broccoli
6. Cabbage
7. Garlic
8. Kiwi
9. Mango
10. Onions
11. Papaya
12. Pineapple
13. Shelling Peas
14. Sweet corn
15. Watermelon (domestically grown)

Some of these foods have thick outer skins, making it difficult for insects to feed on them. Others have a taste that is unappealing to insects and pests. If the bugs aren't interested there is less motivation to spray pesticides. Salud!