Dirty dozen (Highest residues)
Peaches
Apples
Sweet bell peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes
Cleanest 12 (Lowest residues)
Onions
Avocados
Sweet corn (frozen)
Pineapples
Mangoes
Asparagus
Sweet peas (frozen)
Kiwifruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papayas
Washing produce can help remove chemical residues. Try a product such as Environné, or make your own. (Dilute 1 teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid per gallon of water, swirl or gently scrub produce for 5 to 10 seconds, then rinse.) You can also peel skin or remove outer leaves. But remember that antioxidants and other phytonutrients are often concentrated near the surface, so peeling can send valuable nutrients down the drain.
Source: Environmental Working Group (www.food news.org).
