See Which Veggies Are Most Dangerous

Kale is right up there when it comes to pesticide residue
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 20, 2019 7:20 PM CDT
See What Veggies Are Worst for Pesticides
They look good, but remember to wash them.   (Getty Images)

Kale lovers, it's time to start washing. The Environmental Working Group has released its annual "Dirty Dozen List" of produce harboring the most pesticide residues, and lo and behold kale comes in third, Time reports. According to testing by the USDA and the FDA—on which the EWG bases its findings—over 92% of kale samples grown the usual ways have two or more pesticide residues, with some up to 18. Kale, like spinach, grows near the ground (where there are more bugs) so it gets more pesticide protection. Some studies have linked pesticides to issues with brain development and fertility and even cancer, but you don't need fancy fruit and veggie washes to clean produce, says the Globe & Mail; a plain-water rinse is just as good. Now, the list:

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale
  4. Nectarines
  5. Apples
  6. Grapes
  7. Peaches
  8. Cherries
  9. Pears
  10. Tomatoes
  11. Celery
  12. Potatoes
For the EWG's "Clean Fifteen" list, click here. (Or see what a UN environment report says are our two most pressing problems.)

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