New fruit tops 'Dirty Dozen' list of produce

By Suzee Skwiot for Rodale Wellness, Suzee Skwiot for Rodale Wellness

Published April 25, 2016

(iStock)

After five years of topping the list, apples have officially been dethroned as the Environmental Working Group's most pesticide-loaded produce, and there's a new fruit that tops the organization's "Dirty Dozen" list: the strawberry.

According to the EWG's 2016 list, which uses data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (USDA), the strawberry is the most contaminated produce on grocery store shelves, and the once seasonal fruit has easily made the top mark for the first time.

More: 50 Foods You Should Never Eat

In total, the scientists found that 98 percent of samples of strawberries contained at least one pesticide, and one sample even contained 17 different varieties. According to the report, the sudden move of strawberries to the top of the list can be attributed to the growers' desire to make the once-seasonal fruit available year-round. With that change in growing came the increase in pesticides.

They're not alone. These are the 12 most pesticide-contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables, also known as The Dirty Dozen:

Strawberries
Apples
Nectarines
Peaches
Celery
Grapes
Cherries
Spinach
Tomatoes
Sweet bell peppers
Cherry tomates
Cucumbers

Thankfully, there is a plus side. The Clean Fifteen, otherwise known as the safe produce, are exactly what you should be adding to your grocery list:

Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Cabbage
Sweet peas (frozen)
Onions
Asparagus
Mangos
Papayas
Kiwi
Eggplant
Honeydew melon
Grapefruit
Cantaloupe
Cauliflower

Reaching for certified organic products, the EWG says, can help limit exposure to these pesticides, limiting the mold in your diet. "Fruits and vegetables are important for your health," said Sonya Lunder, EWG Senior Analyst. "But for those on the Dirty Dozen, we recommend buying the organic versions if you want to avoid pesticides on your food. You can feel confident that conventionally grown fruits and veggies on the Clean Fifteen list have very little pesticide contamination."

This article originally appeared on RodaleWellness.com.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/health/new-fruit-tops-dirty-dozen-list-of-produce