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:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- 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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