Pineapple's Place on the Clean Fifteen
Pineapple consistently appears on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) annual "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce." This guide categorizes fruits and vegetables into two lists based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) test data: the Dirty Dozen for those with the most pesticide residue and the Clean Fifteen for those with the least. Pineapple has reliably been a member of the Clean Fifteen, often ranking high among items with the lowest pesticide levels. This makes conventional pineapple a cost-effective choice for those looking to reduce pesticide exposure without buying all organic.
Why Pineapple is a Low-Pesticide Fruit
The main reason for pineapple's low pesticide ranking is its thick, inedible outer skin. This skin acts as a natural barrier, protecting the edible fruit from pesticides. Even after washing and peeling for testing, pineapple samples show minimal to no detectable pesticide residue. EWG analyses frequently find that a significant portion of Clean Fifteen items, including pineapple, have no detectable pesticide residue.
The Clean Fifteen vs. The Dirty Dozen: A Comparison
The EWG's lists help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The methodology involves testing thousands of produce samples prepared as a consumer would.
| Feature | Clean Fifteen (e.g., Pineapple) | Dirty Dozen (e.g., Strawberries) |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide Residue Level | Consistently low or none detected. | Highest levels of pesticide residues. |
| Natural Protection | Often have a thick, protective outer peel or skin. | Often have delicate, edible skin or no protective peel. |
| Number of Pesticides | Very few, if any, different pesticides detected on samples. | High number and variety of pesticides found on samples. |
| Buying Recommendation | Generally safe to buy conventional. | Prioritize buying organic if concerned about pesticides. |
Other Low-Pesticide Fruits and Vegetables
Pineapple is joined on the Clean Fifteen by other produce like avocados, sweet corn, onions, and papaya, which also tend to have low pesticide residues. The list can vary annually, but protective barriers like thick skin are a common feature of many Clean Fifteen items.
Addressing Environmental Concerns Beyond the Fruit
While conventional pineapple is low in pesticide residue, its large-scale cultivation can have environmental impacts in some regions, including potential water contamination from pesticide runoff. For those concerned about these broader ecological issues, choosing organic pineapple may be preferable, as it supports farming methods that avoid synthetic pesticides.
Making Informed Shopping Decisions
The EWG's lists are tools to help consumers prioritize their purchases. The health benefits of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks from pesticide residues on conventional produce. The guides allow shoppers to decide where buying organic is most impactful, such as choosing organic for Dirty Dozen items while confidently buying conventional for Clean Fifteen items like pineapple.
Conclusion: Pineapple is a Clean Choice
Pineapple is not on the Dirty Dozen and is on the Clean Fifteen. Its thick skin protects against pesticides. Conventional pineapple is generally safe, while organic addresses broader environmental concerns. {Link: SCDPH Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SCDPH/posts/the-2025-clean-fifteen-dirty-dozen-lists-are-here-%EF%B8%8F/1022604560050176/}
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dirty Dozen list?
The Dirty Dozen lists produce with the most pesticide residues when conventionally grown. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
Is pineapple on the Clean Fifteen list?
Pineapple is on the Clean Fifteen for low pesticide residue. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
Why does pineapple have so few pesticides?
Pineapple's thick, inedible skin is a barrier to pesticides. The edible part is protected. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
Should I buy organic pineapple?
Conventional pineapple is low in pesticides. Organic supports farming that avoids synthetic pesticides. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
What are some other fruits on the Clean Fifteen list?
Other Clean Fifteen fruits include avocados and papayas. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
What should I do if I can't afford to buy all organic produce?
Prioritize buying organic for Dirty Dozen items and conventional for Clean Fifteen items. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
Are there any health risks to eating conventional pineapple?
The health risks of conventional pineapple are low due to minimal residue. Eating fruits and vegetables is beneficial. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
Does washing pineapple remove pesticides?
Washing helps surface residues, but pineapple's rating is based on tests after washing and peeling. Its rind offers primary protection. {Link: WCNCtv Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WCNCtv/posts/we-review-the-environmental-working-groups-2025-dirty-dozen-list-revealing-produ/1163877505780970/}
