Skip to content

Tag: Conventional produce

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Is Pineapple One of the Dirty Dozen?

4 min read
According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) latest Shopper's Guide, approximately 60% of produce on the Clean Fifteen list had no detectable pesticide residues. This leads many to question the status of popular fruits, and the short answer is no, pineapple is not one of the Dirty Dozen.

Which vegetables have the most chemicals?

4 min read
According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 analysis, 96% of the produce samples on their 'Dirty Dozen' list contained detectable pesticide residues, making these vegetables have the most chemicals in their conventional form. Navigating the grocery store can be a challenge when seeking the healthiest options, but understanding which produce has a higher pesticide load is a crucial first step for informed consumers.

Should I Eat Non-Organic Strawberries? Weighing the Risks and Benefits

5 min read
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s 2025 'Dirty Dozen' list, strawberries rank among the top fruits for pesticide residue, even after washing. This information raises valid questions for many health-conscious consumers: should I eat non-organic strawberries, or is it better to splurge on organic versions?

Does Organic Corn Digest Like Its Conventional Counterpart?

6 min read
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the human body can digest the starchy interior of a corn kernel but not its tough outer shell, which is made of cellulose. This holds true regardless of whether the corn is organic or conventionally grown, challenging the common misconception that organic foods are inherently more digestible.

Are There a Lot of Pesticides on Broccoli? The Facts on Residue

3 min read
According to the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) past analyses, broccoli is consistently found on the "Clean Fifteen" list, meaning it contains very low levels of pesticide residues. Despite common concerns, this nutritious vegetable is one of the safest conventional options available, with multiple studies detecting little to no residue.

What Does 9 Mean on Food Labels and Produce Stickers?

3 min read
According to the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), a five-digit price look-up (PLU) code starting with '9' on a fruit or vegetable sticker indicates that the produce is organic. This simple digit can help consumers make informed decisions about their food choices directly in the produce aisle.

Are Pineapples Part of the Clean 15?

3 min read
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s 2025 Shopper's Guide, pineapples are at the top of the Clean Fifteen list, having minimal pesticide residue detected. This guide is a crucial tool for helping consumers make informed decisions about which produce is safest to buy conventionally farmed versus organically farmed.

Do Organic Lemons Have Pesticides on Them? The Surprising Truth

3 min read
According to the USDA, the term “organic” does not mean "pesticide-free" but rather refers to a production process. This might be surprising to many consumers who assume that organic lemons, and other produce, are completely free of pesticides. Organic farming prohibits most synthetic pesticides but does permit a limited number of naturally derived and some synthetic substances for pest control.