Tag: Organic produce

According to a 2024 study comparing organic and conventional vegetables in Southern India, the organic samples were found to be free of heavy metal contamination, indicating safer produce. This demonstrates a key advantage of what people refer to as chemical-free vegetables—a desire for food grown without harmful synthetic inputs.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approximately 48 million people get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, and a significant portion is linked to contaminated fresh produce. Therefore, the answer to 'do organic vegetables need to be washed?' is an unequivocal yes, despite common misconceptions about organic farming practices.

According to Driscoll's, over 2,500 independent third-party audits were performed in one recent year to verify adherence to food safety standards. The question, "Are Driscoll berries safe to eat?" is a common concern for consumers, given the delicate nature of berries and recent food-related headlines. This guide explores the company's safety measures, from farming practices to recalls, to provide a comprehensive answer.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), bell and hot peppers consistently rank high on their "Dirty Dozen" list due to high pesticide residue. This fact leads many to question: is it worth it to buy organic bell peppers to avoid these potentially harmful chemicals?

Research has shown that rinsing produce under running water can reduce pesticide residues by 10% or more, but the question remains: does washing broccoli remove pesticides completely?. The short answer is that while it significantly reduces surface contaminants, it can't eliminate those absorbed by the plant itself.

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.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), watermelons consistently appear on their annual Clean 15 list, including the most recent report for 2025. This makes them one of the produce items with the lowest detected levels of pesticide residue.

Over 90% of non-organic commercial lemons are coated in a food-safe wax to improve their appearance and extend their shelf life. Knowing how do I know if lemons are unwaxed is essential for recipes that use the zest, as wax can negatively affect flavor and texture. This article will provide the key visual, tactile, and sourcing clues to help you identify the best lemons for your culinary needs.

According to the USDA, organic citrus, including oranges, can indeed be coated with a food-grade wax. This practice often surprises consumers who assume organic produce is entirely untreated, but it is necessary to preserve freshness during transportation and retail. The crucial difference is the type of wax used, which must be derived from natural, non-synthetic sources.

The numbers on fruit stickers, known as PLU codes, have been used since 1990 to help grocers identify produce items quickly and accurately. This system, managed by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), helps shoppers and cashiers distinguish between different growing methods, so what does 8 mean on fruit labels, and is the common assumption true?