Before You Eat That Apple, Read This

Apples contain high amounts of pesticides.
Photo by SG.

While many of us who live in Asian climates skin apples before consuming them, we forget that as these fruits are imported, they contain high levels of pesticides. In fact, US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit research organisation, has rated apples no.4 on their 2010 list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide content.

The list is from EWG's annual Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.

Here's a sample from the 2010 guide:

An excerpt from EWG's 2010 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.
Source:http://www.foodnews.org/executive.php 

The EWG recommends that consumers buy organic to limit their consumption of the high-pesticide-content produce listed in the guide, which is more economical than buying only organic fruits and veggies. However, organic food is still very costly in most parts of Asia; a better alternative would be to buy local produce and to limit the consumption of imported produce. For instance, do we need to eat apples and grapes every other day when there are dozens of local fruits that also meet your nutritional needs?

Instead, why not grow vegetables such as spinach or potatoes in your home garden? Even if you live in an apartment, it is still possible to grow spinach and other leafy greens in pots indoors, using supplemental lighting. Hydrophonics is another option if you have a little more gardening space to play with. 

Bottom line, eat organic whenever you can afford it and grow the rest, your body will thank you for it.

Update: Read this article for the 2013 list.