Hidden Pesticides: Which Vegetables Are the Worst Offenders?

49. Plums and Prunes: The Dual-Sprayed Stone Fruit

Plums, and their dried form, prunes, are consistently high on the pesticide risk lists. Their thin, easily bruised skin is highly susceptible to pests like the plum curculio and fungal diseases like brown rot, requiring growers to apply numerous fungicides and insecticides throughout the short growing season. Since plums are consumed whole, unpeeled, the risk of surface residue ingestion is high. Furthermore, when plums are dried into prunes, the chemicals, including those used to preserve color and prevent spoilage post-harvest, become highly concentrated in the finished product. To enjoy this nutritious stone fruit safely, always seek out organic varieties of both fresh plums and prunes.

50. Sweet Potatoes: The Post-Harvest Fungicide Sponge

Sweet potatoes, a nutritious root vegetable, face a significant and often hidden pesticide issue stemming from post-harvest treatment. While they are sprayed during growth to combat pests like weevils, the major concern is the application of powerful fungicides (such as thiabendazole and dicloran) after harvest. This treatment is done to prevent rot and extend shelf life during storage and transit, a critical step since the skin is easily damaged. The thin skin of the sweet potato acts like a sponge, readily absorbing these chemicals, which are designed to be systemic. Since many recipes recommend eating the skin (where fiber and nutrients are concentrated), washing is ineffective against these absorbed residues. Therefore, sweet potatoes are a crucial item for an organic swap to ensure a clean, nutrient-dense starch source.