Hidden Pesticides: Which Vegetables Are the Worst Offenders?

17. Cranberries: The Tangy Berry with a Pesticide Problem

Cranberries are a tart and tangy addition to many dishes, but their cultivation in bog environments makes them susceptible to pests like the cranberry fruit worm. This often leads to the use of a wide range of pesticides. Because cranberries are consumed whole and rarely peeled, and their dense, waxy skin can hold onto residues, they are a significant source of concern. For a healthier holiday dish or snack, opt for organic cranberries or cranberry juice.

18. Pomegranates: A Juiced-Up Chemical Cocktail

Pomegranates are a nutritional powerhouse, but their thick, leathery skin and dense interior don’t make them immune to pesticides. The pomegranate fruit borer is a destructive pest that requires repeated insecticide applications. While we don’t eat the skin, chemicals can still cling to the arils and be ingested, especially if you juice the fruit with the skin on. For a cleaner, healthier juice, opt for organic pomegranates or make sure to wash them thoroughly before use.