These 15 Produce Picks Are the Safest (And Tastiest) You Can Buy

No one likes eating food with pesticides, but unfortunately, pesticides are a part of most farming in the U.S. and worldwide. Pests like produce just like we do, and they can make a mess of a crop.

There are pesticides on virtually all produce, but some items have a lot more of their residue than others. Luckily for us, the USDA releases their studies of which crops and produce have the least amount of pesticides. When you decide what food to buy, you can use this information to make an informed decision. 

It’s always important to clean your produce when you get it home, but with the clean 15, there won’t be as much to brush off. According to according to EWG’s analysis of the most recent USDA data, these are the cleanest produce items when it comes to pesticide residue.

Carrots

Carrots are packed with vitamin A which is highly important for eyesight. It has plenty of other vitamins as well. Growing underground, it may not need to be sprayed as much as items that are grown on the surface.

Sweet Potatoes

Incredibly rich in antioxidants and essential minerals, sweet potatoes are a very healthy addition to a meal. And luckily, they tend to have much less pesticide residue than many other produce items.

Mangoes

Eating a mango is like tasting the sunshine of the tropics. These sweet fruits are popular in smoothies as well as in fruit salads and even eaten on their own. You still need to wash your mangoes, but there isn’t much worry about the amount of pesticides on them.

Mushrooms

There are a lot of pests, such as many beetles, that eat mushrooms. This has made it necessary to use pesticides to get a good crop. There’s little of it left on the mushrooms, though.

Watermelons

Watermelons and a number of other fruits that have thick rinds don’t have as much pesticide on them as many other produce items. Enjoy them on a hot summer day without too much worry.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a staple in many types of cuisine, and it’s a good idea to include some in your diet. It’s a healthy vegetable, it has vitamins A and K, but it doesn’t come with that much pesticide residue.

Kiwis

Kiwis are adorable, and they’re also packed with vitamin C as well as vitamins A, E, and K. The antioxidants in this fruit can help you to fight premature aging, and they can do it with very little pesticide residue.

Honeydew Melon

With its thick rind, it can keep much of the pesticide residue off the fruit itself. These melons are candy-sweet and are packed with important vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium.

Asparagus

Serving asparagus with virtually any dish can elevate it and make sure that you get a lot of nutrition. It has vitamin K, iron, copper, and many other important nutrients. Just wash it before cooking with it.

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are a favorite among vegetables. They have a sweet taste, a great texture, and they’re full of vitamins A, B, C, and E. They also have plenty of potassium, magnesium, and folate.

Papayas

This large fruit is often added to foods and drinks that could use a boost of tangy sweetness. They also have a number of vital nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.

Onions

Onions can make just about any savory dish better. They also contain potassium, folate, and vitamin C. They don’t have much pesticide on them, but it’s still a good idea to wash them and remove the outer layer.

Pineapples

This is another fruit that has a very thick skin, keeping the fruit inside safer from chemical additives. Pineapples are an amazing tropical fruit that add a lot of vitamins to the diet.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn has the best of both worlds- it’s a vegetable packed with nutrition that’s also sweet. The thick husks are there to protect the ear of corn, and that can help to keep pesticides out.

Avocados

Avocados have experienced a rebirth lately as everyone has discovered how good they are on toast. If you’re making your own guac, be sure to wash your avocados before using them. They don’t have much pesticide on them, but they still need to be scrubbed.

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

Refrigeration prevents spoilage and may extend the shelf life of common foods and other perishable items. While we may innocently store some foods in the refrigerator, you may be surprised that you shouldn’t store all of them, as this may affect their nutritional value, taste, and texture. 

Although refrigeration can help preserve certain foods, some items shouldn’t be refrigerated to maintain flavor and freshness. Avoiding these foods can ensure your food stays nutritious, fresh, and flavorful. 

Here are 15 food items experts warn people never to refrigerate for optimal flavor and freshness.

Experts Warn People to Never Refrigerate These 15 Food Items

10 Grocery Store Foods Linked to Memory Loss

Medical research shows that your diet has the potential to affect your mental function and overall brain health. We often focus on foods that affect our internal health but rarely give attention to the impact food has on our brains. Our brain uses 20-30% of the calories we consume. While you may have an idea of foods that promote brain health, you may be surprised to find out that some foods you’re consuming could be affecting your focus and memory.

10 Grocery Store Foods Linked to Memory Loss