Health: which fruits contain the least pesticides?

For your health, it is recommended to eat two pieces of fruit a day, provided it is local, seasonal and untreated. But how do you know which fruits have the least amount of pesticides if you don’t have a garden or balcony to grow them? Respond with this helpful article.

Which fruit for your health?

According to a recent report by the NGO Future Generations, certain commercial fruits are preferred because they are (slightly) less polluted than others. And the least we can say is that the choice is limited:

  • The kiwi (27.1% of the analyzed samples)
  • Avocado (23.1%, although not eco-friendly)
  • Mirabelle plum (34.8%)
  • Plum (34.8%)

If the kiwi and avocado are less rich in pesticides, it is because they have a thick and inedible skin that protects them from insects and therefore needs less treatment. As for the plum and the mirabelle plum, they are both less industrialized and grow large.

Photo: Shutterstock

Which fruits contain the most traces of pesticides?

According to a study by the NGO Pesticide Action Network (PAN), published Tuesday, May 24, 2022, fruits grown and sold commercially in the EU contain more and more pesticides. To come to this alarming conclusion, the organization analyzed 97,000 fruit samples over the past nine years. In total, nearly one in three samples (i.e. 29%) will be contaminated with trace amounts of chemicals in 2022, compared to 18% in 2011.

  • Blackberries (51% of samples)
  • Fish (45%)
  • Strawberry (38%)
  • Cherry (35%)
  • Apricot (35%)

It should be noted that for vegetables the infestation is lower because they are less susceptible to insects and diseases (mildew, powdery mildew, rust, moniliosis, etc.).

You now know which fruits you prefer for your health. And if you’re lucky enough to have a vegetable garden, you don’t have to rob yourself! To go further, learn how to remove pesticide residues from your fruits and vegetables.

Leave a Comment