Summertime is here and that means delicious, jewel-toned fruits—including grapes, peaches, nectarines, berries and plums—are at their peak.
But there's something you should know before you load up your grocery cart and feast on fruit.
The sweet taste and alluring colors of summer fruits are not just irresistible to humans.
They are also irresistible to bugs.
This makes it more difficult for farmers to grow these fruits organically. It also means that conventionally-grown summer fruits are notoriously high in toxic
pesticides.
For produce with thick, inedible skins, simply peeling or discarding the outer layer can help reduce pesticide exposure.
But most summer fruits have soft skins.
That means the chemicals permeate the fruit. And no amount of peeling, scrubbing or washing can remove
them.
So which fruits should you be most wary of?
Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes information from the USDA's Pesticide Data Monitoring Program. They use this data to compile a list of fruits and vegetables that are the most and the least contaminated.
And year after year, one fruit keeps showing up
near the very top...
Strawberries.
They’ve consistently ranked in the top 3 for nearly a decade!
In fact, EWG testing revealed that strawberry samples contained residues from 82 different pesticides—in different combinations.
That’s a
chemical cocktail no one signed up for.
And strawberries aren’t the only concern. The 2025 Dirty Dozen list also includes fruits like grapes, peaches, cherries, nectarines, pears, apples, blueberries, and blackberries—produce often found in juices, jams, baby food, and other everyday staples.
How to Reduce Your Exposure
With so many popular fruits on the list, it’s important to know how to protect yourself.
The best way to avoid harmful exposure to pesticides is to always choose organic—especially for fruits on the Dirty Dozen list.
And when
organic options aren’t available, thick-skinned fruits like pineapple, avocado, and watermelon are naturally more protected. These fruits made the 2025 Clean Fifteen list for having the lowest pesticide residues—even when conventionally grown.
For fruits and vegetables not on the Dirty Dozen list, you can still reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals with two simple
steps:
First, peel or remove outer layers when possible. This is where most pesticide residue tends to concentrate.
Second, give your produce a proper wash. Even organic fruits can carry dirt, wax, or surface bacteria—and a quick rinse under the faucet often isn't enough.
To clean
more effectively, use a natural veggie wash or make your own:
Soak your fruits and vegetables in:
- ½ cup organic white vinegar
- 4 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 cups filtered water
Let them soak for a few minutes—just enough to loosen residue—then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
These small habits can make a big difference
in reducing your toxic load, supporting your detox pathways, and protecting your long-term health.
But pesticides aren’t the only hidden danger…
The Morning Drink That Could Be Slowing Your Metabolism
You’ve probably heard orange juice is one
of the healthiest juices you can drink…
It’s loaded with vitamin C. It supports your immune system. And it could even provide you with a boost of energy.
But now, one leading heart surgeon is exposing the truth behind one of America’s favorite juices:
“This morning drink may actually spike your
blood sugar, stall fat loss, and trigger energy crashes throughout the day.”
That’s why he’s now urging Americans to dump their juice down the drain — and make 1 simple
tweak to their morning routine.
“Once you make this 1 simple move, not only will you feel healthier,” Dr. Gundry says…
“But you could also activate a natural process in your body that helps ‘flush’ excess calories.”
Which means you may burn more calories
throughout the day — even while you sleep.
And even better, it only takes 30 seconds.†*
==> Click
here now to get all the details.
To your health
Healing Gourmet
