Pesticides

Tea leaves carry higher pesticide risk than coffee because of greater surface exposure, and conventional tea carries higher risk than conventional coffee. Foods with no physical barrier allow pesticides to penetrate directly into the edible portion, making organic certification genuinely important for them. Peanuts grow underground with a thin shell that acts as a sponge, absorbing heavy fungicide applications used to prevent mold. Strawberries have no protective barrier so pesticides go directly into the fruit, making them consistently among the most pesticide-contaminated produce. Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides accumulate in body tissue over time and can cause health problems. Spinach is heavily sprayed with pesticides, and also naturally high in oxalates, making arugula or romaine preferable alternatives. Apples are heavily sprayed and peeling reduces but does not eliminate pesticide exposure.