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Dirty Dozen: 12 Fruits and Vegetables You Should Buy Organic

Many pesticides: beware of the “dirty dozen”

Critics like to argue: “Organic vegetables and fruit do not have more vitamins and nutrients than conventional products and are therefore not healthier.” And even if organic contains fewer traces of pesticides – for conventional products there is still a legal one Limit.

In fact, many pesticides are still insufficiently researched, especially in combination with each other. Despite only a few studies on pesticides, not only are the maximum values controversial, they are also often exceeded – as studies by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), among others, show again and again. We explain which foods are particularly affected – you’d rather buy our “Dirty Dozen” organic.

1st place in the dirty dozen: fresh herbs

Strictly speaking, herbs are neither fruits nor vegetables. But the latest figures from the BVL from 2020 clearly show that you have to be careful when shopping here. Residues of several pesticides were found on almost two thirds of the 120 samples examined – up to fourteen different types on a single sample!

More than 12 percent even contained more residues than permitted by law. Pennywort from Sri Lanka was particularly often the subject of complaints, but coriander and parsley were also affected.

Pomegranates: Every 10th above maximum level

Pomegranates exceed the pesticide limit value more often than any other fruit, according to the latest study by the BVL from 2022: almost 11 percent of the 118 samples analyzed in 2020 were above the maximum residue level.

In addition, exotic fruits often have to be imported over long distances. Therefore, buy them rarely and only in organic quality. Or rather grab regional fruit in the supermarket. You can read when something is in season in the Utopia season calendar.

Extremely loaded frozen blackberries

Blackberries are only in season from July to September. The rest of the time we either use imported goods – or frozen blackberries. But both have disadvantages:

Imported berries can have a lousy carbon footprint, depending on the route and vehicle used. And you have to be particularly careful with frozen blackberries: According to the BVL, 3 out of 4 are contaminated with multiple pesticides. Up to 11 different pesticide residues were found on individual samples, 9 percent even exceeded the legal maximum. It is better to plant blackberries yourself and then freeze them – preferably without plastic.

Pesticides on Vegetables: Beans

Legumes are actually healthy. Unfortunately, the vegetables often contain more pesticides than permitted. In the case of beans (with pods), 6 percent of the samples tested by the BVL were above the legal limit. For dried beans it was over 4 percent.

Homegrown beans are guaranteed pesticide-free. They grow in semi-shade, either in beds or on the balcony.

5th place in the Dirty Dozen: peppers and chillies

According to the BVL, more than 4 percent of the paprika and chilli samples examined contained higher pesticide residues than permitted. More than half was also repeatedly contaminated – with up to 32. Different pesticides.

It is therefore better to buy paprika in organic quality: Organic farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides. Here you can find out what the EU organic seal is all about.

Grapefruit, pomelos, sweeties

Grapefruits are a critical case: the BVL examined them together with grapefruits and sweeties. In the tests, more than 3 percent of the samples were above the legally regulated maximum value for pesticides. In addition, 66 percent of the brands examined contained several chemicals at the same time. In 2019, the values were even higher. If you use organic grapefruit instead, you are on the safer side.

Many do not know how to store grapefruit properly and have to throw the fruit away after a few days. That won’t happen to you with our tricks: store food properly.

Black and green tea

Pesticides are not only sprayed on fruit and vegetables. Tea from conventional cultivation is also often affected – according to the BVL study, around 3 percent of the more than 300 samples were above the permitted pesticide content.

So do yourself and your body a favor and grab certified varieties with an organic seal – and preferably a fair trade product. Because there are practically no living wages in the tea industry, trade unions and works councils are hindered and even prevented in many places. More information: The bitter truth about tea.

Pesticides on vegetables: lamb’s lettuce by the dirty dozen

If you have your own vegetable garden, you can easily plant lettuce yourself. Otherwise, it’s best to use organic lettuce, because vegetables like lamb’s lettuce often contain a colorful mix of pesticides.

Almost half (46 percent) of the varieties examined by the BVL contained traces of various pesticides. Lamb’s lettuce samples were even several times above the permitted maximum level.

Tip: Even without a garden, you can grow lettuce for the balcony.

Exotic Fruit: Oranges by the Dirty Dozen

Anyone who buys oranges is probably buying a cocktail of pesticides, because more than 70 percent of the almost 300 samples examined showed several pesticides at the same time – up to 16 different ones were found on the fruit. Some also contained more residues than allowed.

It is therefore better to buy oranges (and orange juice) organic – and with a Fairtrade seal. This stipulates, among other things, that harvest workers receive at least the minimum wage and excludes many particularly dangerous pesticides.

Pesticides on vegetables: zucchini

Organic is also the better choice for zucchini. This is also shown by figures from the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CUVA) in Stuttgart. More than half of the conventional zucchini examined in 2021 was repeatedly contaminated with pesticides. Just as with the investigation by the BVL, some samples had to be rejected.

In 2019, the CVUA Stuttgart proved that organically produced fruit and vegetables are actually much less polluted. But organic is also recommended for meat, milk and eggs.

Cherries: Pesticide mix to almost 90 percent

No other fruit was so often contaminated with several pesticides: around 89 percent of the cherries examined by the BVL contained up to 15 different pesticide residues. Some of the samples contained more residues of certain pesticides than permitted by law. The effect that such a pesticide mix can have on our body has not yet been sufficiently researched.

Since cherries are native to Germany, you can use local products in season. Or plant your own cherry tree in the garden. You can can your harvest and make it durable.

#12 in the Dirty Dozen: Kiwis

Before kiwis end up in our supermarket, they often travel long distances. The fruits are mostly imported from Italy, but many also come from New Zealand.

For the sake of the environment, you can pay attention to the country of origin when shopping. An organic seal for the sake of your health, because: The BVL has also repeatedly complained about kiwis because they contained more pesticide residues than permitted. That’s why you should never eat conventional kiwis with the skin on – even though it’s actually edible.

Especially popular: be careful with strawberries

In the 13th place, another tip: you can’t snack on conventional strawberries without worrying. Too many fruits are hanging from the overgrown plants and they are too close to the ground. Only with a lot of chemicals can the berries survive against pests. Therefore, the BVL found residues of various pesticides in almost 80 percent of the 529 samples. So be especially careful with strawberries – and when in doubt, go for organic.

Another problem: Even if you bought the fruit locally – if possible without plant toxins – they usually don’t last very long.

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Food

12 Cognitive Facts About Rambutan Fruit

The stalls of food markets in Southeast Asia are simply bursting with an abundance of outlandish fruits for us, especially in Thailand. In this country, tourists’ eyes run up from the fruit variety, and many of them opt for one very unusual fruit, similar to a small red nut and covered with long fleshy hairs. This is rambutan – one of the most popular fruits in this country.

  1. According to local legend, rambutan in Thailand appeared quite a by accident. It was brought by a Chinese or Malaysian tin miner who moved from Penang to Thailand and settled in the town of Surat Thani. He brought with him 5 seedlings of this fruit tree. A few years later, he was forced to return, and the rambutan planted in the garden began to grow and bear unusual and surprisingly tasty fruits.
  2. Years later, this land was acquired by the Ministry of Education and built a school there. A separate school garden was created for the overgrown rambutan trees. As a result, this fruit was called ngo rongrian, which translates as “school rambutan”. This name was firmly fixed for them and is still used today. Its Indonesian name rambut is translated as “hair”. I think it’s clear why.
  3. Rambutan outwardly resembles a small nut 3 to 6 cm in diameter, covered with red or yellow skin and decorated with long fleshy green hairs. These fruits grow in clusters of up to 30 pieces.
  4. The rambutan fruit tree itself is a tall evergreen tree with wide, spreading foliage. The leaves are oval or ovoid. During the flowering period, the crown of the tree is covered with small flowers collected in branched inflorescences.
  5. The harvest period lasts from May to September.
  6. In rambutan, they eat a translucent, juicy pulp of milky white color, very rich in vitamin C, minerals (phosphorus, iron, calcium), as well as carbohydrates, protein, and niacin.
  7. There are 2 types of rambutan: Rongrian (round, with bright red skin, greenish hairs, and sweet flesh) and Si Chom Phu (egg-shaped, with pink skin and pink tendrils, not as sweet as Rongrian).
  8. The fruit’s hair is a great shelter for ants, so shake the fruit thoroughly before peeling it.
  9. Rambutan is eaten in any form. It is eaten like this, peeled from the skin, and various jams and preserves are made from it. The pulp of the fruit is also used as a filling for pies, as an ingredient in salads, etc.
  10. It is important to present this fruit correctly. There is a cleaning method for this. First, you need to make a small circular incision around the fruit, and then carefully remove the thin skin from one part by pulling on the hairs. It comes off easily. Leave the second part untouched and use it as a convenient holder for the rest of the fruit. The pulp is eaten carefully, trying not to touch the bones, which can spoil the whole taste. On the table, the fruits themselves and dishes from them are served chilled.
  11. Rambutans spoil rather quickly, so it is recommended to use them immediately. The maximum shelf life in the refrigerator is 7 days.
  12. Thailand’s annual income from the sale of these fruits is about $ 12 million. This fruit even has its own holiday – School Rambutan Day, which is celebrated in August.
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Food

14 Tempting Facts About Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is one of those fruits that you should definitely try while vacationing in the tropical countries of Southeast Asia.

  1. Passion fruit in English is called passion fruit (pronounced “peshen fruit” and translated as “passion fruit”). It is a delicious tropical fruit that is quite common in Asian markets and shops.
  2. The homeland of the edible Stratus Blossom (the scientific name of the passionfruit from the Latin Passiflora edulis) is South America, from where the familiar name “passionfruit” comes. This is how this fruit is called in Brazil, Colombia, Peru.
  3. Today, passion fruit is grown in tropical and subtropical climates almost everywhere (in the warm regions of America, Asia, Australia, and Oceania).
  4. With long-term storage, passionfruit fruits become “wrinkled” – they lose their smoothness and bright color. At the same time, the taste of passion fruit does not suffer at all. Only overtly rotten fruits should be avoided.
  5. Sometimes half-empty passionfruit fruit comes across, in which there is the very little juicy edible part. Try comparing the weight of fruits of similar size. If you feel that one of them is too light, do not buy it.
  6. The passionfruit plant is an evergreen liana (vine) that grows in much the same way as grapes. Under favorable conditions, it can give 2 harvests per year.
  7. But we, of course, are more interested in the most delicious – passionfruit fruit. It is round or oval in shape with juicy pulp and many seeds inside.
  8. Passion fruit can range in color from yellow to deep purple, depending on the variety and maturity. However, so is the taste of passionfruit, which ranges from sour to sweet.
  9. Many varieties of passion fruit are sweet and do not need a sweetener. But, if you come across a sour variety, then you can add sugar or honey to taste. In the Philippines, passionfruit pulp is sprinkled with chili peppers, and in Thailand – with salt or pepper and salt.
  10. Peeling this exotic fruit is easy – cut it in half and use a spoon to eat the pulp.
  11. In many countries, passion fruit is eaten fresh. Juices, jams, preserves are also made from this tropical fruit. Passion fruit is often added to yogurts, cocktails, ice cream.
  12. In addition to the fact that passionfruit is a truly delicious exotic fruit, it is also healthy.

13. It contains a lot of vitamin C, B2 and B3. Improves digestion,
is a source of iron and phosphorus.

14. Passion fruit seed oil is widely used in cosmetology.

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Food

11 Unusual Facts About Snake Fruit Salak

A fast-growing, low-rise tropical palm tree with many feathery-leaved trunks, the petioles, and axes of which are covered with thorns. Bunches of red-brown fruit grow just above the ground at the base of the trunk. Scaly, rough, thorny, and resembling snakeskin fruits of salak (hence the name – snake fruit, similar to small onions. The pulp is beige-yellow, sweet, aromatic, and has a specific taste.

  1. This fruit grows on a palm tree and has many small thorns. To clean it, you need to get used to it or you can easily chop off all your hands.
  2. The homeland of the Salak is Southeast Asia – Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, in other countries, it is very rare.
  3. It is believed that the most delicious varieties grow in Java near Yogyakarta and Bali.
  4. The taste of the fruit differs depending on the variety.
  5. Some describe it as sweet and sour with a nutty flavor, some say the taste resembles something like cherries, gooseberries, and strawberries, for others something like a mixture of banana and pineapple, and others describe it as cotton wool filled with valerian with the same smell and taste.
  6. Unripe fruits are either very bitter or tart-sour. Let us remind you that it all depends on the variety of salak. By the way, and outwardly, they are different from round to almond-shaped. But all one is brown.
  7. The pulp has several or one segment and different intensities of beige color. Again, it depends on the salak species.
  8. Salak (snake fruit) contains tannin, which removes all harmful substances from the body, has astringent, hemostatic, antidiarrheal, and anti hemorrhoidal properties.
  9. Typically, the fruit is eaten raw, but it can also be used boiled and candied. Unripe fruits have a sour and astringent taste and are pickled like pickles.
  10. Even though there are no special contraindications to the use of salak, it is not necessary to lean on it in large quantities at the first acquaintance with this fruit.
  11. For those who are not accustomed to tropical fruits, such “overeating” can be expressed in itching, rashes, and digestive upset – in other words, allergies.
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Food

10 Reasons Why Mangosteen is Considered The Most Delicious Fruit

The most delicious fruit in the world is quite rightly considered mangosteen (mangosteen or garcinia, the Latin name for Garcinia mangostana). These wonderful fruits grow on evergreen trees in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The size of a fruit is the size of a small tangerine, has purple skin, and a snow-white pulp, similar to a delicate creamy dessert.

  1. Mangosteen is called the “queen of fruits”. The taste of the fruit is distinguished by a unique combination of pineapple, peach, apricot, strawberry, and mango.
  2. Botanist David Fairchild, Ph.D., spoke about his admiration for this delicacy, noting that he considers mangosteen the most delicious fruit in the world.
  3. And the famous Swedish scientist Eric Mieberg wrote about garcinia that it would be blasphemy even to try to describe the taste of these fruits, which are more suitable for gods than for humans. In addition to its wonderful taste, mangosteen has healing properties.
  4. For thousands of years, it has been used not only as food but also for the treatment of many diseases in China, Thailand, and other tropical countries.
  5. Mangosteen has the richest set of vitamins and is the world’s strongest antioxidant.
  6. The unique fruit can neutralize free radicals and boost immunity.
  7. The spectrum of ailments that mangosteen helps to eliminate is incredibly wide and varied.
  8. Today, scientists are researching to find out the possibility of using xanthones contained in fruits for the treatment of cancer.
  9. The mangosteen fruit is topped with a thick burgundy-purple inedible rind that contains a sticky coloring latex. Inside there is a white edible pulp, divided into four to eight segments, with seeds tightly attached to it.
  10. The taste of mangosteen is sweet, with a slight acidity, and is a combination of strawberry, peach, and vanilla ice cream.
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Food

14 Unknown Facts About Dragon Fruit (Pitahaya)

“Dragon fruit”, “dragon eye” fruit, “prickly pear”, pitaya or pitahaya – all these are the names of unusual exotic fruits of several types of cacti.

  1. The first mention of the pitahaya fruit is found among the ancient Aztecs. They ate the pulp of the fruits of epiphytic liana-like cacti, and their seeds were dried, crushed, and used to make stews.
  2. The name “dragon fruit” pitahaya got due to its appearance. The outer hard shell of the fruit resembles dragon scales.
  3. Inside the fruit is a creamy pulp filled with small black seeds.
  4. The color of the flesh ranges from white to orange and purple, depending on the type of cactus.
  5. Many people compare the taste of pitahaya with the taste of kiwi, but the latter is even inferior to pitahaya since it has a more delicate and sweetish aftertaste.
  6. Pitaya fruits usually weigh from 150 to 600 g, but some specimens reach even a kilogram. The fruits grow at the ends of the stems of cacti, mainly of the genus Hylocereus, which looks like small palms with cactus stems instead of leaves. Such cacti bloom only at night and can bear fruit up to 5-6 times a year.
  7. “Dragon fruit” is eaten fresh by cutting it vertically into two halves and taking out the pulp with a spoon. Wine, the juice is also made from such a delicacy, added to other drinks for taste, and tea is brewed with flowers.
  8. Pitahaya does not tolerate long-term transportation very well, as the fruits are easily damaged even with light pressure. In the refrigerator, pitahaya can only be stored for three days, and then it becomes unusable.
  9. Pitahaya is 90% water, but it also contains many useful substances, for example, vitamins B, C, E, PP, calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc.
  10. If you eat a lot of pitaya with red flesh, then there will be a harmless phenomenon of pseudohematuria, similar to the effect on the body of red beets, when urine becomes reddish.
  11. To choose the right “dragon fruit” not in the country of its growth, you should pay attention to the scales on the peel. They should be dry, and the weight of the fruit should be within 250 g. In this case, there is a better chance of choosing a ripe fruit.
  12. According to doctors, pitahaya helps to get rid of stomach pain. This fruit is also beneficial for people suffering from endocrine diseases, including diabetes, it strengthens the cardiovascular and immune systems.
  13. One of the beneficial properties of pitahaya is its low-calorie content. There is only about 50 kcal per 100g of its pulp! Instead of another cake or candy, it is better to pamper yourself with something new and exotic, while saving your body from extra pounds. Due to the content of lipids in pitahaya, it is also often used in the preparation of various diets and on fasting days.
  14. Pitahaya is well absorbed by the body, it is useful to eat it in case of indigestion. This property is especially valuable when traveling in an exotic country. Dragon fruit normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

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Solomon Islands

Are there any famous Solomon Islands fruit varieties?

Introduction: The Solomon Islands and Its Fruits

The Solomon Islands, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of fruits. These fruits are an important part of the local diet and culture, and some have gained popularity outside the islands. The warm and humid climate of the Solomon Islands is ideal for growing a wide range of tropical fruits, which have unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

The Most Popular Fruits in the Solomon Islands

The most popular fruits in the Solomon Islands are bananas, papayas, pineapples, watermelons, and coconuts. These fruits are widely available and consumed in different forms, such as fresh, dried, and cooked. Bananas, in particular, are a staple food in the Solomon Islands and are used in many traditional dishes. Papayas are also commonly consumed and are known for their high vitamin C content. Pineapples are another favorite, with their sweet and tangy taste. Coconuts are used in a variety of ways, such as making coconut milk and oil, and are a source of important nutrients like potassium and iron.

The Lesser Known Fruits of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands also have many lesser-known fruits that are not as widely available but are prized for their unique flavors and nutritional benefits. These include soursop, starfruit, breadfruit, guava, and passionfruit. Soursop is a spiky fruit with a sweet and sour flavor and is believed to have medicinal properties. Starfruit has a distinctive shape and taste, with a tart flavor that is popular in salads and smoothies. Breadfruit is a starchy fruit that is used in savory dishes and is a good source of carbohydrates. Guava and passionfruit are also popular and are known for their antioxidant and vitamin C content.

Unique Flavor of the Solomon Islands Fruits

The fruits of the Solomon Islands have a unique flavor and texture that is different from fruits found in other parts of the world. This is due to the islands’ location and climate, which provide ideal growing conditions for tropical fruits. Many of these fruits have a sweet and tangy taste and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fruits are also used in traditional dishes and drinks, providing a distinct taste and aroma.

Contribution of Solomon Islands Fruit to the World’s Cuisine

The fruits of the Solomon Islands have made a significant contribution to the world’s cuisine. Bananas, for example, are a common ingredient in many desserts and baked goods. Pineapple is used in many tropical cocktails and as a topping for pizzas and burgers. Coconut milk and oil are used in many Asian and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as in vegan and vegetarian cooking. Soursop has gained popularity as a natural remedy for cancer and other illnesses. These fruits have also played a role in the cultural traditions of the Solomon Islands, such as in celebrations and ceremonies.

Conclusion: Exploring the Richness of Solomon Islands’ Fruits

The fruits of the Solomon Islands are a unique and important part of the islands’ culture and cuisine. From the well-known bananas and papayas to the lesser-known soursop and breadfruit, these fruits offer a range of flavors and nutritional benefits. They have also made a significant contribution to the world’s cuisine and are a reminder of the rich biodiversity of the South Pacific region. Exploring the richness of Solomon Islands’ fruits is a culinary adventure worth taking.

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