Healthy Spirit

Pesach is a time when Jews are extraordinarily careful to monitor the foods we consume. It is also a time when we consume a huge amount of fruit and vegetables; possibly more in 8 days than many eat in the span of a few months! In earlier days farmers used to use excessive pesticide to help control infestation (it’s no wonder that so many people have a custom to peel all of their fruits and vegetables on Pesach!) and most farmers still use some pesticides, which has prompted buyers to look for organic produce instead. Here is a list of the “Dirty Dozen” (produce with the most pesticide residue, where organic may be preferred) and the “Clean Fifteen” (produce with the least pesticide residue).

Dirty Dozen:
Peaches
Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Imported Grapes
Carrots
Pears

Clean Fifteen:
Onions
Avocados
Corn
Pineapples
Mangoes
Asparagus
Sweet Peas
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papayas
Water melons
Broccoli
Tomatoes
Sweet Potatoes

Please note: We must, of course, be careful to inspect our produce for insects. Organic produce has more insects than conventionally grown produce, so one must be extra careful to check organic produce well. (See OK Vegetable Checking Guide.)

Did you know that horseradish contains glucosinate, which has been shown to increase the liver’s ability to fight carcinogens and suppress the growth of cancerous tumors?! Horseradish also has antibacterial properties and may help treat urinary-tract infections.