Available all year round and in several varieties, supermarket apples nevertheless hide a downside. According to a survey carried out by UFC-Que Choisir, they are among the most contaminated fruits in France. “Even after careful washing, traces of chemicals persist” alerts the consumer association.
Pesticides, a big problem for the majority of apples
According to its Pesticide Observatory, 75% of apples from conventional agriculture contain chemical residues. Of which 54% present at least one pesticide classified as risky. Among the substances still detected, we find chlorpyrifos, banned in Europe since 2020 but still present in certain samples. This pesticide is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor and neurotoxic in the long term. The analyzes also revealed the presence of molecules such as fludioxonil, found in nearly 40% of non-organic apples.
These treatments, applied to protect orchards from diseases and insects, ensure harvest productivity, but leave lasting contamination of the fruits and their environment. For comparison, organic apples have less than 4% detectable residues, according to the association’s analyses.
The least contaminated varieties according to UFC-Que Choisir
The UFC-Que Choisir study highlighted four particularly virtuous varieties of apples. Varieties necessarily grown organically: Organic Gala, Boskoop, Organic Jazz and Organic Cameo. These apples have almost zero residue levels and remain the best options for reducing exposure to pesticides.
However, we must remain vigilant: a conventional Boskoop, for example, has nothing to do with an organic Boskoop in terms of health. The organic label remains the only reliable benchmark for avoiding synthetic chemicals.
And even if the presence of chemical traces is never 100% guaranteed, apples from organic farming benefit from a cultivation method that prohibits these products, guaranteeing enhanced health safety and a lesser impact on biodiversity.
Reducing pesticides on apples: the right actions to adopt
Even if we don’t always have access to organic products, it is possible to limit the presence of pesticides thanks to a few simple actions.
- Soak the fruit for 15 minutes in vinegar water (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water);
- Add a tablespoon of baking soda to enhance the cleaning effect;
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water;
- Peel the skin if chemical traces persist.
A habit that nutritionist Alexandra Murcier reminded us of recently. “I advise systematically avoiding consuming the skin of non-organic fruits, and therefore peeling them. For organic fruits, even if they are less exposed, it is important to wash them well to eliminate any potentially harmful traces linked to transport or contact with animals.”
According to the expert, it is possible to keep the skin… on one condition. “We can favor consumption with skin for “organic”, well-washed fruits, particularly for apples whose polyphenols are more concentrated in the skin.”
Choosing organic or local apples from short supply chains remains the best strategy for lasting protection. While their price may seem higher, it reflects more respectful agricultural practices and valuable peace of mind for the consumer. To be able to calmly bite into the fruit.