In frost, jam, nature or even in the form of a pie: this spring fruit people people our recipes and our shopping bags. However, he would be the most contaminated by pesticides, according to a study by The Environment Working Group (EWG).
A fruit much appreciated by the French
Among the 46 elements included in the analysis, 12 fruits and vegetables were among the most contaminated by pesticides. But a particular fruit was distinguished in this classification by occupying first place in the podium … These were strawberries, these red berries belonging to the genus Fragaria (Rosaceae family), picked from March to July.
“This seasonal product (…) is one of the favorite fruits of the French. The strawberry also has many nutritional assets such as antioxidants and vitamin C, necessary for good health”, specifies the Ministry of Agriculture.
Qualities, confirmed by Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist: “Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants (especially anthocyan), manganese and fiber, making it an excellent fruit to strengthen the immune system, fight against inflammation and support cardiovascular health “, she says.
However, if the strawberry has multiple health virtues, its fragile skin makes it permeable to chemicals.
“Strawberries are among the most popular fruits, but also one of the most contaminated by pesticides. These chemical residues, consumed regularly, can disturb the hormonal system, weaken immunity and, in the long term, harm fertility or brain development”, warns Julie Boët.
How then then protect yourself? What to do to favor good quality fruits? The nutrition expert gives us some informed advice.
How to choose your strawberries?
To limit these risks, “Favor organic strawberries or from reasoned farming. Another quality benchmark: the IGP “Fraise du Périgord” label guarantees controlled, local, and often more environmentally friendly production. On the visual side, prefer firm strawberries, red evenly, with a bright green peduncle: it is a sign of freshness. Avoid those that are too large, too shiny or fragrance -free: they have often been cultivated intensively “, advocates the specialist.
Afterwards, “Always wash your strawberries with clear water just before consuming them, without soaking them (they would lose aroma and vitamins). For further cleaning, rinsing with a little food bicarbonate can help reduce surface residues “, advises the expert.
Like strawberries, other fruits and vegetables with fine skin or whole consumed is at high risk of residues: apples, grapes, cherries, spinach, lettuce, celery … “Again, organic is a real plus”, concludes our nutritionist.