Which Nuts To | Buy Organic
: Often treated with a wide array of chemicals (insecticides and fungicides) in major producing regions like West Africa.
: Reported to have some of the highest pesticide residue loads, particularly from insecticides and herbicides used during large-scale production in California.
These varieties are frequently flagged for having the heaviest pesticide loads in conventional farming: which nuts to buy organic
: Often wild-harvested in the Amazon, which significantly reduces the likelihood of synthetic pesticide use during growth.
: Despite their hard shells, walnuts are often "saturated" with chemicals because they face many pest issues. Their high oil content (roughly 65%) also makes them particularly prone to absorbing fat-soluble pesticide sprays once they are cracked open. Lower Priority / "Safer" Conventional Options : Often treated with a wide array of
: Technically a legume, peanuts grow underground in moist soil, making them highly susceptible to mold (like aflatoxin) and fungi. They are often heavily treated with pesticides that can be absorbed directly into the soft, permeable shell.
Foods to Buy Organic: Beyond the Dirty Dozen - Go Dairy Free : Despite their hard shells, walnuts are often
: Dozens of different insecticides and pesticides are commonly used on conventional pistachios, some of which have been linked to health concerns like cancer in animal studies.